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Andrew J. Love - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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elucidating sources to aridland dalhousie springs in the Great Artesian Basin australia to inform conservation
Hydrogeology Journal, 2020Co-Authors: Brad D Wolaver, Karl E. Karlstrom, Stacey C. Priestley, Laura J. Crossey, Andrew J. LoveAbstract:Dalhousie Springs is the largest spring complex in the western Great Artesian Basin (GAB), Australia. Aridland springs like Dalhousie provide the only aquatic habitats in regions lacking surface water and are globally threatened by unsustainable groundwater development. Groundwater use in the more densely populated eastern GAB historically was higher than that in the western GAB, where groundwater is primarily used for ranching; however, economically important mineral and energy industries have increased groundwater use. Throughout the western GAB, groundwater development has reduced spring discharge and Artesian head. Of concern are potential impacts on spring discharge from future pumping; thus, an understanding of groundwater sources to springs is needed to develop effective groundwater management strategies that maintain spring flow. The generally accepted hydrogeologic model suggests Dalhousie Springs discharge is entirely composed of Jurassic-Cretaceous aquifer contributions; however, this study improves understanding of Dalhousie Springs by integrating new hydrogeologic and hydrochemical data with historic, previously unpublished petroleum exploration well-test data. A thermal model is used to estimate potential aquifer source depths of 270–802 m. 87Sr/86Sr > 0.715 suggests water–rock interaction with radiogenic basement and the importance of faults for vertical fluid transfer across multiple aquifers. Results show that Dalhousie Springs discharge is sourced by the previously unreported Permian Crown Point Formation and the Jurassic-Cretaceous aquifer. Mitigating effects of future groundwater development on Dalhousie Springs requires managing groundwater from Jurassic-Cretaceous and Permian aquifers to preserve near-spring potentiometric surfaces. Expanded multiple-environmental-tracer monitoring could be used to further refine groundwater sources to Dalhousie Springs.
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Uranium series dating of Great Artesian Basin travertine deposits: Implications for palaeohydrogeology and palaeoclimate
Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology, 2018Co-Authors: Stacey C. Priestley, Andrew J. Love, Karl E. Karlstrom, Laura J. Crossey, Victor J. Polyak, Yemane Asmerom, Karina Meredith, Ryan S. Crow, Mark N. Keppel, Marie A. HabermehlAbstract:Abstract Travertine deposits precipitated by groundwater discharging from the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) are widespread in central Australia and have the potential to provide a record of palaeohydrogeology and palaeoclimate. The GAB is one of the largest Artesian Basins in the world and a relationship between travertine deposits and recharge sites has potential importance regarding the time and position of past climate events, given that the travertines growth forms from precipitation discharge. We sampled numerous travertine sites in the southwest section of the GAB as a first approach to test this relationship. U-series dating of the travertine deposits reveal that spring discharge has likely been episodic for the last several hundred thousand years. Spring travertine deposition occurred episodically around 465 ± 50 ka, 370 ± 20 ka, 335 ± 15 ka, 285–240 ka, 185 ± 10 ka, 160–150 ka, 110–100 ka and during the past 30 ka. The periodicity of travertine ages observed with simultaneous deposition at multiple locations, argues for regional palaeohydrologic controls. Comparison of the travertine deposit ages with climate proxies in Australia shows that elevated travertine deposition rates are synchronous with wet periods in both central and southern Australia. Due to the large size of the GAB and that the recharge zones extend over multiple climatic regions of Australia, the times of travertine deposition are interpreted to represent times of high rainfall regionally. This study shows that the travertine deposits of central Australia provide a datable archive of past climate and hydrogeology of importance for understanding the groundwater evolution of the Great Artesian Basin, and that further more comprehensive studies are warranted.
