The Great Salt Lake Desert, Deseret

An arid dry lake located in Northern Deseret. The area is prone to sudden sandstorms and tremors caused by the localized ecosystem.

History

The pilgrimage westward led members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to colonize the area surrounding the Great Salt Lake Desert in 1847. Residing by the gargantuan lake in the north. the Mormon settlers built up a small town that is now Salt Lake City, Deseret. 
Many Mormon settlers began exploring the western parts of the lake. Finding a bone-dry desert that screams death with searing heat. Though some tried to establish domiciles on the barren land, it was proven near impossible to grow any crops, leading most families to return east of the lake.
The area was declared under the State of Deseret in 1851 when the state was recognized by the Constitution.

Ecosystem

The Great Salt Lake Desert is a desert expanse, a remnant of an ancient lake formed over 30,000 years ago. The extremely level, smooth flats are as solid as concrete by the summer’s end.
With the harsh conditions the area endures, the ecosystem of greenery and life is sparse with the only exception being Harapis nests found exclusively within the desert.

- Climate

The Great Salt Lake Desert experiences a desert climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Temperatures peaking at 104°F (40°C) in July with no wind drafts present. While recorded lows can reach 14°F (-9°C) in the winter.

- Flora/Fauna

The salted earth of the desert cannot establish vegetation and thus does not house any wildlife that cannot migrate.
The only exception to the area is an isolated area home to colonies of Harapis; a large insectoid that can survive without food or water throughout their lifespan. These winged creatures form colonies under the earth and within rock structures to avoid the harsh UV rays and only emerge to hunt and gather building supplies: Dried sticks, rocks, bones, and flesh to insulate and coat the colony's walls.

Localized Phenomena

- Pseudo-Sandstorms

Though sandstorms can kick up naturally through the wind and weather, often sandstorms originate from swarms of Harapis that scout the desert for any prey. Their powerful wings beating at high speeds along with their impressive numbers in a swarm create a concoction of sand to fly in the air at intense speeds. This 'pseudo-sandstorm' of sorts can last hours after a swarm departs from the area, creating small pockets of dangerous climate for any travellers crossing west.
Harapis occasionally use this to their advantage to blind and overwhelm their victims before attacking them. Between the recorded times of 1848 and 1889, 22 settlers have been confirmed to have perished from such conditions, with 86 reported missing.

- Tremors

With large pockets of Harapis colonies reading under the earth, occasional tremors are felt from their continuous tunnelling to expand and invade other nests. These tremors tend not to break the earth, reducing the risk drastically. However most trappers and experts would warn that tremors felt within this subregion may indicate a colony breaking earth to form an exit tunnel.

'Never have I witness a land so dead yet filled to the brim with community. A vision Joseph Smith held dear.'

-Thomas Willard, Mormon Settler at Salt Lake City, 1850

Location
Deseret, USA
Population 
Unknown as of 1889
Biome
Desert, Dried Salt Lake

Crossing the Great Salt Lake Desert From Simpson's Spring to Short Cut Pass, Granite Mountain in the distance. by John J. Young