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8. Lake George: Australia's Enigmatic Vanishing Lake
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Tucked in Australia's southeast, close to Canberra, Lake George is a natural beauty that has confused and delighted visitors for decades. When at its full, this large body of water spans an amazing sixteen miles in length and over six miles in width, producing a startling blue expanse among the parched Australian terrain. But Lake George's amazing propensity to vanish completely—leaving behind a large, dry basin that belies its aquatic character—sets it apart.
Classed as an endorheic basin, Lake George is a closed drainage system whereby water is maintained but with no outflow to external bodies of water as rivers or oceans. This special hydrological feature means that losses due to evaporation and seepage completely depend on the delicate balance between inflow from minor creeks and rains. The outcome is a very dynamic ecosystem that responds significantly to climate circumstances in both direction.
Lake George's shallow character, with an average depth of only three to four feet even at full capacity, greatly adds to its sensitivity to total desiccation. This shallow profile indicates that the total volume and surface area of the lake may be much changed by even little variations in water supply or enhanced evaporation rates. Not rare in this part of Australia, extended drought can cause the lake to totally dry out, turning from a dynamic aquatic habitat into a barren, salt-encrusted plain.
Still another intriguing feature of Lake George's character is its salinity. Though the lake is an inland water feature, its waters are almost as salted as seawater. The constant buildup of minerals brought in by the inflowing streams and rains together with the concentration effect as water evaporates over time produce this high salt concentration. The salinity of the lake is very important in determining its particular ecosystem since it supports specific plants and animals fit for these brackish environments.
Lake George has had many cycles of filling and drying over its known past. The surrounding area's human activity as well as the natural surroundings have suffered greatly from these swings. A good fishery, the lake supports both leisure and commercial fishing operations when it is full. Water attracts a wide range of bird species, thus the lake is a favorite spot for birdwatchers and a vital habitat for waterbirds.
On the other hand, when Lake George disappears during dry spells, the exposed lakebed becomes increasingly important for the local businesses. Historically, farmers in the area have used periodic dry spells to graze sheep and cattle on the nutrient-dense ground of the ancient lakebed. This adaptive use of the land highlights the inventiveness and fortitude of nearby people in reaction to the erratic character of the lake.
Both local mythology and science have been piqued by Lake George's recurrent disappearance and reappearance. Studying the lake's hydrological dynamics, researchers hope to grasp the intricate interaction of elements controlling its water level. This studies not only clarifies the particular dynamics of Lake George but also advances our knowledge of endorheic basins and their reactions to climate variability.