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Analysis of subsurface mound spring connectivity in shale of the western margin of the Great Artesian Basin, South Australia
Hydrogeology Journal, 2013Co-Authors: Todd Halihan, Andrew J. Love, Mark N. Keppel, Volmer BerensAbstract:Mound springs provide the primary discharge mechanism for waters of the western margin of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), Australia. Though these springs are an important resource in an arid environment, their hydraulics as they discharge from shale are poorly defined. The springs can include extensive spring tails (groundwater-dependent wetlands) and hundreds of springs in a given spring complex. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) was used to evaluate spring subsurface hydraulic-connectivity characteristics at three spring complexes discharging through the Bulldog Shale. The results demonstrate that fresher GAB water appears as resistors in the subsurface at these sites, which are characterized by high-salinity conditions in the shallow subsurface. Using an empirical method developed for this work, the ERI data indicate that the spring complexes have multiple subsurface connections that are not always easily observed at the surface. The connections are focused along structural deformation in the shale allowing fluids to migrate through the confining unit. The ERI data suggest the carbonate deposits that the springs generate are deposited on top of the confining unit, not precipitated in the conduit. The data also suggest that spring-tail ecosystems are not the result of a single discharge point, but include secondary discharge points along the tail.
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Extreme Acidic Environments Associated with Carbonate Mound Springs in the Great Artesian Basin, South Australia
Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 2013Co-Authors: Paul Shand, Andrew J. Love, T. Gotch, Mark D. Raven, Jason K. Kirby, Kathleen ScheiderichAbstract:Abstract A reduction in the piezometric surface of the western part of the Great Artesian Basin in Australia has led to reductions in flow from the iconic travertine mound springs. This has led to oxidation of sub-aqueous sulfidic soils in the discharge zone and in some cases extreme soil acidification (pH 20,000 mol H + /tonne) and oxidation has induced intense weathering of the soils and adjacent carbonate mounds. Concomitant high evaporation rates have led to the development of thick layers of rare hydroxysulfate efflorescent minerals, which are highly soluble stores of acidity and metals. Preliminary Fe isotope data show significant fractionation associated with the oxidation and transport of Fe in soil profiles.
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solute sources in the southwestern Great Artesian Basin, Australia
2013Co-Authors: Rhys Gwynne, Shaun K. Frape, Orfan Shouakar-stash, Andrew J. LoveAbstract:Abstract The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is a water source for more than 200,000 residents in central Australia. This study investigates the relationship of bromine and chlorine stable isotopes to groundwater chemistry in a confined aquifer in the southwestern GAB to better understand its flow regime and solute sources. δ 81 Br values range from +0.66‰ near the recharge area to +1.04‰, 150km down gradient, while δ 37 Cl ranges from 0‰ to -2.5‰. While δ 37 Cl decreases with distance from the recharge area, δ 81 Br increases slightly. Bromide in the recharge area is possibly enriched from selective atmospheric processes causing fractionation in marine aerosols during transport. When confined and isolated from the atmosphere, increases in bromide and to a lesser extent strontium concentrations may contribute through water-rock interaction to changes in isotopic signatures along the flow system. 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values range from ~0.717 near the recharge zone to a depleted 0.708 160km down gradient. © 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Organizing and Scientific Committee of WRI 14 – 2013.
Ma Habermehl - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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review the evolving understanding of the Great Artesian Basin australia from discovery to current hydrogeological interpretations
Hydrogeology Journal, 2020Co-Authors: Ma HabermehlAbstract:The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) in Australia underlies semi-arid and arid regions across 1.7 million km2 or one-fifth of Australia. The Basin’s groundwater resources were discovered around 1880 and their development allowed pastoral activities, homestead and town water supplies, and petroleum and mining ventures to exist. The GAB is a multi-layered confined aquifer system, with aquifers in Jurassic and Cretaceous continental sandstones and intervening confining beds of siltstone and mudstone of the constituent Eromanga, Surat and Carpentaria sedimentary Basins. The Basin is up to 3,000 m thick and forms a large synclinal structure, uplifted and exposed along its eastern margin and tilted southwest. Recharge to the exposed aquifers occurs in the eastern margin, an area of relative high rainfall. The western margin in Australia’s arid centre receives minor recharge. Regional groundwater flow is towards the southern, south-western, western and northern margins. Flowing Artesian springs discharge in the southwest margin and have produced carbonate mounds. Although lateral groundwater movement dominates, vertical upwards leakage is considered important. Potentiometric surfaces of the Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous aquifers are still above ground level throughout most of the Basin, though pressure drawdowns of up to 100 m have been recorded in recent decades in highly developed areas, and consequently some Artesian water boreholes and springs have ceased flowing. Government borehole rehabilitation programs have led to groundwater pressure recovery in some areas. This paper outlines the history of GAB exploration, scientific investigations (hydrogeology, hydrochemistry, isotope hydrology, groundwater modelling) and management, summarising the recent knowledge on the GAB.
