Yes you can swim at Mono Lake. It is said to be an experience not to be missed. Here are two websites about Mono Lake and swimming at Mono Lake.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514
http:/www.thesierraweb.com/monolake/swim.cfm
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Yes, you can swim in Mono Lake, but it is not recommended due to the high salinity levels which can be harmful to your skin and eyes. Additionally, the lake's alkaline nature may cause skin irritation.
The Mono Lake problem arose due to excessive water diversions by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in the 20th century, which caused a significant drop in the lake's water levels. This led to ecological imbalances, including the decline of the lake's ecosystem and habitat for migratory birds. Environmentalists and scientists raised concerns about the impact of these water diversions on Mono Lake's health.
Two biotic interactions that take place in the Mono Lake ecosystem are shrimp eating microscopic algae and the birds eating the flies in the Mono Lake.
The major limiting factor in Mono Lake algae is phosphorus availability. Phosphorus is essential for algae growth, and the low levels of phosphorus in Mono Lake limit the algal population, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem as algae form the base of the food web.
Mono Lake has a high pH and salt concentration due to its unique geographic location. It is a terminal lake with no outlets, leading to the accumulation of salts and minerals over time. Additionally, the lake's watershed is composed of volcanic rocks that contribute alkaline substances, further raising the pH levels.
Mono Lake contains high concentrations of salts like sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, and various trace minerals such as boron, arsenic, and lithium. These elements are dissolved in the lake due to the high evaporation rates and limited freshwater inflow, resulting in a highly alkaline and saline water body.