Fly River

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Fly
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Aerial view of the Fly River
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Location of the Fly
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Native nameTemplate:Native name checker
Location
CountryPapua New Guinea and Indonesia
Physical characteristics
Template:Infobox river/source
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MouthGulf of Papua
 • location
Papua New Guinea
 • coordinates
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 • elevation
Template:Infobox river/calcunit
LengthTemplate:Infobox river/calcunit
Basin size
Template:Infobox river/calcunit
 • minimumTemplate:Infobox river/calcunit
 • averageTemplate:Infobox river/calcunit
 • maximumTemplate:Infobox river/calcunit
Template:Infobox river/discharge
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Basin features
ProgressionGulf of Papua
River systemFly River
Tributaries 
 • leftPalmer, Elevala, Binge, Agu, Strickland
 • rightGu, Ok Tedi, Soru, Burei, Bituri

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The Fly River is the third longest river on the island of New Guinea, after the Sepik and Mamberamo, with a total length of Template:Cvt. It is the largest by volume of discharge in Oceania, the largest in the world without a single dam in its catchment, and overall the 23rd-largest primary river in the world by discharge volume. It is located in the southwest of Papua New Guinea and in the South Papua province of Indonesia.[5] It rises in the Victor Emanuel Range arm of the Star Mountains, and crosses the south-western lowlands before flowing into the Gulf of Papua in a large delta. The Fly–Strickland River system has a total length of Template:Cvt, making it the longest river system of an island in the world. The Template:Cvt Strickland is the longest and largest tributary of Fly River, making it the farthest distance source of the Fly River.

Description

File:Flyriver.png
NASA blue marble satellite image of the Fly River

The Fly flows mostly through the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and for a small stretch, it forms the international boundary with Indonesia's western New Guinea. This section protrudes slightly to the west of the 141°E longitude line.[6] To compensate for this slight gain in territory for Papua New Guinea, the border south of the Fly River is slightly east of the 141°E longitude line. As part of this deal, Indonesia has the right to use the Fly River to its mouth for navigation.

The principal tributaries of the Fly are the Strickland and the Ok Tedi.

Close to its mouth, the flow of the Fly River encounters a tidal bore, where an incoming high tide pushes water upstream until the tide changes. The range of this tidal bore is still undocumented.[7]

Discharge

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Fly River at Ogwa (period: 1998–2024)[8][9]
Year Average discharge (m3/s)
2024
8,482
2023
5,943
2022
6,522
2021
8,360
2020
6,772
2019
7,390
2018
8,436
2017
9,816
2016
8,078
2015
5,765
2014
6,634
2013
6,276
2012
7,806
2011
6,426
2010
6,114
2009
7,508
2008
7,504
2007
6,684
2006
6,909
2005
5,892
2004
4,426
2003
5,317
2002
5,671
2001
8,415
2000
9,241
1999
9,400
1998
7,374
Fly River average discharge at gauging stations
Year, period Average discharge Ref.
Estuary

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1999–2003 Template:Cvt [10][4]
1993–1997 Template:Cvt [11][12]
1990–2003 Template:Cvt [2][13]
Template:Cvt [1][4]
Template:Cvt [14]
Ogwa

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1998–2021 1Template:Cvt [9][8]
1988–1993 Template:Cvt [15][16]
1992–1993 Template:Cvt [16][4]
1991–1992 Template:Cvt
1990–1991 Template:Cvt
1989–1990 Template:Cvt
1988–1989 Template:Cvt
Template:Cvt [1]
Everill Junction

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1993–1997 Template:Cvt [11]
Template:Cvt [3]
Obo2

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1999–2003 Template:Cvt [10]
1993–1997 Template:Cvt [11][12]
1992–1993 Template:Cvt [16][4]
1991–1992 Template:Cvt
1990–1991 Template:Cvt
1989–1990 Template:Cvt
1988–1989 Template:Cvt
Template:Cvt [3]
Template:Cvt [15][1][4]
Kuambit3

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1992–1993 Template:Cvt [16][4]
1991–1992 Template:Cvt
1990–1991 Template:Cvt
1989–1990 Template:Cvt
1988–1989 Template:Cvt
Template:Cvt [15][4]
Kiunga4

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1992–1993 Template:Cvt [16][4]
1991–1992 Template:Cvt
1990–1991 Template:Cvt
1989–1990 Template:Cvt
1988–1989 Template:Cvt
Template:Cvt [15][4]
Notes:

1 Minimum 2,201 m3/s (2004/11/30), maximum 18,214 m3/s (2024/06/30); 2 Minimum 300 m3/s, maximum 3,500 m3/s; 3 Minimum 120 m3/s, maximum 3,340 m3/s; 4 Minimum 57 m3/s, maximum 1,950 m3/s;

Sediment load:

Station Sediment load

(106 t/year)

Ogwa 81.3–119
Obo 9.1–35
Kuambit 6.3–37
Kiunga 2.6–2.7
Source:[15]

Tributaries

The main tributaries from the mouth:

Left tributary Right tributary Length (km) Basin size (km2) Average discharge (m3/s)
Fly 1,060 73,809.31 6,500
Lower Fly
Segera 457.9 41.4
Bituri 80 2,110.1 78.8
Burei 1,173.6 35.7
Suki Creek (Soru) 60 1,279.2 47.1
Strickland 824 35,058.7 3,600
Middle Fly
Tamu Creek 492 19.7
Kai 435.4 22.3
Agu 1,305.6 81.9
Binge 584.4 53.4
Ok Tedi 207 5,042.1 923
Upper Fly
Wai Dai 280.6 28.4
Elevala 100 1,859.4 196.1
Wok Luap (Palmer) 90 2,314.4 244.4
Gu (Wai Mari) 319.9 45.7
Wok Feneng 387.5 43.8
Wok Wunik 175.7 25.3
Source:[17]

Delta

File:Fly River Map 1876 NLA.jpg
The original survey map created by L.M. D'Albertis in 1876

The delta of the Fly River is over 100 km wide at its entrance, but only 11 km wide at the apex upstream of Kiwai Island. The delta contains three main distributary channels (the Southern, Northern, and Far Northern Entrances) that branch from a common point (the “apex”). The distributary channels are 5 to 15 m in depth, separated by elongate, sand-mud islands that are stabilized by lush mangrove vegetation. The islands are eroded and rebuilt rapidly in the apex area, where they have lateral migration rates of up to 150 m/a, with slower rates for the more seaward islands. Upstream from the apex the river gradually narrows to a width of 1.6 km or less. The Fly Delta exhibits a distinctive funnel shape in plan view, attesting to the fundamental role of tidal currents in shaping the Delta's geomorphology. Mean spring tidal ranges are amplified within the delta, from around 3.5 m at the seaward entrance of the distributary channels, reaching a peak of about 5 m at the delta apex.[18] Seismic profiles and radiometrically dated core samples indicate that the delta is prograding seawards at an average rate of about 6 m/a [19]

The Fly Delta is considered a global "type case" of a tide-dominated delta and the patterns of sedimentation seen in the delta today have been studied by sedimentary geologists as a model for interpreting the ancient rock record.[20]

The river delta is studded with low and swampy islands covered with mangroves and nipa palm, with villages and cultivated areas on these islands. The land on both sides of the estuary is of the same character. The islands in the estuary are flat and covered with thick, fertile alluvial soil. The largest islands are Kiwai Island, Purutu Island, Wabuda Island, Aibinio Island, Mibu Island, and Domori Island. Kiwai, Wabuda, and Domori are inhabited.

A list of the river delta islands is:

  • Dawari Island
  • Wariura Island
  • War Island
  • Kesuguruguru Island
  • Abaura Island
  • Abo Island
  • Boromura Island
  • Ura Island
  • Dogope Island
  • Sumogi Island
  • Sobowada Island
  • Abaurai Island
  • Samari
  • Reginimi Island
  • Dibiri Island
  • Sobuwabuda Island
  • Orope Island
  • Aeginimi Islands
  • Umuda Island
  • Midima Island
  • Domori Island
  • Dubuwaro Island
  • Kuragimini Island
  • Daura Island
  • Kunagimini Islands
File:Fly River Delta-txu-oclc-6552576-sc54-4.jpg
Map of Fly River Delta

The inhabitants of the Fly River delta engage in agriculture and hunting. Coconut palm, breadfruit, plantain, sago palm, and sugar cane are grown.

Fly River turtle

The Fly River turtle, also known as the Pig-nosed turtle due to its odd nose, is notably different from other turtles due to its pig-like nose. The only freshwater turtle to have flippers, the turtle is known to rarely leave water, except in dire circumstances. They are also known to be omnivores who rarely consume meat.

History

The Fly was first discovered by Europeans in 1845 when Francis Blackwood, commanding the corvette HMS Fly, surveyed the western coast of the Gulf of Papua.[21] The river was named after his ship and he proclaimed that it would be possible for a small steam-powered boat to travel up the mighty river.[22]

In 1876, Italian explorer, Luigi D'Albertis, was the first person to successfully attempt this when he travelled 900 km into the interior of New Guinea, in his steamer, Neva. It was the furthest any European explorer had ever been into the island.[22]

