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Open-File Report 2005–1327

In cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources

Calculation of area and volume for the south part of Great Salt Lake, Utah

By Robert L. Baskin

ONLINE ONLY

Version 1.0

ABSTRACT

thumbnail of report's cover page

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, collected bathymetric data for the south part of Great Salt Lake during 2002-04 using a single-beam, high-definition fathometer and real-time differential global positioning system. About 7.6 million depth measurements were collected along more than 930 miles (1,690 kilometers) of survey transects. Sound-velocity profiles were obtained in conjunction with the bathymetric data to provide time-of-travel corrections to the depth calculations. Data were processed with commercial hydrographic software and exported into geographic information system (GIS) software for mapping and calculation of area and volume. Area and volume calculations show a maximum area of about 508,000 acres (2,056 square kilometers) and a maximum volume of about 9,257,000 acre-feet (11.42 cubic kilometers) at a water-surface altitude of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters). Minimum water-surface altitude of the south part of Great Salt Lake is just below 4,167 feet (1,279 meters) in the area just south of the Union Pacific railroad causeway halfway between Promontory Point and the western edge of the lake. At this altitude, and continuing up to about 4,176 feet (1,279 meters), the south part of the lake is separated into two areas by a ridge extending from Promontory Point to Hat Island. Calculations for area and volume are based on a low altitude of 4,167 feet (1,279 meters) to a high altitude of 4,200 feet (1,280 meters).

This report is contained in the following files:

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(This version of the report is accessible as defined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Amendments of 1998.)


Related information may be obtained from the following files:

Scientific Investigations Map 2894.pdf (12.3 MB, 31x38 inches)


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Send questions or comments about this report to the author, Robert L. Baskin at rbaskin@usgs.gov 801.508.5011.
For more information about USGS activities in Utah, visit the USGS Utah District home page.


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