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Luminescence dating of spring mound deposits in the southwestern Great Artesian Basin, northern South Australia
Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: John R. Prescott, Ma HabermehlAbstract:Artesian spring mound deposits in the southwestern part of the Great Artesian Basin arise from groundwater discharge from flowing springs in the southern and western margins which reaches the surface through faults and weaknesses in thin confining beds overlying the Mesozoic Artesian aquifers. Carbonate in solution in the Artesian groundwater is deposited by many springs as tufa, building ‘spring mounds.’ Active flowing and dry inactive spring mounds occur in a variety of sizes and shapes. The ages of a representative selection of spring mound deposits have been found by luminescence dating of quartz sand grains that have been incorporated in the mound deposits. The spring deposits of the active flowing springs, Big Bubbler, Blanche Cup and Beresford Spring have ages of 15.1 ± 2.2, 10.9 ± 1.5 and 13.9 ± 1.0 ka, respectively. Spring complexes with both active flowing and dry extinct mounds, Strangways and Beresford Springs, have ages of 60 ± 8 and 219 ± 35 ka, respectively. Spring deposits of springs which...
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BIODIVERSITY IMPLICATIONS OF WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE Great Artesian Basin
The Rangeland Journal, 1998Co-Authors: Jc Noble, Ma Habermehl, Craig James, J Landsberg, Art Langston, Stephen R. MortonAbstract:The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) underlies a vast, mainly arid, region where most of the indigenous biota are not dependent upon surface water. In contrast, an important minority is dependent on refuges such as mound springs and their associated wetlands. In some parts of the GAB, such as western New South Wales, many springs have either ceased to flow, or are now barely detectable, because the proliferation of Artesian waterbores has reduced groundwater pressures. Because of the rarity of species endemic to mound springs, and the damage they have suffered since pastoral settlement, emphasis should be directed towards conservation and possible rejuvenation of these ecosystems. Provision of artificial sources of water allows more widespread grazing by livestock, larger native and feral herbivores, thereby posing threats to native plants and animals that do not use the water. Because of the proliferation of artificial waters and the grazing they allow, terrestrial grazing-sensitive species now appear to be confined to tiny patches in the landscape. Some nature reserves within the GAB retain numerous artificial sources of water. Most of these should be closed over time to reduce negative impacts on grazing-sensitive plants and animals, especially where these species are inadequately protected elsewhere. In those regions where the ratio of artificial to natural waters is still low, consideration should be given to balancing provision of water for livestock with conservation of biological diversity, by maintaining a patchwork of areas remote from water. In regions where the density of artificial waters is high, conservation of biodiversity on freehold and leasehold lands might be enhanced with a mix of approaches accommodating the needs of the biota and the aspirations of landholders, tailored according to land type and condition. Key words: Great Artesian Basin, biological diversity, mound springs, refuges, rare biota, grazing impact, conservation management, groundwater.
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Crustal helium fluxes and heat flow in the Great Artesian Basin, Australia
Chemical Geology, 1992Co-Authors: Thomas Torgersen, Ma Habermehl, W.b. ClarkeAbstract:Abstract New measurements of the He concentration in bore waters from the Great Artesian Basin (Australia) show: (1) a regional increase in the 4He flux over the Central Shield, where high heat flow has been attributed to increased U, Th and K in the crust; and (2) a reduced 4He flux and enhanced 3He flux in eastern Australia, where high heat flow is attributed to volcanism or underplating during the Cenozoic. These observations suggest correlations between (1) the crustal 4He flux and the component of heat flow attributed to crustal U and Th (and K), as well as (2) the 3He flux and recent volcanic activity. However, the specific relations between the heat flux and the He flux can be considerably modified by transport processes and source fractionation. It is suggested that time-dependent tectonic models of heat and mass (He) transport in the crust may be used to constrain either the components of heat flow or the bulk rate of mass transport in the Earth's crust.
