Story perspectives

Freshwater Reservoir Discovered Beneath Great Salt Lake

3/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Utah used airborne electromagnetic surveys to identify a freshwater reservoir beneath the Great Salt Lake at depths of 3–4 kilometers.
Lead author Michael Zhdanov of the University of Utah notes the study is the first to map this freshwater.
The findings show the freshwater moves toward the lake's interior, affecting environmental management and Utah groundwater resources.
Further surveys are planned to explore the entire lake.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of Utah used airborne electromagnetic surveys to identify a freshwater reservoir beneath the Great Salt Lake at depths of 3–4 kilometers.
Lead author Michael Zhdanov of the University of Utah notes the study is the first to map this freshwater.
The findings show the freshwater moves toward the lake's interior, affecting environmental management and Utah groundwater resources.
Further surveys are planned to explore the entire lake.