Death Valley's Forgotten Lake Rises Again Amid Historic Deluge
In a dramatic reversal, an ancient lake in California's arid Death Valley national park has resurfaced after a record-breaking series of storms. The temporary lake, dubbed "Lake Manly," has reappeared at the bottom of Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet beneath sea level - making it the lowest point in North America.
The sudden reappearance of the lake is a stark reminder of the region's complex and dynamic geological history. Scientists believe that glaciers once blanketed the Sierra Nevada mountains, melting to feed rivers that drained into a massive valley lake, stretching nearly 100 miles long. However, as the ice sheets retreated, the lake vanished, leaving behind a dry and cracked basin.
This year's deluge of rain - with a total of 2.41 inches falling in just two months, surpassing the annual average, has brought Lake Manly back to life. While the current version is smaller and shallower than its predecessor, which briefly allowed for kayaking, it still offers visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
The recent floods have also raised concerns about the environmental impact of Death Valley's rising temperatures. As temperatures soared near 130 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, heat tourists flocked to experience the extreme conditions, posing risks to native plants, birds, and wildlife. The National Park Service has warned that it is too early to predict whether this year's unusual weather patterns could lead to another rare "superbloom" of wildflowers.
Experts warn that Death Valley's delicate ecosystem is facing unprecedented threats from climate change. Last summer's extreme heat, which broke records in the park, was so intense that it even rivaled the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth - 134 degrees Fahrenheit in July 1913.
In a dramatic reversal, an ancient lake in California's arid Death Valley national park has resurfaced after a record-breaking series of storms. The temporary lake, dubbed "Lake Manly," has reappeared at the bottom of Badwater Basin, which sits 282 feet beneath sea level - making it the lowest point in North America.
The sudden reappearance of the lake is a stark reminder of the region's complex and dynamic geological history. Scientists believe that glaciers once blanketed the Sierra Nevada mountains, melting to feed rivers that drained into a massive valley lake, stretching nearly 100 miles long. However, as the ice sheets retreated, the lake vanished, leaving behind a dry and cracked basin.
This year's deluge of rain - with a total of 2.41 inches falling in just two months, surpassing the annual average, has brought Lake Manly back to life. While the current version is smaller and shallower than its predecessor, which briefly allowed for kayaking, it still offers visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient past.
The recent floods have also raised concerns about the environmental impact of Death Valley's rising temperatures. As temperatures soared near 130 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas, heat tourists flocked to experience the extreme conditions, posing risks to native plants, birds, and wildlife. The National Park Service has warned that it is too early to predict whether this year's unusual weather patterns could lead to another rare "superbloom" of wildflowers.
Experts warn that Death Valley's delicate ecosystem is facing unprecedented threats from climate change. Last summer's extreme heat, which broke records in the park, was so intense that it even rivaled the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth - 134 degrees Fahrenheit in July 1913.
I'm literally speechless right now! A lake in Death Valley is actually rising again? 
I mean, I've heard of dry lakes before, but this is insane! The fact that it's been over a century since the last one appeared and now it's back due to these record-breaking storms is just mind-blowing. What's crazy is that scientists are still trying to figure out how this whole thing works, like what triggers the lake to form again? 
I'm also worried about the environmental impact of all these tourists flocking to experience the extreme heat. As a nature lover, it's disheartening to see people putting themselves and others at risk for a selfie or a thrill ride. Can't we just appreciate the beauty of nature without having to take risks? 
. And can we talk about how crazy the temps were in Death Valley this summer? 130 degrees Fahrenheit?! That's just insane! 
I'm not surprised to hear that heat tourists posed risks to the native wildlife, though - it's like humans have a weird way of making even the most breathtaking natural wonders into threats 
. Anyway, I hope scientists can figure out how to mitigate these effects and preserve Death Valley for future generations 
! I'm low-key obsessed with learning more about the geology behind it, all those glaciers and rivers... crazy stuff! But at the same time, it's also kinda scary to think about how climate change is affecting the environment there. The heat tourists are like a double-edged sword - on one hand they're bringing attention to the park, but on the other hand they're stressing out the native plants and wildlife 
. I hope the National Park Service can do something to mitigate that impact!
after all those crazy storms! It's like Mother Nature is reminding us that there's still so much magic out there 
. I mean, who needs a beach vacation when you have a ancient lake in the middle of nowhere? 
The scientists are all stoked about it too, and rightly so - it's a major discovery about our planet's history 
. I mean, who thought that 130 degrees Fahrenheit was normal? 
.
. Let's keep spreading love and positivity about our planet, even when things seem dark 
️.
. And now, with climate change on everyone's mind, it's even more important to be aware of how our changing environment is affecting places like this.
. as a format freak, i love how everything looks and feels, and climate change is like, literally changing the layout of our planet 
. let's hope we can find ways to preserve death valley's delicate ecosystem before it's too late 
This is crazy! Death Valley's Lake Manly is back and it's like a little slice of history right before our eyes 
. The lake's reappearance is also a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature. We should be celebrating the fact that our planet can still surprise us with its hidden treasures. Maybe we can even learn something from Death Valley's unique ecosystem? 
. Can you imagine walking through all those gorgeous flowers in Death Valley? 
and causing a lot of harm to the native plants and wildlife 
. climate change is real, folks... it's not just about rising temps, it's about how they affect our entire ecosystem 
.
and scientists are still trying to figure out what's going on 
this 'superbloom' thing sounds like it could be a game-changer too 
can't wait to see more wildflowers 
we gotta take care of these amazing natural wonders, they're literally our planet's treasures 
but at the same time, we gotta take care of our planet and reduce carbon emissions ASAP 
