Blyth River (Northern Territory) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blyth |
|
|---|---|
 Location of the Blyth River mouth in the Northern Territory
|
|
| Country | Australia |
| Territory | Northern Territory |
| Region | Arnhem Land |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Arnhem Land, Australia 194 m (636 ft) |
| River mouth | Boucaut Bay, Timor Sea, Australia 0 m (0 ft) 12°8′45″S 134°35′20″E / 12.14583°S 134.58889°E |
| Length | 175 km (109 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 9,219 km2 (3,559 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
|
The Blyth River is a river located in the Northern Territory, Australia. It flows through a part of Australia known as Arnhem Land.
Contents
About the Blyth River
The Blyth River starts its journey east of a place called Shadforth Hills. It flows mostly north through areas where not many people live. It passes by a small community called Gamardi. Finally, the river empties into Boucaut Bay.
River Size and Surroundings
The area of land that collects water for the Blyth River is huge. It covers about 9,219 square kilometers (3,559 square miles). This area is called a river catchment. The Blyth River catchment is located between other big river systems. To its west is the Liverpool River, to its east is the Goyder River, and to its south is the Roper River.
Every year, a lot of water flows out of the Blyth River. This amount is about 1,860 gigalitres. That's enough water to fill 744,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
Floodplains and Estuary
Near where the river meets the sea, there are large flat areas called the Cadell and Blyth Floodplains. These floodplains cover about 432 square kilometers (167 square miles).
The part of the river where it meets the ocean is called an estuary. Here, the river water mixes with salty ocean water. The Blyth River's estuary is very natural and clean. It is also affected by the ocean's tides.
History of the River
The Blyth River got its name in 1867. An explorer named Francis Cadell named it after Arthur Blyth. Arthur Blyth was an important leader in Australia at the time. He was the Premier of South Australia. A Premier is like a state governor or chief minister.
Later, in 1883, another explorer named David Lindsay explored and mapped the river. He did this during his trip through Arnhem Land.
Animals in the River
The Blyth River is home to many different kinds of fish. You can find a variety of species living in its waters. Some of the fish found here include:
- Sailfin Glassfish
- Macleay's Glassfish
- Barred Grunter
- Fly-specked Hardyhead
- Pennyfish
- Goby
- Flathead Goby
- Giant Gudgeon
- Empire Gudgeon
- Threadfin Rainbowfish
- Barramundi
- Diamond Mullet
- Rainbowfish
- Western Rainbowfish
- Black-banded Rainbowfish
- Chequered Rainbowfish
- Bony Bream
- Black Catfish
- Rendahl's Catfish
- Seven-spot Archerfish
