Ancient river courses found below Simpson Desert

Researchers have found ancient river systems in the 

Central Australian desert. (Michael Hutchinson)

Researchers have uncovered the courses of ancient river systems under the Simpson Desert in Central Australia.

Professor Mike Hutchinson from the Australian National University says the systems are approximately 50 million years old and about 35 metres below the surface.
He says the discovery of the ancient systems could be used to find mineral deposits and water sources.
"It helps you to understand the modern landscape and to see where you have remaining vegetation here and there.
"Because the place is not a total desert out there there's certain vegetation here and there.
"It lines up along these ancient drainage lines where there's a certain amount of moisture still down there."