Crater Lake, Ore — A warming climate could affect the very health of one of Southern Oregon’s most iconic landmarks and climate activists say now is the time for action.
A study by the U.S. Geological survey found Crater Lake is at risk of major changes to it’s ecology if current warming trends continue.
Scientists found rising air temperatures over the next several decades could harm the lake’s mixing process that brings nutrients from the lake bed to the surface.
Climate activists say the lack of circulation within the lake itself will harm the creatures that call it’s surface home.
“That’ll have a profound impact on the fish and all the other critters, the plants and animals that live in that epilimnion (surface), which is where most of the life is in the lake,” said Alan Journet with Southern Oregon Climate Action Now.
Biologists warn the lake’s famous clarity and blue color is also at risk from rising temperatures.
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