82-783: Alligator Rivers is the name of an area in an Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory of Australia , containing three rivers, the East , West , and South Alligator River s. It is regarded as one of the richest biological regions in Australia, with part of the region in the Kakadu National Park . It is an Important Bird Area (IBA), lying to the east of the Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains IBA . It also contains mineral deposits , especially uranium , and
164-437: A monsoon climate . The dry season lasts between May and September while the wet season lasts between November and March. April and October are transitional periods between the two seasons. Annual rainfall at Jabiru is around 1.54 m (5.1 ft), with almost all of it falling during the wet season. During the wet season, the prevailing winds are westerly to northwesterly, while they are easterly to southeasterly during
246-588: A "die on the vine" plan that will "slowly but surely" kill indigenous culture. Born in the 1930s, Dr. Gawirrin Gumana AO was a leader of the Dhalwangu clan , renowned for his artwork and knowledge of traditional culture and law. In May 2009, he had the following to say about the significance of the homelands to his people: Despite facing government concerns and policy confusion, a number of people have developed commercial enterprises that have centred on using
328-524: A completely separate country. Many of the region's leaders have called and continue to call for a treaty that would allow the Yolŋu to operate under their own traditional laws . In 2013–14, the entire region contributed around A$ 1.3 billion or 7 percent to the Northern Territory's gross state product, mainly through bauxite mining . In 2019, it was announced that NASA had chosen Arnhem Land as
410-504: A heat source for thousands of years. In the 20th century, they became a renewable resource of geothermal energy for heating homes and buildings. The city of Beppu, Japan contains 2,217 hot spring well heads that provide the city with hot water. Hot springs have also been used as a source of sustainable energy for greenhouse cultivation and the growing of crops and flowers. Springs have been represented in culture through art, mythology, and folklore throughout history. The Fountain of Youth
492-525: A hose by the higher elevated recharge area of groundwater to exit through the lower elevation opening. Non-artesian springs may simply flow from a higher elevation through the earth to a lower elevation and exit in the form of a spring, using the ground like a drainage pipe. Still other springs are the result of pressure from an underground source in the earth, in the form of volcanic or magma activity. The result can be water at elevated temperature and pressure, i.e. hot springs and geysers . The action of
574-474: A kind of mythic quality in that some people falsely believe that springs are always healthy sources of drinking water. They may or may not be. One must take a comprehensive water quality test to know how to use a spring appropriately, whether for a mineral bath or drinking water. Springs that are managed as spas will already have such a test. Springs are often used as sources for bottled water. When purchasing bottled water labeled as spring water one can often find
656-556: A normal year, the tributaries start flowing around the middle of December and finish at the end of June, but the flow starts in November and finishes in August if the rainfall has been particularly heavy. During the wet season, the savanna turns green, the wildlife spreads out, the bird life returns, and the streams flood into adjacent lands turning them into swamps. The flood plains leave behind silt when they gradually dry up during
738-608: A painting of the wharf at Darwin, including building and boats, and Europeans with hats and pipes, some apparently without hands (which they have in their trouser pockets). Near the East Alligator River crossing, a figure was painted of a man carrying a gun and wearing his hair in long pigtails down his back, characteristic of the Chinese labourers brought to Darwin in the late 19th century. One Yolngu prehistoric stone arrangement at Maccasans Beach near Yirrkala shows
820-419: A problem. The commercial harvesting of water buffalo hides and horns had begun by the 1880s. Paddy Cahill , who came to the area to set up a cattle station, was the first buffalo hunter to operate in the region. The buffalo industry lasted around 70 years until the late 1950s until the development of synthetic substitutes. Crocodile hunting was also operating in the area until the hunting of freshwater crocodile
