| LOCATION |
| Map |
Show Map
|
| Address |
ARKAROOLA |
| Locality |
|
| Accuracy |
L - low level confidence |
| Council Area |
Land Not Within a Council Area (Flinders) |
| Polygon Type |
S - parcel that has been split (because it has more than one heritage item on it |
| DESCRIPTION |
| Details (Known As) |
Paralana Hot Springs, Arkaroola Pastoral Station [Designated place of geological significance] |
| Registered Name |
Paralana Hot Springs |
| Significance |
The Paralana Hot Springs lie on a splinter of the major Paralana Fault. The springs are a rare example of radioactive, hydrothermal hot springs heated without a magma source. Research has suggested the likely sources of heat and radioactivity, however, several questions still remain around many aspects of the waters and the geological interpretation of the Paralana Hot Springs. Being the only remaining hot springs along the Paralana Fault and in the northern Flinders Ranges, it is a rare research resource. There is exceptional opportunity to study the geology, chemistry and hydrogeology of the place and the effect on the
surrounding landscape. The place has continued to present research opportunities that make it a highly significant destination by local, national and international researchers. Note: research undertaken since listing has identified extremophile bacteria present in the water. These organisms are of particular interest for yielding information regarding the origin of life on earth and expected life forms in similar environments on Mars. While not a part of the significance identified at the time of listing it has been recognised as a part of the significance for Arkaroola (SHP 26404), Paralana Hot Springs is predominantly located within this larger State Heritage Place.
STATEMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Paralana Hot Springs are the only remaining hot springs present in the Northern Flinders Ranges and one of few active radon hot springs in the world. It is suggested that the radioactive waters of the hot springs are heated by the radiogenic decay of uranium-rich granitic rocks at depth, rather than volcanic activity responsible for most hydrothermal/epithermal hot springs. The springs have been an area of interest for geologists for nearly a century, seeking to better understand the source of water, the chemistry of the hot springs and the effect on, and contribution to, the immediate geology. It is believed that the springs' hydrothermal activity has precipitated and altered rocks in the vicinity, surrounding geology and within the fault zone. Designation date: 10-APR-1997 |
| Subject Index |
Landscape area - Geological Site; Utilities - Spring |
| Class |
State |
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|
| STATUS |
| Status Code |
REG - Confirmed as a State Heritage Place in the SA Heritage Register |
| Status Date |
09-OCT-1997 |
| REFERENCE |
| LGA |
Unincorporated SA |
| State Heritage ID |
14815 |
| Heritage Number |
85 |
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| SECTION 16 INFORMATION |
| Section 16 |
b - it has rare, uncommon or endangered qualities that are of cultural significance
c - it may yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the State's history, including its natural history
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| PLAN PARCEL & TITLE |
| As listed in the SA Heritage Register |
| Plan Parcel & Title Information |
CL 6213/698 F254027 A101 |