Mono Lake, California. The hydrological systems of the western Great Basin, including relicts of Pleistocene great lakes, are key ecosystems in the semi-arid regions of western United States. Dams and diversions have diverted water to metropolitan and agricultural areas for over 70 years, with signifi cant impacts to endemic species, critical habitats, and human health. The emerged tufa towers surrounding the lake are impressive monuments to the impact of water diversion for human use as this

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... mes to over-ride the effects of natural variability (see article by Constance Millar in this issue).