A suite new way to look below the surface
For the first time, the Bureau’s Groundwater Information Suite gives decision-makers easy access to comprehensive, nationally consistent information about groundwater in Australia.
Groundwater is a major source of water for agriculture, industry and many urban and rural communities—in some places it’s the only water available. It also sustains many rivers and wetlands during dry periods.
But how much do we know about it? With a strong El Niño in play and the possibility of drought ahead, we need high quality information to manage this important source of water.
‘A national perspective on groundwater has been challenging in the past but it’s now possible thanks to the Bureau’s suite of groundwater information’ says Graham Hawke, Deputy Director of Environment and Research.
The suite offers a valuable range of tools for resource managers, property owners, policymakers, consultants, researchers, scientists and the wider community.
The suite offers a valuable range of tools for resource managers, property owners, policymakers, consultants, researchers, scientists and the wider community.
Australian Groundwater Insight is a new mobile-friendly map portal designed for non-technical users showing hydrogeological information along with information about licences, entitlements and groundwater levels trends and status.
With the updated Australian Groundwater Explorer’s interactive maps, technical experts can explore the national dataset of information on water level, salinity, bore logs and aquifers.
Specialists in geographic information systems who need the full dataset can request access to the National Groundwater Information System, a database of spatial information on more than 800 000 bores and their attributes, plus logs on their lithography, construction and hydrostratigraphy.
The Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Atlas presents detailed ecological and hydrogeological information about important ecosystems that rely on groundwater, making it a valuable reference for experts in government, research and industry.
The Groundwater Information Suite is the result of close collaboration between the Bureau, State and Territory governments, and other Commonwealth agencies.
Find the full Groundwater Information Suite at www.bom.gov.au/water/groundwater
For more information write to groundwater@bom.gov.au
Original article posted on the Bureau of Meteorology website, November 2015 (Link)