Environmental issues

Both the Strickland and the Ok Tedi Rivers have been the source of environmental controversy due to tailings waste from the Porgera Mine and the Ok Tedi Mine, respectively. Sediment sampling and coring in the distributary channels of the Fly Delta had not detected copper concentrations significantly higher than background as of 1994.[23] In 2008, Ian Campbell, a former advisor to Ok Tedi Mining Limited, claimed that company data suggest significant portions of the Fly River floodplain are at a high risk from acid mine drainage.[24]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."IUCN: The Fly River Catchment - A Regional Environmental Assessment". International Union for Conservation of Nature The Department of Environment and Conservation, Papua New Guinea. 1995. Archived from the original on 14 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Andrea, S. Ogston; Richard, W. Sternberg; Charles, A. Nittrouer; D. Preston, Martin; Miguel, A. Goñi; John, S. Crockett (2008). "Sediment delivery from the Fly River tidally dominated delta to the nearshore marine environment and the impact of El Niño". Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 113 (F1) 2006JF000669: 18. Bibcode:2008JGRF..113.1S11O. doi:10.1029/2006JF000669.
  3. ^ a b c d e Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Joseph, Ba Irai (1996). A method of flood runoff estimation in an ungauged catchment (Ok Mani) in the highlands of Papua New Guinea (Thesis). Massey University. p. 35.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.David, Lawrence; Tim, Cansfield-Smith (1990). "Sustainable Development for Traditional Inhabitants of the Torres Strait Region". hdl:11017/211.
  5. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Fragmentation and Flow Regulation of the World's Major River Systems" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2011-08-17.
  6. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Frank Jacobs (March 13, 2012). "Who Bit My Border?". The New York Times.
  7. ^ p.159, Barrie R. Bolton. 2009. The Fly River, Papua New Guinea: Environmental Studies in an Impacted Tropical River System. Elsevier Science. Template:ISBN.
  8. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."The Flood Observatory-70".
  9. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."River Discharge and Reservoir Storage Changes Using Satellite Microwave Radiometry".
  10. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.J. Wesley, Lauer; Gary, Parker; William, E. Dietrich (2008). "Response of the Strickland and Fly River confluence to postglacial sea level rise". Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 113 (F1) 2006JF000626: 22. Bibcode:2008JGRF..113.1S06L. doi:10.1029/2006JF000626.
  11. ^ a b c Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Geoff, Day; William, E. Dietrich; Joel, C. Rowland; Andrew, Marshall (2008). "The depositional web on the floodplain of the Fly River, Papua New Guinea". Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. 113 (F1) 2006JF000622: 19. Bibcode:2008JGRF..113.1S02D. doi:10.1029/2006JF000622.
  12. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Barrie, Bolton (2009). THE FLY RIVER, PAPUA NEW GUINEA: ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN AN IMPACTED TROPICAL RIVER SYSTEM. Elsevier Science. p. 620. ISBN 978-0-444-52964-0.
  13. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Peter, Townsend Harris (1994). "Incised Valleys and Backstepping Deltaic Deposits in a Foreland-Basin Setting, Torres Strait and Gulf of Papua, Australia". Incised-Valley Systems: Origin and Sedimentary Sequences. doi:10.2110/pec.94.12.0097. ISBN 978-1-56576-090-5.
  14. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Ernst, Löffler (1977). Geomorphology of Papua New Guinea (PDF).
  15. ^ a b c d e Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Andrew, Markham; Geoffrey, Day (1994). Sediment transport in the Fly River basin, Papua New Guinea (PDF). pp. 233–239.
  16. ^ a b c d e Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Jörg, Hettler; Bernd, Lehmann (1995). Environmental impact of large-scale mining in Papua New Guinea: Sedimentology and potential mobilization of trace metals from mine-derived material deposited in the Fly River Floodplain (PDF). p. 71.
  17. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Eric, Tilman. "Papua New Guinea".
  18. ^ Harris, P.T., Baker, E.K., Cole, A.R., Short, S.A., 1993. A preliminary study of sedimentation in the tidally dominated Fly River Delta, Gulf of Papua. Continental Shelf Research 13, 441-472.
  19. ^ Harris, P.T., Hughes, M.G., Baker, E.K., Dalrymple, R.W., Keene, J.B., 2004. Sediment transport in distributary channels and its export to the pro-deltaic environment in a tidally-dominated delta: Fly River, Papua New Guinea. Continental Shelf Research 24, 2431-2454.
  20. ^ Dalrymple, R. W., E. K. Baker, P. T. Harris and M. G. Hughes (2003) Sedimentology and stratigraphy of a tide-dominated, foreland-basin delta (Fly River, Papua New Guinea); Tropical Deltas of Southeast Asia and Vicinity - Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Petroleum Geology. F. H. Sidi, H. W. Posamentier, H. Darman, D. Nummedal and P. Imbert. Tulsa, Oklahoma, SEPM Special Publication 76. 76: 147–173.
  21. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Francis Price Blackwood (1809–1854)". Blackwood, Francis Price (1809 - 1854). Australian Dictionary of Biography.
  22. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lightbody, Mark; Wheeler, Tony (1985). Papua New Guinea: a travel survival guide (3 ed.). Lonely Planet. p. 172. ISBN 0-908086-59-8.
  23. ^ Harris, P.T., 2001. Environmental Management of Torres Strait: a Marine Geologist’s Perspective, in: Gostin, V.A. (Ed.), Gondwana to Greenhouse: environmental geoscience - an Australian perspective. Geological Society of Australia Special Publication, Adelaide, pp. 317-328.
  24. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."PNG warned of environmental mining disaster". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2008-09-06. Archived from the original on September 10, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-06.

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