Why is Australia the driest continent on earth? Why is Australia the hottest and driest continent?
There are 6 continents on our planet, each of which is completely different from all the others. For example, Eurasia is characterized by diversity climatic conditions, Antarctica is the coldest, and Africa, on the contrary, the hottest continent. The wettest is considered South America, but the driest continent on Earth is Australia.
The uniqueness of the continent
Australia is rightly called a unique continent. It is the smallest in size and is completely located in Southern Hemisphere planets. On its territory you can find great amount endemic plants and animals. Large areas of Australia are occupied by deserts.
This is the only continent in the world that is completely occupied by one state with the same name. It has the lowest population density, which is only 1 person per 1 square km. The east and southwest of the Australian continent are mainly populated, which is due to unfavorable conditions for residence in other territories.
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Causes of dry climate
Why is Australia the driest continent? The fact is that the continent is dominated by tropical climate. A significant part of the continent is exposed to dry tropical masses throughout the year, so precipitation is extremely rare here. High temperatures always form over the tropics. atmospheric pressure, under the influence of which the air falls down, becoming dry. As a result of this, it is always clear here and there is practically no precipitation.
Over a large area of the continent, less than 250 mm of precipitation falls throughout the year. If compared with the European climate, this is several times less. However, the Australian climate is much warmer, so the air here is much drier than in Europe. In some regions of Australia, the air temperature is dry periods, can reach +60 degrees.
The currents of the ocean that surround the continent are located in such a way that they are capable of drying it out even more, taking on the flows humid air. In most cases, winds blow not from the ocean coast, but from the desert, carrying with them dry and hot air. Because of this, droughts often occur on the mainland.
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Scientists identify another reason for the high dryness of Australia - the mountains that are located in the eastern part of the continent. The continent is dominated by trade winds that blow from the tropics towards the equator. Heading from the Pacific region to the mainland, the winds encounter an obstacle in the form of mountains, so when they rise up their slopes, they fall as rain on the coast from the eastern part of the mainland. And the air that does penetrate deep into the continent turns out to be dried out and cannot produce precipitation.
What does a dry climate lead to?
Due to the fact that in most of Australia the air is dry, large areas here are occupied by deserts and semi-deserts, including the Gibson, Victoria, etc. deserts. They occupy central part continent and the Western Australian Tablelands. From the western, eastern and northern parts, the deserts are surrounded by savannas.
In the area where Lake Eyre, nicknamed the “dead heart of the continent”, is located, relative humidity never exceeds 20-30%, and the amount of precipitation per year does not exceed 125 mm.
At the same time, about 1500-2000 mm of precipitation falls in the northern part of the continent. Mostly rainy season falls on summer time. The air temperature during this period averages 20 degrees, while during the dry season it can exceed 30 degrees even at night.
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There are very few rivers and other natural bodies of water in Australia and they mostly originate in the Great Dividing Range area. The Murray River and its Darling tributary are the largest water arteries continent. In the northern regions of the mainland, where it predominates subequatorial climate, there is also a little small rivers, which dry out completely during dry seasons.
Animal and plant life
To survive in such conditions, representatives of flora and fauna had to adapt. For example, eucalyptus has dense leaves for this purpose, which turn towards the sun only with an edge, which helps to avoid excessive evaporation of moisture. And ten-meter roots, capable of penetrating deep into the earth, help them get water. Eucalyptus leaves contain a lot essential oils, because of which the thickets of these plants are very susceptible to fires, which is not surprising for a place with such high temperature and low humidity.
On desert areas acacias, spinifex, quinoa grow, and the prickly pear cactus brought to the continent grew very quickly, becoming a real weed.
Australia is home to many species of birds, insects and reptiles. Among desert inhabitants, the Moloch lizard is unique. The top of her body is completely covered with thorns and growths. A special feature of this reptile is its ability to absorb moisture through its skin.
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IN northern regions continent's vegetable and animal world more diverse. The local forests are home to koalas, platypuses, different kinds parrots, echidnas, wombats and kangaroos.
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Agriculture in Australia is developed only in the northern part of the continent, where there are all conditions for this. Savannas are used by people for grazing livestock.
Culture
Australia – amazing country. When in most of the world snowing, Australians bask on sunny beaches. The most unique and deadly animals live here, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Name Australia from Latin "Terra Australis Incognita", which means "Unknown southern land" appeared during the reign of the Roman Empire.
Australia consists from 6 states: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. In addition, there are two main mainland territories: Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, as well as a number of fairly independent islands.
The capital of Australia is Canberra, most Big City domestically and the 8th largest in Australia.
