Welcome to our ‘Quick Facts’ series! In this new series, we are spotlighting remarkable places on our planet while deepening our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. This time, we’ll focus on lake Eyre.

Ephemeral lakes are temporary water bodies with very dynamic water levels influenced by inflows, precipitation, and evaporation. They appear only when the conditions are right.

Kati Thanda’s transformation after rare rains

Lake Eyre also known as Kati Thanda is one such endorheic basin with Flood‑to‑Dry Cycle and according to Guiness book of world records, the largest ephemeral lake. Most years, Kati Thanda lies as a vast, gleaming salt pan, the lowest natural point on the Australian continent at about 15 meters below sea level. But during rare periods of heavy rainfall in its distant catchments, it transforms into a shimmering inland sea.

Water Extent calculated by EOMAP using Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery.

Heavy rains in Queensland in early 2025 sent major inflows toward the basin leading to one of the more significant flood events of the 21st century, though not filling up the lake completely.
The image below the Water Extent of 2438 km² calculated by EOMAP using Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery.

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Learn more about integrated water quality monitoring here.

For hands-on insights on your lake, please contact the water quality team.