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Except for a small part of Western Australia Australia this year experienced a rain deluge to eclipse all previous records. Everywhere you see a velvet green carpet instead of the usual brown paddocks.
The hopes of farmers were raised early on the expectation for the best harvest ever as a respite from a decade’s long drought. Early optimism is now threatened by simply too much rain preventing harvesting due to widespread flooding. Others unable to spray to repel the expected locusts plague attacks (once the weather finally clears ) may also have their hopes dashed. But despite these setbacks many will rejoice over the rich pastures with abundant fodder for stock or in the dry farming regions which this year promise record yields.
The really good environmental news is the floodwaters have entered and flushed out the mouth of the mighty Murray River ( Australia's largest river system )to restore the ecology of the Coorang. Previously the Coorong dependant for its biological existence on periodic washing from the sea mouth was facing slow strangulation as the mouth remained permanently blocked due to insufficient water flow as too much was taken out for irrigation during the long drought.
But if you would like to view natures ability to renew itself and to work miracles this inspirational story of Lake Eyre with amazing scenery is worth seeing by clicking on the link above. I think you will be suitably impressed with both the scenery and the story.
Finally a joyous season to everyone.
7 comments:
I'm so glad you posted the video clip about Lake Eyre. It was wonderful seeing all of it but most especially that part near the end when they showed what it's like when the lake is calm and perfectly reflective. Amazing and very beautiful.
Thanks, Lindsay. I wish you all the best for Christmas and a peaceful New Year for all.
this film is breathtaking. and eye opening. what a land of extremes, your Oz! now, more than ever, i want to see it in person. Christmas blessings, dear bean counter.
Where there was drought, now there is flood. Today I just heard about all the people who've been stranded by it and hope you haven't been affected.
I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year.
Wonderful clip, Lindsay.
Wishing you all the best for the new year.
Hi Susan, Granny F, & Nova
Thanks for your comments and all the best to you for the New Year.
As an update to the severe flooding cnfined mainly to Southern Old you may have gathered by now rising floodwaters have reached almost biblical proportions to devastate an area more than the combined area of France and Belgium. So far over 200, 000 people are directly affected in 21 towns and cities which have had to be completely evacuated to make way for the ever rising floodwaters with still much worse to come. Lives have been lost and so far over 20,000 homes and huge areas of farmland destroyed expected to top 3 billion dollars in cost. Australia as a consequence will experience an ongoing reduction in exports and suffer much higher fresh fruit and vegetables prices this year.
Best wishes
Odd how the grasses and trees of the desert look familiar to me. I'm sure they're different species, but the overall build of them is much the same.
Looks like home to me.
Hi Mercutio,
Certainly the grasses and plant life would have the same charectoristics of super efficiency in moisture retention and to be able to germinate quickly following a rare soaking. But within our vast desert areas you not only see the classic landscapes of bare shifting sands, but mountain ranges, grasslands, woodlands, scrublands rivers and huge salt lakes all of which would seem familiar. Australia’s deserts are very hot as temperatures rise above 50 C (124 F) and the average rainfall is less than 250mm (9inches) per year. Average humidity or moisture in the air is between 10 and 20 per cent. The red coloring however is as a consequence of oxidation similar to what is present in south-eastern USA.
Best wishes
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