Hydrology
Anangu consider that all water sources in the Park are caused by or have an association with the Tjukurpa. Knowledge of the location and temporal availability of water sources has always been an essential component of Anangu ability to survive when travelling through country.
Surface Hydrology
The Mutitjulu waterhole at the base of Uluru is regarded as the only perennial water source. After heavy rains surface water may be present for varying periods in the waterholes and drainage lines associated with the gorges of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and the claypans and depressions associated with the mulga communities in the Park. Rainfall in the arid zone is usually low, highly unpredictable and highly variable. Major rainfalls are rare and very important hydrologically and ecologically in recharging the groundwater systems and eliciting a massive pulse of life through the ecosystems. Any disruption to flows can result in adverse effects on soils and vegetation in these areas.
Subsurface Hydrology
Groundwater is the only reliable water supply in the region. There are two main aquifer systems. The Dune Plains Aquifer, from which the Yulara Resort draws its water supply and the Southern Aquifer that is the water supply for Mutitjulu Community and the Park.
The Dune Plains Aquifer is related to an ancient buried palaeodrainage line or palaeoriver that at its maximum was about 60 metres deep, emanating from the Kata Tjuta area. Recharge of the Dune Plains Aquifer is associated with rare major rainfalls such as those in 1974, 1989 and 1999-2000.
The Southern Aquifer is quite distinct from the Dune Plains Aquifer and groundwater levels are directly influenced by rainwater runoff from Uluru.
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