902-449: A spring's discharge—withdrawal of groundwater reduces the water pressure in an aquifer, decreasing the volume of flow. Springs fall into three general classifications: perennial (springs that flow constantly during the year); intermittent (temporary springs that are active after rainfall, or during certain seasonal changes); and periodic (as in geysers that vent and erupt at regular or irregular intervals). Springs are often classified by
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#1732768706676984-400: A spring. The forcing of the spring to the surface can be the result of a confined aquifer in which the recharge area of the spring water table rests at a higher elevation than that of the outlet. Spring water forced to the surface by elevated sources are artesian wells . This is possible even if the outlet is in the form of a 300-foot-deep (91 m) cave. In this case the cave is used like
1066-656: A valley containing a number of disused uranium mines developed between 1955 and 1965. It also flows out into the Van Diemen Gulf of the Timor Sea . The catchment area occupies an area of 11,917 km (4,601 sq mi) and has the East Alligator River catchment to the east, the Wildman and Mary River catchments to the west, and the Daly River catchment to the south. The West Alligator River rises in
1148-678: A vigorous traditional culture, and whose name for this area is Miwatj. In West Arnhem Land, large groups include the Bininj people and the Maung people of the Goulburn Islands . In 2018, Kathy Guthadjaka AM (also known as Gotha) was awarded 'NT Senior Australian of the Year.' Guthadjaka has conducted academic research into Aboriginal languages, knowledge, and culture. In 2013–14, the entire region contributed around A$ 1.3 billion or 7% to
1230-476: A wide variety of birdlife, with over one in three of Australia's species having been sighted in the region. In particular, the Alligator Rivers area is known for its rich collection of waterfowl such as magpie geese , ducks , herons , ibises , and spoonbills . The Alligators Rivers floodplains form a 383,000-ha IBA which it is estimated to support some five million waterbirds , including over 1% of
1312-518: Is a mythical spring which was said to restore youth to anyone who drank from it. It has been claimed that the fountain is located in St. Augustine, Florida , and was discovered by Juan Ponce de León in 1513. However, it has not demonstrated the power to restore youth, and most historians dispute the veracity of Ponce de León's discovery. Pythia, also known as the Oracle at Delphi was the high priestess of
1394-613: Is about 160 km (99 mi) long. After rising in the northern part of the Arnhem Land Plateau, it flows with tributary streams towards the northwest, through canyons towards the Van Diemen Gulf , which it meets at Point Farewell . The river has a total catchment area of 15,876 km (6,130 sq mi) and has many tributaries , including Magela Creek, Tin Camp Creek, and Cooper Creek. The catchment
1476-477: Is also notable for Aboriginal rock art , some examples of which can be found at Ubirr Rock , Injalak Hill , and in the Canon Hill area. Some of these record the early years of European explorers and settlers, sometimes in such detail that Martini–Henry rifles can be identified. They also depict axes, and detailed paintings of aircraft and ships. One remote shelter, several hundred kilometres from Darwin, has
1558-576: Is greater than human body temperature, usually in the range of 45–50 °C (113–122 °F), but they can be hotter. Those springs with water cooler than body temperature but warmer than air temperature are sometimes referred to as warm springs. Hot springs or geothermal springs have been used for balneotherapy , bathing, and relaxation for thousands of years. Because of the folklore surrounding hot springs and their claimed medical value, some have become tourist destinations and locations of physical rehabilitation centers. Hot springs have been used as
1640-467: Is highly prized in Chinese cuisine, for folk medicine, and as an aphrodisiac . This Makassan contact with Australia is the first recorded example of interaction between the inhabitants of the Australian continent and their Asian neighbours. This contact had a major effect on local Aboriginal Australians . The Makassans exchanged goods such as cloth , tobacco , knives , rice , and alcohol for
1722-653: Is often bottled and sold as mineral water , although the term is often the subject of deceptive advertising . Mineral water contains no less than 250 parts per million (ppm) of tds. Springs that contain significant amounts of minerals are sometimes called ' mineral springs '. (Springs without such mineral content, meanwhile, are sometimes distinguished as 'sweet springs'.) Springs that contain large amounts of dissolved sodium salts , mostly sodium carbonate , are called 'soda springs'. Many resorts have developed around mineral springs and are known as spa towns . Mineral springs are alleged to have healing properties. Soaking in them
