Microalgae in the Great Salt Lake

Climate Science, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology

Microscopic algae provide the base of the entire Great Salt Lake ecosystem. These tiny swimming plants have the ability to live in incredibly salty environments. Salinity (saltiness) influences the physical properties of the water such as density and viscosity. These combined factors drastically affect how these algae are able to navigate and live. By studying the interactions between microalgae and the physical properties of their surroundings in the Great Salt Lake, we aim to uncover the mechanisms that influence their movement, morphologies, and survival as the GSL changes. Our group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and computational techniques to explore these dynamics.

Stream Leaders

Andrea Halling, Ph.D
SRI Fellow