Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory Office of Science NEWTON's Homepage NEWTON's Homepage
NEWTON, Ask A Scientist!
NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Salt and the Great Lakes 
Name: Renata
Status: Student
Age: 12
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
Due to melting icebergs, I understand that the Great Lakes are becomming salty. Is this true? Why? Thank you very much for your time and trouble. Renata


Replies:
The Great Lakes in recent history may have become saltier than they were in the past, but there is not enough evidence yet to say that it is caused by global warming (or melting polar icecaps). The increase in salt concentrations for now is likely a result of lower rainfall and snowfall in the areas around the lakes. All fresh water has some salt in it, and the more a lake dries out, the saltier it gets.

Donald Yee


Click here to return to the Environmental and Earth Science Archives

NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.

For assistance with NEWTON contact a System Operator (help@newton.dep.anl.gov), or at Argonne's Educational Programs

NEWTON AND ASK A SCIENTIST
Educational Programs
Building 360
9700 S. Cass Ave.
Argonne, Illinois
60439-4845, USA
Update: June 2012
Weclome To Newton

Argonne National Laboratory