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#17327687066761804-411: Is said to result in the absorption of the minerals from the water. Some springs contain arsenic levels that exceed the 10 ppb World Health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water . Where such springs feed rivers they can also raise the arsenic levels in the rivers above WHO limits. Water from springs is usually clear. However, some springs may be colored by the minerals that are dissolved in
1886-576: Is surrounded by the South Alligator River catchment to the west and Goomadeer and Liverpool River catchments to the east and the Daly River catchment to the south. The river has an annual average discharge of 6,870 gigalitres (8.986 × 10 cu yd) per year. The South Alligator River is also about 160 km (99 mi) long. It rises north of Mount Stow , on the Arnhem Land Plateau. It flows northwesterly in
1968-525: Is the location of the oldest-known (as of 2010 ) stone axe of its kind, which scholars believe to be 35,500 years old. Rock art depicting what may be acts of violence between hunter-gatherers in Arnhem land has been tentatively dated to 10,000 years ago. At least since the 18th century (and probably earlier) Muslim traders from Makassar of Sulawesi visited Arnhem Land each year to trade, harvest, and process sea cucumbers or trepang . This marine animal
2050-517: The Maung speaking Goulburn Islands (Mardbalk Arts & Crafts). Arnhem Land is also known for embracing the homeland movement, sometimes referred to as the outstation movement . For many decades prior to 1970, the East Arnhem Land Yolngu people lived on mission stations , such as Yirrkala. From April 1972, Yolngu families began moving away, back to their traditional clan lands. This was instigated by Yolngu people, before there
2132-580: The Northern Territory of Australia. It is located in the north-eastern corner of the territory and is around 500 km (310 mi) from the territorial capital, Darwin . In 1623, Dutch East India Company captain Willem Joosten van Colster (or Coolsteerdt) sailed into the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape Arnhem is named after his ship, the Arnhem , which itself was named after the city of Arnhem in
2214-579: The Ranger Uranium Mine is located there. The area is also rich in Australian Aboriginal art , with 1500 sites. The Kakadu National Park is one of the few World Heritage sites on the list because of both its natural and human heritage values. They were explored by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King in 1820, who named them in the mistaken belief that the crocodiles in the estuaries were alligators . The East Alligator River
2296-586: The Temple of Apollo . She delivered prophesies in a frenzied state of divine possession that were "induced by vapours rising from a chasm in the rock". It is believed that the vapors were emitted from the Kerna spring at Delphi. The Greek myth of Narcissus describes a young man who fell in love with his reflection in the still pool of a spring. Narcissus gazed into "an unmuddied spring, silvery from its glittering waters, which neither shepherds nor she-goats grazing on
2378-593: The Thousand Springs area along the Snake River in Idaho . The scale for spring flow is as follows: Minerals become dissolved in the water as it moves through the underground rocks . This mineral content is measured as total dissolved solids (TDS). This may give the water flavor and even carbon dioxide bubbles, depending on the nature of the geology through which it passes. This is why spring water
2460-480: The dry season . The three Alligator Rivers are perennial rivers flowing even during the dry season, as is the Wildman River. All of the tributaries dry up in places during that period. The land dries out, and the wildlife concentrates around the permanent water sources such as the rivers, springs , waterholes, and billabongs . The duration of the dry period depends on the rainfall during the wet season. In
2542-723: The dusky rat and its predator the water python . New vertebrate species are still being discovered in the region, notably the Kakadu dunnart and the Kakadu Pebble-mound Mouse . The potential for discovery of invertebrate species, such as ants is even greater. Some threat to the ecosystems exists from introduced flora and fauna. Introduced species of plants such as the giant sensitive plant ( Mimosa pigra ) and mission grass are threatening habitats. Invasive species such as feral water buffalo and cane toads are also causing problems. The region features
