Now this is interesting. A CSIRO research team has spent nine days working on Tasmania's Lake St Clair, and they have finally answered a question that has puzzled visitors and scientists for decades, namely how deep the lake is.
Although it has long been known that Lake St Clair is the deepest lake in Australia and even deeper than the Bass Strait, much of its underwater landscape has remained a mystery. Until recently, estimates of its maximum depth varied widely, with some people suggesting it might reach as far down as two hundred and fifteen metres.
The lake sits at the end of the world renowned Overland Track, a multi day hiking route through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which draws walkers from around the world. The uncertainty around its depth only added to its sense of natural wonder.
According to hydrographic surveyor Augustin Deplante, the teams advanced mapping technology allowed them to view the lake floor as though the entire body of water had been drained, giving them a clear sense of its true structure.
Deplante explained that he had long wanted to discover the lakes deepest point and to clarify the many conflicting figures that had circulated over the years. The surveys revealed that the lake plunges to 165m.
This point lies towards the southern area on the western side, in a corner shaped by ancient glacial forces. Using multibeam sonar and LIDAR instruments mounted on the CSIRO vessel RV South Cape, the team created a three dimensional map that provides the most detailed view of the lake bed ever produced.
Read the full story here and watch the SBS video below.