Microbialites are among the many strange and wonderful features of the Great Salt Lake. They are mineral deposits created by salt-tolerant algae that bubble and photosynthesize in the sun. They are akin to coral and have their own sound signature. Like corals around the world, the microbialites in the Great Salt Lake are endangered. As the lake level drops, they become exposed and the algae dies, halting a process that has sometimes been going on for centuries. Aside from being fascinating, these natural features are important hatching areas for brine flies, which feed the millions of birds that gather here. They are yet another reason why we need to make sure that state and federal governments (and you and me) act soon to keep water flowing into the lake.