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2624-460: The sea cucumbers were traded by the Makassans to Southern China . In 2014, an 18th-century Chinese coin was found in the remote area of Wessel Islands off the coast on a beach on Elcho Island during a historical expedition. The coin was found near previously known Makassan trepanger fishing sites where several other Dutch coins have been discovered nearby, but never a Chinese coin. The coin
2706-753: The 800 people in the Laynhapuy homelands will be forced to move to towns such as Yirrkala on the Gove Peninsula, creating new law and order problems, while those who stay will be severely disadvantaged." In response to changes made by the Northern Territory government surrounding reduced support for the homelands in 2009, the Indigenous leader Patrick Dodson criticised the Northern Territory Government's controversial new policy on remote Aboriginal communities, describing it as
2788-679: The Kunwinjku with Ngalyod, the Rainbow Serpent , playing an important part in their art and traditions. The Kunwinjku have received royalties from the Nabarlek Uranium Mine in recent years. The Kunwinjku live in Gunbalanya and Maningrida . The explorer Phillip Parker King was the first English navigator to enter the Gulf of Carpentaria . He made a number of explorations in the area between 1818 and 1822 and named
2870-652: The Netherlands. The area covers about 97,000 km (37,000 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 16,000, of whom 12,000 are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people . Two regions are often distinguished as East Arnhem ( Land ) and West Arnhem ( Land ). The region's service hub is Nhulunbuy , 600 km (370 mi) east of Darwin, set up in the early 1970s as a mining town for bauxite . Other major population centres are Yirrkala (just outside Nhulunbuy), Gunbalanya (formerly Oenpelli), Ramingining , and Maningrida . A substantial proportion of
2952-400: The Northern Territory's gross state product, mainly through bauxite mining. In 2019, it was announced that NASA had chosen Arnhem Land as the location for a space launch facility. The Arnhem Space Centre was built near Nhulunbuy, employing mostly local labour, and on 27 June 2022, NASA launched the first rocket there, which was the first rocket launch from a commercial spaceport outside
3034-671: The South Alligator and South Mary regions, as well as around Katherine . The Jawoyn negotiated an agreement in 1993 for the Coronation Hill uranium mine where they would allow further exploration of the area in return for employment and training for the Jawoyn and a partnership arrangement. The Kunwinjku people live between the Liverpool River and the East Alligator River. Traditional beliefs remain important to
3116-578: The US. Two further launches followed, the third on 11 July. Other space companies are interested in using the rocket launch pad, and NASA confirmed that it will use the facility again in the future. The 2006 film Ten Canoes captures life in Arnhem Land through a story tapping into the Aboriginal mythic past; it was co-directed by one of the indigenous cast members. The film and the documentary about
3198-452: The area between the East and South Alligator Rivers. They share responsibility for Kakadu National Park which lies within their country. Gunbalanya (formerly Oenpelli), a settlement in the area, is run by an Aboriginal council and is an important centre for arts and crafts. The Gagudju language is no longer widely spoken, but was common until the early 20th century. The Jawoyn people live in
3280-423: The best elements of their homelands. Indigenous tourism ventures incorporating the controlled use of homelands are now showing signs of success for a select number of Yolngu. 12°43′48″S 134°35′24″E / 12.73000°S 134.59000°E / -12.73000; 134.59000 Spring (hydrology) A spring is a natural exit point at which groundwater emerges from the aquifer and flows onto
3362-586: The coasts of northern Australia. In Arnhem Land, the word is still widely used today to refer to white Australians. The Dutch started settling in Sulawesi Island in the early 17th century. Archaeological remains of Makassar contact, including trepang processing plants (drying, smoking) from the 18th and 19th centuries, are still found at Australian locations such as Port Essington and Groote Eylandt . The Makassans also planted tamarind trees (native to Madagascar and East Africa ). After processing,
