What created the GIANT Bonneville Salt Flats?

In this video, we share our experience visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats in western Utah along Interstate 80. The densely packed salt pan is the remnants of a large lake that covered much of Utah between 14,000 and 32,000 years ago with ancient Lake Bonneville being about 320 miles (520 kilometers) long and 130 miles (220 kilometers) wide. Fed by glacial meltwater during spring and summer but without an outlet, the water eventually evaporated in place and left behind white salt minerals. Known for land speed records at the Bonneville Speedway, motorcar racing has taken place at the salt flats since 1914 and five annual major land speed events take place here. It is estimated to hold 147 million tons of salt, approximately 90% of which is common table salt.