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gis great salt lake.docx

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+Great Salt Lake Report
+Name: Poppy Ingram
+Date: 5/14/2025
+Course: GIS150
+
+Google Earth Figures
+Figure 1. View of the Great Salt Lake in 1986 showing the lake at a historically high level. Measurement tools were used to trace the perimeter and calculate the surface area.
+Image from Google Earth, 1986.
+
+ Figure 2. View of the Great Salt Lake in 2020 showing a significantly reduced lake level. The same tools were used to measure area and perimeter. 
+Image from Google Earth, 2020
+
+Data Table: Lake Area and Perimeter
+Year
+Area (sq mi)
+Area (sq km)
+Area (acres)
+Perimeter (mi)
+Perimeter (km)
+1986
+3,300
+8,547
+2,112,000
+500
+805
+2022
+1,000
+2,590
+640,000
+300
+483
+Change:
+-2,300
+-5,957
+-1,472,000
+-200
+-322
+
+Note: These numbers are approximate and based on available satellite imagery measurements.
+AI Response
+Question: "How can the Great Salt Lake, a body of water that's too salty to drink, be of value to the health, recreation, ecology, and economy of Utah?"
+ AI Answer:
+ The Great Salt Lake plays a crucial role in Utah's environment and economy. Despite its salinity, it supports a complex ecosystem of brine shrimp and wetlands that are vital for millions of migratory birds. The lake contributes to Utah's economy through the brine shrimp industry and mineral extraction, and it also moderates the regional climate. Recreationally, the lake attracts tourists and locals for activities like birdwatching and sailing. Ecologically, it helps maintain air quality and provides habitat to unique wildlife. 
+ChatGPT 
+AI Summary (Improved Answer) 
+While the Great Salt Lake isn't a source of drinking water, it's still essential for Utah. It provides a home for birds and shrimp, supports industries like mineral harvesting and brine shrimping, and keeps the local climate and air more stable. When the lake dries up, harmful dust storms can blow salt and toxins into nearby cities. Keeping the lake healthy protects both people and nature, and helps Utah's economy too. ChatGPT Other Location Statement Another area of the world that would benefit from aerial photography is the Amazon Rainforest. Aerial images could help monitor deforestation, which happens over decades. Tracking the slow changes can help scientists and governments understand how fast forests are disappearing and how to stop it