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3444-484: The dry season (April to September) to daily highs of 33 °C (91 °F) in the wet season (October to March). In 1931, an area of 96,000 km (37,000 sq mi) was proclaimed as an Aboriginal reserve , named Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve. As of 2007 the Land Trust held about 100,000 km (39,000 sq mi) as Aboriginal freehold land (with the exception of mining leases); it remains one of
3526-439: The early 21st century, a focus governments about the "viability" of the homelands has caused tensions and uncertainty within the Arnhem Land community. In September 2008, then Darwin correspondent for The Age , Lindsay Murdoch, wrote: "Elders tell of their fears that Yolngu culture and society will not survive if clans cannot continue to live on and access their land through homelands. They warn that if services are cut, many of
3608-402: The emergence of geothermally heated groundwater is known as a hot spring . The yield of spring water varies widely from a volumetric flow rate of nearly zero to more than 14,000 litres per second (490 cu ft/s) for the biggest springs. Springs are formed when groundwater flows onto the surface. This typically happens when the water table reaches above the surface level, or if
3690-439: The far north-east, on the Gove Peninsula. Gove is the site of large-scale bauxite mining with an associated alumina refinery. Its administrative centre is the town of Nhulunbuy, the fourth-largest population centre in the Northern Territory. The climate of Arnhem Land is tropical monsoon with a wet and dry season. The temperature has little seasonal variation; however, it can range from overnight lows of 15 °C (59 °F) in
3772-492: The federal government acquired the land as part of Kakadu National Park. Missionaries provided much of the schooling for the Aboriginal people for much of the 20th century. The Kapalga Native Industrial Mission was established in 1899 near the South Alligator River, but only lasted four years. The Church of England Missionary Society established a mission station in 1925 at Oenpelli which lasted for 45 years. In 1975, an Aboriginal town council took over responsibility for running
3854-618: The federal government established the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry otherwise known as the Fox Inquiry which recommended the development of the Ranger site, consideration of the other two sites, and establishment of Jabiru as a support centre. Royalties are paid to the traditional owners in compensation for the loss of their country. Arnhem Land Arnhem Land is a historical region of
3936-476: The form of a particular name, an associated legend , the attribution of healing qualities to the water through the numinous presence of its guardian spirit or of a Christian saint , or a ceremony or ritual centered on the well site. Christian legends often recount how the action of a saint caused a spring's water to flow - a familiar theme, especially in the hagiography of Celtic saints. The geothermally heated groundwater that flows from thermal springs
4018-439: The global population of 22 species, significant numbers of three near threatened species, with another 11 restricted-range or savanna - biome -restricted species. Aboriginal people have lived continuously in the Alligator Rivers region for 50,000 years. The region accordingly has a rich heritage with cave paintings and rock carvings common with over 1500 sites. Many Aboriginal artefacts have been found in old camping grounds in
4100-411: The groundwater continually dissolves permeable bedrock such as limestone and dolomite , creating vast cave systems. Spring discharge, or resurgence , is determined by the spring's recharge basin. Factors that affect the recharge include the size of the area in which groundwater is captured, the amount of precipitation, the size of capture points, and the size of the spring outlet. Water may leak into
4182-593: The history and culture of Yolngu people, was filmed in Arnhem land. The Aboriginal community of Yirrkala , just outside Nhulunbuy, is internationally known for bark paintings , promoting the rights of Indigenous Australians , and as the origin of the yidaki , or didgeridoo . The community of Gunbalanya (previously known as Oenpelli ) in Western Arnhem Land is also notable for bark painting. The indigenous inhabitants also create temporary sand sculptures as part of their sacred rituals. Arnhem Land
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#17327687066764264-475: The largest parcels of Aboriginal-owned land in Australia and is perhaps best known for its isolation, the art of its people, and the strong continuing traditions of its Aboriginal inhabitants. Arnhem Land is composed of many different Aboriginal countries and language groups . North-east Arnhem Land is home to the Yolngu people, one of the largest Indigenous groups in Australia, who have succeeded in maintaining
