MONO LAKE CALIFORNIA: BEAUTIFUL DESTRUCTION

Can environmental destruction truly be beautiful? That is the question that one ponders when looking at the eerily sculpted landscape at California’s Mono Lake.

This stunning formation is the result of man’s interference. In 1941, Los Angeles officials diverted water away from the lake to satisfy the city’s growing thirst. The resulting drain, together with ensuing drought, reduced this saline desert lake to a fraction of its original footprint, lowering the water level, and allowing minerals to deposit higher spires, seen here in this lovely photograph by Ted Wemwemwem.

The health of Mono Lake has been improving since 1994, when measures were taken to restore its water supply. Now, it is just shy of its pre-1941 levels. The tall spires still tower above the surface and perhaps nature has made another work of art out of another one of man’s messes.

Thanks to kuriositas.com for bringing it to our attention.