Researchers have determined that the Finke River in Australia is the oldest river on Earth. Experts estimate its age to be between 300 and 400 million years old, MIR24 reports.

The 640-kilometer-long river flows through Northern and Southern Australia as a network of streams and canals. Due to frequent droughts, the river dries up and exists as a chain of isolated bodies of water for most of the year.

To determine the river's age, scientists analyzed geological data, weathering profiles, and radionuclide content in surrounding sediments and rocks. The study's results indicate that the river originated in the Devonian period (419-359 million years ago) or the Carboniferous period (359-299 million years ago).

One of the key pieces of evidence for the Finke River's antiquity is a geological anomaly—cross-axial drainage. The river flows across solid rock formations, such as quartzite, instead of parallel to them. Experts note that water currents typically choose the easiest path, so this flow direction indicates that the riverbed formed before the deposition of dense sediments.

The MacDonnell Ranges, through which the river flows, formed 300-400 million years ago. This suggests that the Finke River is the same age as or older than them.

Researchers attribute the river's longevity to the region's tectonic stability and the absence of glaciation during the Oligocene. The Finke Plateau has not experienced significant tectonic activity for 100 million years, allowing the river system to develop throughout most of its history.

According to Live Science, the Finke River is currently threatened by droughts and human overuse of its water resources.