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Geochemistry of ground waters from the Great Artesian Basin, Australia
Journal of Hydrology, 1991Co-Authors: Andrew L. Herczeg, Thomas Torgersen, A.r. Chivas, Ma HabermehlAbstract:Herczeg, A.L., Torgersen, T., Chivas, A.R. and Habermehl, M.A., 1991. Geochemistry of ground waters from the Great Artesian Basin, Australia. J. Hydrol., 126: 225-245. Ground waters from the confined Lower Cretaceous-Jurassic aquifer of the Great Artesian Basin, Australia (GAB) are characterised by Na-HCO 3 type waters throughout the eastern and central parts of the Basin and Na-SQ-C1 type waters in the western part. Sodium and bicarbonate increase in concentration from the northeastern margins to the southwestern discharge areas along the regional groundwater flowlines. A mass-balance and equilibrium model for major dissolved species and stable carbon isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon show that the chemical trends observed are caused by mass transfer reactions involving cation exchange of Na for Ca-Mg, carbonate dissolution and reactions between Na and kaolinite to form Na-smectite. The stable carbon isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) increases from values of about - 15%o near the Basin margins to - 6%o in the interior of the Basin. An inverse relationship exists between 6~3C and DIC indicating addition of enriched carbon as the ground waters move Basinwards. A t2C-~3C mass balance indicates that the trend toward heavier 6~3C values in the interior of the Basin results from bacterial reduction of carbon dioxide to produce methane rather than dissolution of, and equilibration with, carbonate minerals. The GAB aquifer system is apparently open to CO~ which is the product of in situ anaerobic fermentation producing CO 2 enriched in t3C. The chemical evolution of the major dissolved species and carbon isotope distribution in the eastern and central parts of the GAB can then be envisaged as an initial pCO 2 up to several orders of magnitude above atmospheric level is acquired within the recharge area by plant respiration and oxidation of organic matter in the soil zone. Initially, silicate and carbonate minerals may dissolve, at least in some parts of the Basin, resulting in increased alkalinity, higher Ca and Mg concentrations, and a 6~3C concentration of the DIC of around - 12%0. Processes such as cation exchange of Na for Ca and Mg in addition to the removal of some Na by "reverse weathering" which produces a Na smectite dominate in the interior of the GAB. The chemistry of ground waters derived from the western recharge areas is controlled by evaporite dissolution as indicated by very high CI/Br ratios.
D. White - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Monitoring temporal dynamics of Great Artesian Basin wetland vegetation, Australia, using MODIS NDVI
Ecological Indicators, 2013Co-Authors: Caroline Petus, Megan Lewis, D. WhiteAbstract:a b s t r a c t The Great Artesian Basin springs (Australia) are unique groundwater dependent wetland ecosystems of Great significance, but are endangered by anthropogenic water extraction from the underlying aquifers. Relationships have been established between the wetland area associated with individual springs and their discharge, providing a potential means of monitoring groundwater flow using measurements of vegetated wetland area. Previous attempts to use this relationship to monitor GAB springs have used aerial photography or high resolution satellite images and gave sporadic temporal information. These “snapshot” studies need to be placed within a longer and more regular context to better assess changes in response to aquifer draw-downs. In this study we test the potential of 8 years of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Normalised Difference Vegetation Index data as a long-term tracer of the temporal dynamics of wetland vegetation at the Dalhousie Springs Complex of the Great Artesian Basin. NDVI time series were extracted from MODIS images and phenologies of the main wetland vegetation species defined. Photosynthetic activity within wetlands could be discriminated from surrounding land responses in this medium resolution imagery. The study showed good correlation between wetland vegetated area and groundwater flow over the 2002–2010 period, but also the important influence of natural species phenologies, rainfall, and anthropogenic activity on the observed seasonal and inter-annual vegetation dynamics. Declining trends in the extent (km2) of vegetated wetland areas were observed between 2002 and 2009 followed by a return of wetland vegetation since 2010. This study underlines the need to continue long-term medium resolution satellite studies of the GAB to fully understand variability and trends in the spring-fed wetlands. The MODIS record allows a good understanding of variability within the wetlands, and gives a high temporal-frequency context for less frequent higher spatial resolution studies, therefore providing a strong baseline for assessment of future changes.