4346-1111: The layout of the Makassan praus used for trepang (sea cucumber) fishing in the area. This was a legacy of Yolngu trade links with the people on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi . The trading relationship antedated European settlement by some 200 years. Aboriginal artists in Arnhem Land are primarily represented by Aboriginal Art Centres , nonprofit, community-owned organisations. In East Arnhem Land, primarily Yolngu Matha -speaking artists are promoted by Buku-Larrnggay Mulka in Yirrkala, Bula'bula Arts in Ramingining , Elcho Island Arts and Crafts on Elcho Island , Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts in Gapuwiyak and Milingimbi Art and Culture on Milingimbi Island . In Central Arnhem Land, Maningrida Arts & Culture in Maningrida promotes
4428-565: The location for a space launch facility , the Arnhem Space Centre . On 27 June 2022, NASA launched the first rocket there, the first rocket launch from a commercial spaceport outside the US, and two further launches followed within weeks. The Yolŋu culture in East Arnhem Land is one of the oldest living cultures on Earth, at around 60,000 years old. DNA studies have confirmed that " Aboriginal Australians are one of
4510-437: The lower reaches of the rivers. However, the region features a wide diversity of plant and animal habitats. More than 1,500 species of plants have been recorded in a range of tropical habitats including mangrove, monsoon forest , tropical grassland , and woodland . The 46 species of fish in the river system represent about a quarter of all known species existing in Australia. The region also features high populations of
4592-597: The lowlands and is 80 km (50 mi). The Wildman River also flows in the region. The river system has a number of spectacular waterfalls , including the Jim Jim Falls on Jim Jim Creek and the Twin Falls on Twin Falls Creek. The rivers have created the alluvial plains , including the mangrove swamps , in the past 20,000 years. Like much of northern Australia, the Alligator Rivers region has
4674-464: The making of the film, The Balanda and the Bark Canoes , give a remarkable testimony to the indigenous struggle to keep their culture alive – or rather revive it in the wake of considerable relative modernisation and influence of white ( balanda ) cultural imposition. High Ground (2020 film) , a 2020 feature film directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson , based on historical fact and reflecting
4756-728: The mountain nor any other cattle had touched, which neither bird nor beast nor branch fallen from a tree had disturbed." (Ovid) The early 20th century American photographer, James Reuel Smith created a comprehensive series of photographs documenting the historical springs of New York City before they were capped by the city after the advent of the municipal water system. Smith later photographed springs in Europe leading to his book, Springs and Wells in Greek and Roman Literature, Their Legends and Locations (1922). The 19th century Japanese artists Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Toyokuni III created
4838-525: The oldest living populations in the world, certainly the oldest outside of Africa"; their descendants left the African continent 75,000 years ago. They may have the oldest continuous culture on earth. Oral histories comprising complex narratives have been passed down through hundreds of generations, and the Aboriginal rock art , dated by modern techniques, shows continuity of their culture. Arnhem Land
4920-440: The population, which is mostly Aboriginal , lives on small outstations or homelands. This outstation movement started in the early 1980s. Many Aboriginal groups moved to usually very small settlements on their traditional lands , often to escape the problems of the larger towns. These population groups have very little Western cultural influence, and Arnhem Land is arguably one of the last areas in Australia that could be seen as
5002-554: The property rights of much of Arnhem Land were held by the Eastern and African Cold Storage Supply Company . This Anglo-Australian consortium leased the region under the name of Arafura cattle station and attempted to construct a massive cattle raising and meat production industry. The company employed roving gangs of armed men to shoot the resident Aboriginal population. In 1971, the Gove land rights case ( Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd )
