Largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, located in Australia and measuring around 1,711,000 square kilometres (661,000 sq mi). It covers most of Queensland, the south-east corner of the Northern Territory, northeastern South Australia, and northern New South Wales.

Type of confined aquifer containing groundwater under positive pressure.

Natural, isolated, relict artesian springs found in arid, outback Queensland and South Australia. Water stored in deep aquifers seeps to the surface through fault lines in the rock, and the sediments and salts within the spring water form elevated mounds as it evaporates.

Most such springs support marginal plant growth that help stabilise the sediment and provide shelter for animals. In South Australia mound springs form an arc of about 400km along the south-western edge of the Great Artesian Basin, although many have disappeared in the last 100 years as a result of water extraction.

‘The Bubbler’ mound spring in the Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park, South Australia. © Brian Goodridge

Involving, relating to, or supplied by the upward movement of water under hydrostatic pressure in rocks or unconsolidated material beneath the earth’s surface.

Undergoing accelerated sexual maturation, often with associated retention of juvenile features in adults.

The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.

Steroid hormone released by the cortex (outer portion) of the adrenal gland as a response to stress.

Of, relating to, or denoting glands that secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood: ‘the endocrine system’.

Chemical or biological agent, environmental condition, external stimulus or event that causes stress to an organism.

Type of lowland stream found in South American savannas with riparian forest dominated by the moriche palm (Mauritia flexuosa). Often subject to seasonal flooding.