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Defining ecosystem processes of the Australian Great Artesian Basin springs from multi-sensor synergies
2013Co-Authors: D. White, Megan LewisAbstract:The Australian Great Artesian Basin (GAB) supports a unique and diverse range of ecologically significant groundwater-fed wetland ecosystems termed GAB springs. The springs are of Great national and international importance for their ecological, scientific and economic values, and are culturally significant to indigenous Australians. The ecological sustainability of the springs has become uncertain in recent times due to increased mining operations and associated groundwater extractions from the GAB. The impacts of existing water extractions from the time of European settlement, pastoral activities and more recently mining are largely unknown. This situation is compounded by the likelihood of future increasing demand of water extractions for mining operations. The GAB springs are spatially disparate ecosystems located within the arid interior of South Australia, akin to islands in their ecological setting. The springs exhibit a diverse range of geomorphology, hydrogeology, surface expressions and vegetation community composition over a wide range of spatial scales. A suite of remote sensing technologies were used to capture the range of scales of the spring wetlands and their surface expressions. This multi-sensor approach enabled definition of the spatial and temporal responses of dominant plant species, communities and entire wetlands. To validate the suite of satellite and airborne imagery several comprehensive field campaigns were conducted, capturing the variation in spring vegetation communities and surface expressions. This paper provides a review highlighting the sensor synergies that can be drawn from research conducted from the Australian National Water Commission flagship research program, Allocating Water and Maintaining Springs in the Great Artesian Basin, which has developed new spatial and temporal tools for monitoring indicators of GAB spring response to water allocations and land use (Lewis et al., 2013). The main objectives of this study included: mapping the location and elevation of western GAB springs using high-precision DGPS; development of protocols for ground-based image validation data; develop techniques for detection and monitoring of the surface characteristics of spring-fed wetlands and surrounding environments using fine spatial and spectral resolution imagery; define the short and long-term temporal dynamics of the springs of indicative vegetation types and entire wetlands; use these remote sensing techniques to provide objective and quantitative information about the spring environments and ecological processes. The sensors and image analyses employed to address these objectives included: MODIS NDVI time series (annual and seasonal traces of entire wetlands and dominant vegetation types); very high resolution multispectral satellite (detailed delineation of wetland extents using NDVI thresholds) and airborne hyperspectral imagery (detailed discrimination of spring plant communities and surrounding substrate using spectral matching algorithms); supported by concurrent colour digital aerial photography and collection of near-concurrent in-situ ecological and spectral data for image calibration and validation purposes. The main focus of this review paper is to draw synergies from the image analyses and research findings that can uniquely be provided using this suite of image data in combination, over differing temporal and spatial scales, to provide new understanding of the drivers and ecological processes underpinning the springs. The multi-sensor approach revealed for the first time the spatial and temporal responses of these unique ecosystems to changing climatic conditions, land use change and groundwater extractions. Our results reveal that long-term variation is an inherent signature of the wetlands, with distinct phenological responses for differing vegetation species being driven by seasonal temperature and rainfall. In addition the springs were found to change over short time periods (2-3 years) in response to rainfall and land use change, expressed as changing trajectories of outflow channels and inter-connectivity between springs. This research provides a baseline definition of the long-term natural variation within these groundwater-fed ecosystems as well as their short-term responses to land use changes and water extractions. These outcomes provide an ideal platform for developing models to predict responses of these ecosystems to present local anthropogenic changes in the region and to global climate change.
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Using MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to monitor seasonal and inter-annual dynamics of wetland vegetation in the Great Artesian Basin: a baseline for assessment of future changes in a unique ecosystem
ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2012Co-Authors: Caroline Petus, Megan Lewis, D. WhiteAbstract:The Great Artesian Basin mound springs (Australia) are unique wetland ecosystems of Great significance. However, these unique ecosystems are endangered by anthropogenic water extraction. Relationships have been established between the vegetated wetland area and the discharge associated with individual springs, providing a potential means of monitoring groundwater flow using measurements of wetland area. Previous studies using this relationship to monitor Great Artesian Basin springs have used aerial photography or high resolution satellite images, giving sporadic temporal information. These "snapshot " studies need to be placed within a longer and more regular context to better assess changes in response to aquifer draw-downs. In this study, the potential of medium resolution MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data for studying the long-term and high frequency temporal dynamics of wetland vegetation at the Dalhousie Spring Complex of the GAB is tested. Photosynthetic activity within Dalhousie wetlands could be differentiated from surrounding land responses. The study showed good correlation between wetland vegetated area and groundwater flow, but also the important influence of natural species phenologies, rainfall, and human activity on the observed seasonal and inter-annual vegetation dynamic. Declining trends in the extent of wetland areas were observed over the 2000– 2009 period followed by a return of wetland vegetation since 2010. This study underlined the need to continue long-term medium resolution satellite studies of the Great Artesian Basin as these data provide a good understanding of variability within the wetlands, give temporal context for less frequent studies and a strong baseline for assessment of future changes.