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#17327687066765084-527: The property, Jim Randell, bolted a swivel cannon to the verandah of the homestead to keep the Indigenous people away, while Jack Watson , the last manager of the property, reportedly "wiped out a lot" of "the blacks" living on the coast at Blue Mud Bay . During the period of Watson's management, another large massacre is recorded to have happened at Mirki on the north coast of Florida Station. The Yolngu people today remember this massacre where many people including children were shot dead. From 1903 to 1908,
5166-563: The region. The southern part of Kakadu contains a number of sites relating to Bula , a god associated with creation, and these sites are considered to be both sacred and dangerous to the aboriginal people because of this association. Also, art relating to contact with Makassan traders and Europeans is found there. At Ubirr Rock near Cahill's Crossing on the East Alligator River, some paintings dating from 20,000 years ago have figures throwing spears and wearing headdresses to first contact with European settlement. The Gagudju people live in
5248-415: The right to trepang coastal waters and employ local labour. Makassar pidgin became a lingua franca along the north coast among several indigenous Australian groups who were brought into greater contact with each other by the seafaring Makassan culture. These traders from the southwest corner of Sulawesi also introduced the word balanda for white people, long before western explorers set foot on
5330-482: The rivers after the crocodiles which he mistook for alligators as his journals note. "On our course up and down the river, we encountered several very large alligators and some were noticed sleeping on the mud. This was the first time we had seen these animals, excepting that at Goulburn Island , and, as they appeared to be very numerous and large, it was not thought safe to stop all night up the River." Ludwig Leichhardt
5412-473: The terrain depresses sharply. Springs may also be formed as a result of karst topography , aquifers or volcanic activity . Springs have also been observed on the ocean floor , spewing warmer, low- salinity water directly into the ocean. Springs formed as a result of karst topography create karst springs , in which ground water travels through a network of cracks and fissures—openings ranging from intergranular spaces to large caves , later emerging in
5494-492: The top of the Earth's crust ( pedosphere ) to become surface water . It is a component of the hydrosphere , as well as a part of the water cycle . Springs have long been important for humans as a source of fresh water , especially in arid regions which have relatively little annual rainfall . Springs are driven out onto the surface by various natural forces, such as gravity and hydrostatic pressure . A spring produced by
5576-462: The township of Oenpelli. Small-scale gold mining started in the region in the 1920s at Imarlkba near Barramundi Creek and at Moline in the 1930s. However, the discovery of uranium at the headlands of the South Alligator River in 1953 started the mining industries. By 1957, 13 uranium mines were operating, employing 150 people including at Coronation Hill. Following the discovery of large uranium mines at Jabiluka , Ranger , Nabarlek , and Koongarra ,
5658-566: The underground system from many sources including permeable earth, sinkholes, and losing streams . In some cases entire creeks seemingly disappear as the water sinks into the ground via the stream bed. Grand Gulf State Park in Missouri is an example of an entire creek vanishing into the groundwater system. The water emerges 9 miles (14 km) away, forming some of the discharge of Mammoth Spring in Arkansas . Human activity may also affect
5740-439: The volume of the water they discharge. The largest springs are called "first-magnitude", defined as springs that discharge water at a rate of at least 2800 liters or 100 cubic feet (2.8 m ) of water per second. Some locations contain many first-magnitude springs, such as Florida where there are at least 27 known to be that size; the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks , which contain 10 known of first-magnitude; and 11 more in
5822-602: The water test for that spring on the website of the company selling it. Springs have been used as sources of water for gravity-fed irrigation of crops. Indigenous people of the American Southwest built spring-fed acequias that directed water to fields through canals. The Spanish missionaries later used this method. A sacred spring, or holy well, is a small body of water emerging from underground and revered in some religious context: Christian and/or pagan and/or other. The lore and mythology of ancient Greece
5904-494: The water. For instance, water heavy with iron or tannins will have an orange color. In parts of the United States a stream carrying the outflow of a spring to a nearby primary stream may be called a spring branch , spring creek , or run. Groundwater tends to maintain a relatively long-term average temperature of its aquifer; so flow from a spring may be cooler than other sources on a summer day, but remain unfrozen in
