show video detail
Australia’s Massive Hidden Underground Ocean
- Published_at:2025-04-08
- Category:Education
- Channel:OzGeology
- tags: geoscience geology earth sciences earth science geological geosciences geologist australia volcanology australian aussie prospecting gold prospecting gold mining mineral exploration mineral discovery geological exploration mineralogical exploration exploration geology ozgeology Hydrogeology Fossil Water Artesian Wells Groundwater Eromanga Sea Aquitard Recharge Zone Outback Water Water Security Australian Outback Subterranean Geothermal Springs Desert Oasis
- description: #australia #geology #science Explore Australia's remarkable Great Artesian Basin, the world's largest and deepest artesian groundwater system, located beneath the vast outback. Covering an immense area across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, this hidden underground water reserve holds enough freshwater to fill Sydney Harbour thousands of times over. . Travel back in geological time with us as we reveal exactly how the Great Artesian Basin was formed. Discover how, millions of years ago, Australia's interior was covered by the vast inland Eromanga Sea, laying down layers of sediment that eventually compacted into the porous sandstone layers found today beneath the surface. These sandstone aquifers—natural underground reservoirs—are stacked in distinct layers, separated by dense, impermeable shale and mudstone layers known as aquitards. Learn exactly how these carefully arranged geological formations trap and store enormous volumes of groundwater under incredible natural pressure. We explore the fascinating hydrology of the basin, tracing the water’s incredible underground journey. Rainfall along the elevated western slopes of the Great Dividing Range slowly infiltrates into sandstone layers, initiating a journey that can last thousands, or even millions, of years. Over vast distances, this water moves gently westward beneath the continent, held within microscopic spaces inside sandstone layers. Discover why and how this groundwater eventually surfaces naturally, emerging from unique and visually striking artesian springs scattered across the Australian landscape. Witness the spectacular beauty of iconic artesian springs like Dalhousie Springs, nestled at the edge of the Simpson Desert. Here, geothermal heat warms the groundwater, resulting in inviting thermal pools that provide vital habitats for unique wildlife. We also explore South Australia's remarkable mound springs—mineral-rich water sources that create raised mounds of sediment and lush vegetation within the otherwise barren desert landscape. These springs are ecological treasures, supporting thriving and complex communities of plants, birds, and wildlife adapted to these isolated oases. The Great Artesian Basin is home to extraordinary biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else on Earth. In this video, we showcase the basin’s unique endemic animals, from tiny freshwater snails and crustaceans to rare native fish and fascinating aquatic insects. These organisms have evolved in isolation, adapted perfectly to life in the mineral-rich artesian waters, and their existence highlights the importance of protecting and conserving these sensitive ecological hotspots. This hidden, underground water source isn't just a geological marvel—it underpins life across Australia's arid and semi-arid interior. Towns such as Birdsville, Coober Pedy, Winton, and Longreach owe their existence and ongoing prosperity to this reliable water supply. Livestock stations across the region have long relied on artesian water bores, providing the essential resource to sustain cattle, sheep, and pastoral communities through long drought periods. The basin's sustainable management and careful conservation remain vital, as extraction must be balanced with its extremely slow natural recharge rate. Link to the Video I made on the Eromanga Sea: https://youtu.be/WLZcv7WVqjg Thank you so much for watching! If you are not in a position to donate, I totally understand! The biggest supporting factor that you engage in is to watch our videos all the way to the end (very important for helping us rank) and to share them around so please consider doing this so that Youtube recommends our channel more. If you are in a position to support our channel on Youtube Membership or by joining our Patreon, the link to all of this can be found below: 🎥 If you would like to support this channel, consider joining our Patreon: https://patreon.com/OzGeology 🌋 Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxLrvjGBzYmj8W1rJToPasgsub_confirmation=1 00:00-00:44 - Introduction To The Great Artesian Basin 00:45-02:12 - The Ancient Sea That Formed The Basin 02:13-02:32 - The Marine Sedimentary Cap 02:33-05:40 - How The Basin Stores Water: Simple Version 05:41-07:40 - How The Basin Stores Water: The Reality 07:41-08:13 - The Size And Scale of The Great Artesian Basin 08:14-09:00 - Why The GAB Has Stacked Aquifers 09:01-09:45 - How Much Water Is Stored In The GAB? 09:46-12:12 - How Does The Basin Recharge? 12:34-13:33 - The Natural Springs Where The Basin's Waters Are Released 13:34-14:33 - The Endemic Animals That Are Found In Natural Springs 14:34-15:06 - Why Do Some Springs Release Heated Water? 15:07-15:46 - Why Does Water Escape At Springs? 15:47-16:48 - Conclusion & Youtube / Patreon Member Thank You!
| ranked in date | views | likes | Comments | ranked in country (#position) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-04-10 | 115,102 | 3,625 | 225 |
( ,#16)
|
| 2025-04-11 | 148,319 | 4,120 | 268 |
(,#23)
|
| 2025-04-12 | 170,191 | 4,444 | 283 |
(,#33)
|
| 2025-04-13 | 186,260 | 4,609 | 293 |
(,#53)
|
| 2025-04-14 | 197,016 | 4,736 | 303 |
(,#79)
|
| 2025-04-15 | 203,947 | 4,812 | 311 |
(,#112)
|
| 2025-04-16 | 207,883 | 4,859 | 311 |
(,#134)
|