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a new approach to monitoring spatial distribution and dynamics of wetlands and associated flows of australian Great Artesian Basin springs using quickbird satellite imagery
Journal of Hydrology, 2011Co-Authors: D. White, M LewisAbstract:Summary This study develops an expedient digital mapping technique using Very High Resolution satellite imagery to monitor the temporal response of permanent wetland vegetation to changes in spring flow rates from the Australian Great Artesian Basin at Dalhousie Springs Complex, South Australia. Three epochs of QuickBird satellite multispectral imagery acquired between 2006 and 2010 were analysed using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). A regression of 2009 NDVI values against vegetation cover from field botanical survey plots provided a relationship of increasing NDVI with increased vegetation cover (R2 = 0.86; p
Rod Fensham - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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oases to oblivion the rapid demise of springs in the south eastern Great Artesian Basin australia
Ground Water, 2015Co-Authors: Owen Powell, J L Silcock, Rod FenshamAbstract:Introduction Since the advent of powerful rock boring equipment in the late nineteenth century, ground water extraction for towns, mining, and agriculture has had significant impacts on aquifers across the globe. In areas where surface water is scarce, human demands on Artesian supplies have been particularly acute, demonstrated by declines in the pressure surface of aquifers and subsequent loss of Artesian springs. The springs and the wetlands they support have important natural values, providing habitat for specialized plants and animals, many of which are endemic to their idiosyncratic habitat (Ponder 1986; Patten et al. 2008). Springs are also significant cultural places, embodying traditional folk-lore, and mythology (Idris 1996; Park and Ha 2012) and supporting settlements along ancient trade routes (Aldumairy 2005). While the exploitation of groundwater and loss of springs, together with their natural resource and cultural values, has been repeated across the continents from Australia (Fairfax and Fensham 2002), the United States (Keleher and Rader 2008; Brune 1981), China (Jiao 2010) and North Africa (Roberts and Mitchell 1987; Idris 1996) there have been few comprehensive historical studies which piece together the details of their decline. In recent decades there have been attempts to resurrect the forgotten cultural history of the Australian Great Artesian Basin (GAB) springs. There are broad cultural and historical examinations of the GAB, its folklore and its significance to the historical geography of central Australia (Powell 2012; Powell 1991; Blake and
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Oases to Oblivion: The Rapid Demise of Springs in the South‐Eastern Great Artesian Basin, Australia
Ground water, 2013Co-Authors: Owen Powell, J L Silcock, Rod FenshamAbstract:Introduction Since the advent of powerful rock boring equipment in the late nineteenth century, ground water extraction for towns, mining, and agriculture has had significant impacts on aquifers across the globe. In areas where surface water is scarce, human demands on Artesian supplies have been particularly acute, demonstrated by declines in the pressure surface of aquifers and subsequent loss of Artesian springs. The springs and the wetlands they support have important natural values, providing habitat for specialized plants and animals, many of which are endemic to their idiosyncratic habitat (Ponder 1986; Patten et al. 2008). Springs are also significant cultural places, embodying traditional folk-lore, and mythology (Idris 1996; Park and Ha 2012) and supporting settlements along ancient trade routes (Aldumairy 2005). While the exploitation of groundwater and loss of springs, together with their natural resource and cultural values, has been repeated across the continents from Australia (Fairfax and Fensham 2002), the United States (Keleher and Rader 2008; Brune 1981), China (Jiao 2010) and North Africa (Roberts and Mitchell 1987; Idris 1996) there have been few comprehensive historical studies which piece together the details of their decline. In recent decades there have been attempts to resurrect the forgotten cultural history of the Australian Great Artesian Basin (GAB) springs. There are broad cultural and historical examinations of the GAB, its folklore and its significance to the historical geography of central Australia (Powell 2012; Powell 1991; Blake and
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recovery of the red finned blue eye an endangered fish from springs of the Great Artesian Basin
