FIGURE3 How water moves from the east coast of Australia, where it rains more, into the porous rocks.
Groundwater recharge along coastal ranges
Uplift precipitation
Oasis — watertable reaches surface in a depression
Impermeable rock strata hold and direct water
Moist onshore winds
Water-bearing rock (aquifer)
Artesian well
SkillBuilder discussion Communicating 1. How does an artesian well differ from an aquifer? 2. What roles do water-bearing rock and impermeable rock play here? 3. Explain uplift and precipitation.
9.3.3
How do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
use groundwater? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have lived in Australia for tens of thousands of years, using their knowledge to survive many changes. Many groundwater sources throughout Australia have long been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. One type of groundwater source is a soak , where water comes to the surface, often near rivers and dry creek beds; it can be identified by certain plants. Another type is a mound spring , where minerals and sediments build up as water comes up from an underground aquifer. Mound springs of the Oodnadatta Track The Oodnadatta Track (refer to FIGURES4 , 5 , 6 and 7 ) is located in the north-east of South Australia. It follows the edge of the Great Artesian Basin and Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. Along this track, groundwater comes up to the surface in several places. The Great Artesian Basin covers over 20 per cent of Australia. The Oodnadatta Track goes through the lands of three Aboriginal nations. In the south are the Kuyani people, near Lake Torrens and Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. The Arabana people live west of Kati Thanda, and the Arrernte people live in the north. Many springs along the track are important to local people. Their ancestors used them for water and ceremonies. Dreaming stories about these springs have been shared for many generations. Explorers and settlers also learned about the springs. In 1862, John McDouall Stuart used this track to cross Australia from south to north. Later, the overland telegraph and the Great Northern Railway were built along this route. Mound springs were very important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. They provided water in a dry environment and were also used for trading and spiritual purposes.
254 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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