5986-486: The wet season. During the wet season, the water has a higher temperature and is relatively low in turbidity . In the dry season, an increase in turbidity occurs, especially in the shallower water sources. The Alligator Rivers region is also subject to cyclones between October and May, like other parts of the Australian Indian Southeast region. The region takes its name from the crocodiles in
6068-543: The winter. The cool water of a spring and its branch may harbor species such as certain trout that are otherwise ill-suited to a warmer local climate . Springs have been used for a variety of human needs - including drinking water, domestic water supply, irrigation, mills , navigation, and electricity generation . Modern uses include recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and floating; therapy ; water for livestock; fish hatcheries; and supply for bottled mineral water or bottled spring water. Springs have taken on
6150-599: The work of a diverse range of Kuninjku , Burarra , and Gurrgoni artists, amongst others. In West Arnhem Land, Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya represents mainly Kunwinjku artists. Ngukurr Arts is located on the Roper River in Southern Arnhem Land. Art is also produced on the many islands of Arnhem Land, and there are art centres on the Anindilyakwa speaking Groote Eylandt (Anindilyakwa Art) and
6232-429: Was established to assist the homelands. Homelands are tiny communities where members of related clan groups live on their traditional land, living according to Yolngu rom (law) . There are benefits to the people to be living in these homelands, including: Homelands also reduce pressure on other Indigenous communities, which are already suffering from problems in the housing, health and education services areas. In
6314-480: Was government support for the outstation movement. The people cleared land for airstrips and built their own houses from local timber, with the help of non-Indigenous people from the mission. The elders of the clans aimed to determine their own futures, basing their societies on Yolngu law, while living and raising their children on their lands in a sustainable and self-sufficient way. In 1985, Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation (LHAC), an Aboriginal corporation ,
6396-417: Was made illegal in 1964 and estuarine crocodiles in 1971. Paddy Cahill had established his cattle station at Oenpelli by 1906, and by 1913, it had become successful. Indeed, Cahill's success at Oenpelli was often cited as an example for others to follow. Other stations were set up, but did not always enjoy the same success. Goodparla operated as a cattle and buffalo station and operated with mixed success until
6478-577: Was probably made in Beijing around 1735. In 1884, 10,000 square miles of Arnhem Land was sold by the colonial British government to cattle grazier , John Arthur Macartney . The property was called Florida Station and Macartney stocked it with cattle overlanded from Queensland. Monsoonal flooding, disease and strong resistance from the local Aboriginal population resulted in Florida Station being abandoned by Macartney in 1893. The first manager of
6560-476: Was replete with sacred and storied springs—notably, the Corycian , Pierian and Castalian springs. In medieval Europe, pagan sacred sites frequently became Christianized as holy wells. The term "holy well" is commonly employed to refer to any water source of limited size (i.e., not a lake or river, but including pools and natural springs and seeps), which has some significance in local folklore . This can take
6642-547: Was the first European explorer to visit the area in 1845 en route to Port Essington . Leichhardt followed a creek down from the Arnhem Land escarpment before crossing the South and East Alligator Rivers. John McDouall Stuart also visited the area in 1862. See Kakadu National Park for more information on settlement. The settlement of the area by Europeans was slow and sporadic as it was very remote and illnesses were also
6724-631: Was the first litigation on native title in Australia , and the first significant legal case for Aboriginal land rights in Australia . The area is from Port Roper on the Gulf of Carpentaria around the coast to the East Alligator River , where it adjoins Kakadu National Park . The major centres are Jabiru on the Kakadu National Park border, Maningrida at the Liverpool River mouth, and Nhulunbuy (also known as Gove) in
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