Wildlife Research, 2007Co-Authors: R J Fairfax, Rod Fensham, Robert N. E. Wager, S. Brooks, A. Webb, Peter J. UnmackAbstract:The red-finned blue-eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis) is endemic to a single complex of springs emanating from the Great Artesian Basin, Australia. The species has been recorded as naturally occurring in eight separate very shallow (generally <20 mm) springs, with a combined wetland area of ~0.3 ha. Since its discovery in 1990, five red-finned blue-eye (RFBE) populations have been lost and subsequent colonisation has occurred in two spring wetlands. Current population size is estimated at <3000 individuals. Artesian bores have reduced aquifer pressure, standing water levels and spring-flows in the district. There is evidence of spatial separation within the spring pools where RFBE and the introduced fish gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) co-occur, although both species are forced together when seasonal extremes affect spring size and water temperature. Gambusia was present in four of the five springs where RFBE populations have been lost. Four out of the five remaining subpopulations of RFBE are Gambusia free. Circumstantial evidence suggests that gambusia is a major threat to red-finned blue-eyes. The impact of Gambusia is probably exacerbated by domestic stock (cattle and sheep), feral goats and pigs that utilise the springs and can negatively affect water quality and flow patterns. Three attempts to translocate RFBE to apparently suitable springs elsewhere within the complex have failed. Opportunities to mitigate threats are discussed, along with directions for future research to improve management of this extremely threatened fish and habitat.
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Recovery of the red-finned blue-eye : an endangered fish from springs of the Great Artesian Basin
Wildlife Research, 2007Co-Authors: R.j. Fairfax, Rod Fensham, Robert N. E. Wager, S. Brooks, A. Webb, Peter J. UnmackAbstract:The red-finned blue-eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis) is endemic to a single complex of springs emanating from the Great Artesian Basin, Australia. The species has been recorded as naturally occurring in eight separate very shallow (generally
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Ranking spring wetlands in the Great Artesian Basin of Australia using endemicity and isolation of plant species
Biological Conservation, 2004Co-Authors: Rod Fensham, Robbie PriceAbstract:Floristic survey data from spring wetlands in the Great Artesian Basin of Australia were assessed to generate a ranked list of significant flora values. A system was designed to score endemic species and remote populations of plants, using an extensive herbarium database to set the spring flora in context. The sum of these indices for individual wetland complexes yielded a ranked score. The high priority wetland complexes (scoring five or Greater) adequately represent their floristic composition, capture all endemic plant species and 76% of the flora. Although data are limited, many of the high value spring wetlands have endemic fauna of which the snails have been most thoroughly surveyed. The procedure provides direction for an efficient conservation program that if implemented should provide security against a range of threatening processes.
Bharat K. C. Patel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Draft Genome Sequence of Caloramator mitchellensis, a Thermoanaerobe Isolated from the Waters of the Great Artesian Basin
Genome announcements, 2016Co-Authors: Bharat K. C. Patel, Valentino S Junior Te'oAbstract:The genome sequence of Caloramator mitchellensis strain VF08, a rod-shaped, heterotrophic, strictly anaerobic bacterium isolated from the free-flowing waters of a Great Artesian Basin (GAB) bore well located in Mitchell, an outback Queensland town in Australia, is reported here. The analysis of the 2.42-Mb genome sequence indicates that the attributes of the genome are consistent with its physiological and phenotypic traits.
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Draft Genome Sequence of Fervidicella metallireducens Strain AeBT, an Iron-Reducing Thermoanaerobe from the Great Artesian Basin
Genome Announcements, 2014Co-Authors: Bharat K. C. PatelAbstract:ABSTRACT The genome sequence of Fervidicella metallireducens strain AeBT, a curved, heterotrophic, thermoanaerobic, and iron-reducing bacterium isolated from a gray microbial mat colonizing the free-flowing waters of a Great Artesian Basin (GAB) bore well located in outback Queensland, Australia, is reported here. The analysis of the 2.9-Mb sequence indicates that the attributes of the genome are consistent with its physiological and phenotypic traits.
