Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- Porous media flow in the Great Artesian Basin
- In
- ATSE focus
- Imprint
- vol. 114, Nov/Dec 2000
- Abstract
In two recent ATSE Focus articles an alternative theory of the groundwater hydraulics of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) aquifer has been presented by Emeritus Professor L Endersbee. As an employee of WMC Resources (a significant stakeholder in Basin management), I am reluctant to raise these issues, since my standpoint could be construed as less than completely objective. Notwithstanding this, WMC Resource's experience with water supplies from the South Australian sector of the Basin provides substantial evidence to this debate, and is therefore worthy of presentation.
Professor Endersbee's theory is primarily based on an analogy between geotechnical properties of Triassic sediments of Eastern Australia, with Jurassic Sandstones of the GAB. From that analogy, the theory is developed on the assumptions that the aquifer is a fractured rather than porous medium and that there is zero recharge to the Basin. The conclusion is that groundwater yield from bores is controlled by irreversible ductile relaxation of the fractures tapped by the bore under reduced hydraulic head.
In general the theory's assumptions are at odds with the observed features and measured parameters of the rocks which comprise the aquifer and the conclusion is not supported by monitoring results.
Related Published resources
isBasisFor
- Endersbee, L. A., 'Author's response to discussions of two papers ... in July-Aug 1999 issue of ATSE Focus', ATSE focus, 114 (2000), 22-28. Details
isReviewOf
- Endersbee, L. A., 'Reservoirs in Naturally Fractured Rock', ATSE focus, 111 (2000). Details