The Northern Territory is fortunate to have a range of near pristine, unique ecosystems supported by connected surface water and groundwater systems. Groundwater can be found in all areas of the Northern Territory, although its yield and quality vary widely. Currently groundwater use accounts for 90% of the freshwater use in the Northern Territory.
During WWII, Berry Springs was part of a Rest and Recreation Camp set up by the armed forces for the 100 000 personnel based in the area. A number of huts and weir were built at Berry Springs during this time. The remains can still be seen around the main pool. Water from the Berry Springs Aquifer is predominately consumed and used as drinking water for many rural landholders. Riparian use is considered to be the public right to take water for stock and domestic purposes. There are currently 326 registered water bores extracting water from the Berry Spring Dolostone aquifer for this purpose. 110 of these water bores are also used for irrigation activities. Freshwater flow and flushing from the Blackmore and Darwin River contribute to the health of Darwin Harbour Freshwater flow into these estuaries of Darwin Harbour is essential for maintaining nursery, feeding and breeding habitats of the wide variety of marine and terrestrial plants and animals.
The Berry Springs Dolostone Aquifer is a small, localised groundwater aquifer that underlies parts of the Berry Springs and Darwin River areas. The aquifer naturally discharges via Parson Springs, Twin River Farm Springs and Berry Springs which are located on a fault at the geological contact between the Dolomite and Burrell Creek Formation.
Groundwater is an integral part of the water cycle. The water cycle is the endless movement of water from the atmosphere to the earth and back again. When rain falls on land, some water evaporates, some flows to creeks and rivers, and some seeps into the soil and is absorbed by plant roots or moves further downward through to the water table and aquifer. Water that reaches the aquifer is known as recharge.
An aquifer is a body of rock or sediments that holds water, much the same way a sponge holds water. Groundwater is often perceived as flowing underground streams similar to surface streams. In reality groundwater is the water that fills pores and fractures within rock
The Berry Springs Dolostone aquifer is a small oval shaped basin structure made up of calcium magnesium carbonate sedimentary rock type, light in colour and similar to limestone. Rainwater percolates and dissolves into the dolostone creating fractures and small caves. The water then is contained within these fractures. Groundwater yield from the aquifer is typically 5L/s or greater, the highest yield recorded was 32L/s from RN26686. Depth of this aquifer varies from 10 to 100m below ground level because this aquifer is in a small basin and its depth varies with the geographic location. Average thickness of the aquifer is approximately 50m and it is exposed in the northern region where the Berry and Parson’s springs flow.
To successfully log this earthcache we require you to take a swim, there are certain times of the year where swimming will not be permitted in Berry Springs, if you happen to visit during one of these closures please hypothesise.
The posted coordinates are for the lower pool, we enjoy this pool more than the upper pool, observations can be made from either pool, please just state which pool you made your observations from.
Q1. Once you are in and swimming/floating around, be still and notice does the ‘flow’ or current move you, if so in which direction.
Q2. Notice the temperature of the water is it warmer or colder than the current air temperature, why do you think this is the case?
Q3. Find some pebbles or rocks from the floor of the springs or edge if easier, describe their colour weight and texture? Do you think they are Dolostone?
Q4. A photo of you or something of yours IN Berry Springs.
You are welcome to log your find straight away to keep your TBs and Stats in order, but please message us with your answers within a few days. Cachers who do not fulfil the Earth Cache requirement will have their logs deleted.
Source: https://depws.nt.gov.au/__data./assets