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Draft Genome Sequence of Caloramator australicus strain RC3T a thermoanaerobe from the Great Artesian Basin of Australia
Journal of bacteriology, 2011Co-Authors: Christopher David Ogg, Bharat K. C. PatelAbstract:This article is free to read at the publisher's website. Caloramator australicus strain RC3T (JCM 15081T = KCTC 5601T) is the type strain of a newly identified thermophilic species, which was isolated from red microbial mats that thrive at 66°C in the runoff channel of a Great Artesian Basin bore (New Lorne bore, registered number 17263) in outback Queensland, Australia. The ability of the C. australicus strain to use metals as terminal electron acceptors has led to concerns that it could colonize and enhance corrosion of the metal casing of Great Artesian Basin bore well pipes and that this could subsequently lead to bore failure and loss of water availability for the community which is so reliant on it. The genome of the C. australicus strain has been sequenced, and annotation of the ∼2.65-Mb sequence indicates that the attributes are consistent with physiological and phenotypic traits.
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Microbial community in a geothermal aquifer associated with the subsurface of the Great Artesian Basin, Australia.
Extremophiles : life under extreme conditions, 2005Co-Authors: Hiroyuki Kimura, Bharat K. C. Patel, Maki Sugihara, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Kenji Kato, Santoshi HanadaAbstract:To investigate the biomass and phylogenetic diversity of the microbial community inhabiting the deep aquifer of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), geothermal groundwater gushing out from the aquifer was sampled and analyzed. Microbial cells in the groundwater were stained with acridine orange and directly counted by epifluorescence microscopy. Microbial cells were present at a density of 108–109 cells per liter of groundwater. Archaeal and bacterial small-subunit rRNA genes (rDNAs) were amplified by PCR with Archaea- and Bacteria-specific primer sets, and clone libraries were constructed separately. A total of 59 clones were analyzed in archaeal and bacterial 16S rDNA libraries, respectively. The archaeal 16S rDNA clones were divided into nine operated taxonomic units (OTUs) by restriction fragment length polymorphism. These OTUs were closely related to the methanogenic genera Methanospirillum and Methanosaeta, the heterotrophic genus Thermoplasma, or miscellaneous crenarchaeota group. More than one-half of the archaeal clones (59% of total 59 clones) were placed beside phylogenetic clusters of methanogens. The majority of the methanogen-related clones (83%) was closely related to a group of hydrogenotrophic methanogens (genus Methanospirillum). The bacterial OTUs branched into seven phylogenetic clusters related to hydrogen-oxidizing thermophiles in the genera Hydrogenobacter and Hydrogenophilus, a sulfate-reducing thermophile in the genus Thermodesulfovibrio, chemoheterotropic bacteria in the genera Thermus and Aquaspirillum, or the candidate division OP10. Clones closely related to the thermophilic hydrogen-oxidizers in the genera Hydrogenobacter and Hydrogenophilus were dominant in the bacterial clone library (37% of a total of 59 clones). The dominancy of hydrogen-users strongly suggested that H2 plays an important role as a primary substrate in the microbial ecosystem of this deep geothermal aquifer.
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A novel thermostable dextranase from a Thermoanaerobacter species cultured from the geothermal waters of the Great Artesian Basin of Australia
FEMS microbiology letters, 1996Co-Authors: C. Wynter, Bharat K. C. Patel, Peter A. Bain, J. De Jersey, Susan E. Hamilton, P. A. InkermanAbstract:A Gram-negative sporulating thermophilic anaerobe, designated AB11Ad, was isolated from the heated waters of the Great Artesian Basin of Australia. It grew on a variety of carbohydrates including glucose, starch, and dextran and produced a thermostable and thermoactive extracellular endo-dextranase. The enzyme was produced more actively under pH controlled continuous culture conditions than under batch conditions. Ammonium sulfate precipitated crude dextranase exhibited a temperature optimum of 70 °C and a pH optimum between 5 and 6. The half life was ~ 6.5 h at 75 °C and 2 h at 80 °C at pH 5.0 and in the absence of added dextran. 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that isolate AB1 lAd was a member of the genus Thermoanaerobacter.
