Serpentine Lakes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serpentine Lakes |
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| Location | South Australia and Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 28°43′S 129°7′E / 28.717°S 129.117°E |
| Type | salt lakes |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Max. length | 100 km |
| Surface area | 97 km² |
The Serpentine Lakes are a long chain of salt lakes found in the Great Victoria Desert of Australia. These lakes stretch for about 100 kilometers (62 miles). They run right along the border between South Australia and Western Australia.
When the lakes are completely full, they cover a huge area of 97 square kilometers (37 square miles). Most of this area is inside the Mamungari Conservation Park. This park is a special protected area for nature. The Anne Beadell Highway, a famous outback road, crosses the northern part of the lakes.
Contents
What Are the Serpentine Lakes?
The Serpentine Lakes are a group of salt lakes. This means they are usually dry and covered in a salty crust. They are not like regular lakes with fresh water.
Why Are They Important?
These lakes are considered a very important wetland area. Wetlands are places where water covers the land, or where the soil is always wet. They are vital for many plants and animals.
Ancient Waterways
The Serpentine Lakes are part of an old, inactive drainage system. This system is called a "palaeo-drainage system." Think of it as a very old river system that no longer flows. It was active during the Paleozoic era, which was millions of years ago.
What is a Palaeo-Drainage System?
A palaeo-drainage system is like a ghost river. It's a path where water used to flow a very long time ago. Today, these old channels are often dry. They might be covered by dunes, which are hills of sand.
What is the Lake Surface Like?
The surface of the Serpentine Lakes is usually dry. It is made up of clay, silt, and sand. A thick, salty crust covers everything. This crust forms when salty water evaporates and leaves the salt behind.
What is the Sediment?
The material at the bottom of the lakes is mostly quartz arenite. This is a type of sand that is very rich in quartz. It shows how old and stable the area is.
Interesting Discoveries
Scientists have found special rocks called Tektites in these lakes. Tektites are small, glassy objects. They form when a large meteorite hits the Earth. The impact melts the ground, and the molten rock flies into the air. It then cools and hardens into these unique shapes.
What Are Tektites Made Of?
The tektites found in the Serpentine Lakes have a lot of magnesium. This makes them special and helps scientists study past meteorite impacts.
