The Finke River: A Survivor from the Age of Dinosaurs

Australia is home to the world's oldest river, the Finke River.

• Age: 300 to 400 million years old
• Older than dinosaurs!

Flow and Location

The Finke River flows through the Northern Territory and South Australia.

• Not a constant flow
• Series of water holes most of the year due to dry climate

Age Determination

Scientists used various methods to determine its age:

• Rock analysis
• Weather patterns
• Radioactive elements

All signs point to the Devonian or Carboniferous periods.

Unique Characteristics

• Cuts through tough rocks
• Normally, rivers flow around hard rocks
• The Finke flows right through them
• Shows the river was there before the mountains formed

Longevity Factors

Australia's stable landscape has contributed to its longevity.

• Minimal tectonic activity for millions of years
• Allowed the river to develop and grow without major disruptions

Future Uncertainty

Rivers can dry up for many reasons:

• Climate change
• Human water use

As the world gets warmer and drier, rivers like the Finke could be at risk.

If the Finke ever dries up, the New River in the U.S. might take its place as the oldest.

• Age: Approximately 300 million years old