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gilgai


Small water hole, often out on its own: Has that Gill-guy still got water in it?

Contributor's comments: Gilgai, sometime spelled with an 'h', describes a hollow in heavy clay of the 'tableland' variety in NW interior of SA. A gilgai rarely holds water, as it is distinguished by deep fissures in the clay. Experiments to try to fill a gilgai usually fail, as the water disappears down the fissures faster than it can be filled.

Contributor's comments: A natural depression in the ground which becomes a waterhole after good rain: "That back country has some beautiful gilgis tucked in amongst the woodland."

Contributor's comments: Gilgai is in common usage in the Central West of NSW as well. Definition is same.