Ologies with Alie Ward Haunted Hydrology (SPOOKY LAKES) with Geo Rutherford
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Oct 8, 2025 In this engaging discussion, artist and science communicator Geo Rutherford, known as Geodesaurus, dives into the eerie world of haunted lakes. She reveals the chilling histories of the Great Lakes and ecological mysteries like the rise and fall of the Salton Sea. Geo shares thrilling fieldwork stories, from encountering hidden river dangers to exploring bizarre pink ponds. With insights on unique species and the lore surrounding notorious shipwrecks, this conversation blends art, science, and the spooky side of hydrology into an unforgettable journey.
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Why Some Lakes Turn Into Salt Seas
- Salty lakes (endorheic basins) form when water has no outlet so evaporation concentrates salts.
- This process creates seas like the Dead Sea, Great Salt Lake, and Salton Sea that become increasingly saline over time.
The Life Cycle Of A Lake
- Most lakes 'die' from evaporation and sediment infill, transforming into wetlands or salt flats.
- Rivers bring sediment that gradually fills lake basins, creating bogs, fens, or flats over geological time.
Near-Drowning River Rescue
- Geo survived a flooded waterfall rescue when she dove in after her dog and felt she should have died.
- She credits being six-foot-two with finding footing and grabbing her dog's paw to escape the current.
