New Groundwater Atlas available online!

The new Atlas of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems is now live on the net!

This interactive tool, developed by the Beureau of Meteorology, allows anyone with internet access to look in their area to identify ecosystems that may be interacting with groundwater hydrological systems.

Screenshot of South Mortlock catchment GDE's from the Atlas

The GDE Atlas is the most comprehensive inventory of the location and characteristics of groundwater dependent ecosystems for Australia to date.

It incorporates multiple lines of scientific evidence including previous fieldwork, literature and mapping, and combines nation-wide layers of satellite remote sensing data. The physical characteristics that describe each ecosystem are also shown.

 

The GDE Atlas shows ecosystems that interact with:

• the subsurface presence of groundwater, or
• the surface expression of groundwater

These ecosystems include springs, wetlands, rivers and vegetation.

Long-neckd Tortoises are dependant on groundwater

If you, your group or research institution are considering a funding application or are looking for additional natural values to identify to potential funders as worth protecting (particularly in the Avon), then this website might just be for you.


For more information on Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems (GDE's) or waterway management in the Avon region contact Wheatbelt NRM on 9670 3100 or info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au