Book excerpt: In addition to its splendor, Bear Lake is a scientific wonder. Over the past few decades, Bear Lake has been intensely studied because it is one of the oldest lakes in North America, has not dried up during extended warm and dry climates, and is in an area sensitive to changes in regional climate pattterns. Therefore, Bear Lake research helps us to understand past climates and environments of this area. For the first time, a non-technical publication - this brochure - has been published to help the general public understand the wonders of Bear Lake.