South Australia
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DTE
Context: Southern Australia, including South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, is facing one of the worst droughts in decades, raising alarm about the region’s climate vulnerability and water security.
About South Australia:
• Located in south-central Australia.
• Borders: Western Australia (west), Northern Territory (north), Queensland (northeast), New South Wales & Victoria (east).
• Southern coastline faces the Great Australian Bight (Southern Ocean).
• Capital: Adelaide.
• Key Features of South Australia:
• Geographic Profile: Covers an area of 983,482 sq. km (approx. one-eighth of Australia). Mostly flat plains and deserts, with over 80% of land <300m above sea level. Highest point: Mount Woodroffe (1,435 m) in the Musgrave Ranges.
• Covers an area of 983,482 sq. km (approx. one-eighth of Australia).
• Mostly flat plains and deserts, with over 80% of land <300m above sea level.
• Highest point: Mount Woodroffe (1,435 m) in the Musgrave Ranges.
• Water Resources: Murray River is the only major perennial river, vital for drinking and irrigation. Major water supply: Pipelines from Murray River & Desalination Plants. The Great Artesian Basin supports remote pastoral and mining operations.
• Murray River is the only major perennial river, vital for drinking and irrigation.
• Major water supply: Pipelines from Murray River & Desalination Plants.
• The Great Artesian Basin supports remote pastoral and mining operations.
• Climate: Driest state in Australia. Southern parts have a Mediterranean climate – wet winters, dry summers. Prone to droughts and bushfires, particularly in summer months. Temperature extremes due to contrasting air masses from inland and ocean.
• Driest state in Australia.
• Southern parts have a Mediterranean climate – wet winters, dry summers.
• Prone to droughts and bushfires, particularly in summer months.
• Temperature extremes due to contrasting air masses from inland and ocean.
• Natural Resources: Features include Lake Eyre (below sea level), Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island, and Flinders Ranges. Rich in minerals, particularly uranium, copper, and gold — Olympic Dam is a major mining hub.
• Features include Lake Eyre (below sea level), Mount Lofty Ranges, Kangaroo Island, and Flinders Ranges.
• Rich in minerals, particularly uranium, copper, and gold — Olympic Dam is a major mining hub.