Between 128,000 and 186,000 years ago, a lake stretching 100 miles long and 600 feet deep existed in what is now the Mojave Desert in eastern California. As the Earth's temperature rose and the ice sheets retreated, the lake dried up, leaving behind a white salt flat. However, record rainfall last November brought the ancient lake, known as Lake Manly, back to life. Now, in Death Valley—one of the hottest places on Earth—a desert lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains has formed.