Geography of Australia
1. Australia – most big Island And most small continent in the world.
2. Australia – driest inhabited continent on Earth, the driest is Antarctica.
One third of Australia is desert, the rest is also quite arid.
3. In Australian Snowy mountains falls annually more snow than in the Swiss Alps.
4. Australia is the only one a continent without an active volcano.
Animals of Australia
5. 6 out of 10 most poisonous species snake in the world live in Australia. Australian cruel snake or coastal taipan- the most poisonous snake in the world. The poison from one bite can kill 100 people.
6. More than 750,000 monohumps roam the Australian deserts wild camels. This is one of the largest herds on Earth.
7. Kangaroo and emu were chosen as symbols of the Australian coat of arms, since they, unlike most animals, are rarely seen moving backwards.
8. The longest living structure in the world - the Great Barrier Reef also located in Australia. Its length is 2600 km. By the way, the Great Barrier Reef even has its own mailbox.
9. Lives in Australia 3.3 times more sheep than people.
10. Wombat excrement – marsupials of Australia, have the shape of a cube.
11. Male koalas living in Australia have a forked penis, and females have two vaginas and two uteruses.
12. Koalas and humans are the only animals in the world that have unique fingerprints. Koala fingerprints are almost indistinguishable from human fingerprints..
13. The most close-up view earthworms on the ground Megascolide australis reaches a length of 1.2 meters.
Population of Australia
14. Population density in Australia is calculated in square kilometers per person, rather than in people per square kilometer as in other countries.
Here is one of the most low levels world population density, which is 3 people per kV. km. The average population density in the world is 45 people per kW. km.
15. More than 20 percent of Australians were born in another country.
Australia is an incredible country where you can see and photograph a huge number of sights, natural wonders and exotic animals.
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is seen as one of the brightest examples modern architecture. The unique "shells" have also become an iconic symbol of the continent.
Sydney Harbor Bridge
This is the largest bridge in Sydney and one of the largest bridges of its type on the entire planet. One of its largest towers houses a museum as well as an impressive observation deck. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from this site.
"The Twelve Apostles"
These massive rocks are located in national park Port Campbell in Victoria.
Australian miracle - horizontal waterfalls
Australia is known for its amazing waterfalls. Among them are the incredibly beautiful Russell Falls, as well as the multi-tiered Mitchell Falls. But not everyone knows about the unique phenomenon of Australia - horizontal waterfalls. They can be seen in Talbot Bay, where there are two parallel ridges located approximately 300 meters apart. And between them, tidal waves push a huge amount of water, which is what creates these permanent horizontal waterfalls.
Land of the Kangaroos
Children and adults will enjoy visiting this place greatly. Nature reserves and national parks occupy a third of the continent's territory. Among the high cliffs and green valleys you can find lizards, koalas, platypuses, little penguins, barn owls and, of course, kangaroos. You can also watch dolphins and seals frolic in the ocean.
Nitmiluk National Park Katherine Gorge Cruise
You can admire not only magnificent views, but also the life of local animals. Wallabies jump near tourist tents, flying foxes do what gave them their name - fly, and somewhere in the distance dingoes howl. And amazing adventures await you here - take a cruise through Katherine Gorge or hike to Butterfly Gorge.
Uluru
It's hard to believe, but scientists claim that Uluru is 680 million years old. This rock of an unusual orange-brown color is located in the center of the continent. Its length is 3.5 kilometers, width is about 3.2 kilometers, and height is 348 meters. This attraction has many caves in which you can find ancient rock paintings. Tourists can also see how local residents perform their rituals here.
Hillier and Mackenzie - magical lakes
Lake Mackenzie is very beautiful and is considered one of the cleanest in the world. Another famous lake is Hillier. At the very beginning of the last century, it was a source of salt for six years. During a specialized project, scientists discovered that the microalgae Dunaliella salina is the reason why this lake is colored in an unusual and enchanting pink color.
The beauty of South Australia
The largest city in this region is Adelaide. South Australia is known for its incredible grapes and beautiful scenery. Here you can relax on the sun-drenched Genelg beach, taste delicious seafood and taste wonderful wines such as chardonnay, cabernet and pinot noir.
Meeting with the indigenous people
Culture Australian Aboriginals is the oldest continuous culture on Earth that has managed to preserve its ethnicity. There are about 250 language groups and more than 700 dialects in this country. Old local legends tell of a "dreamtime" which is reflected in stories, crafts, dances and songs. The most famous and important character in local mythology is the Rainbow Serpent.
Sydney Aquarium
You will need 3-4 hours to explore this huge aquarium. It is divided into several thematic zones: “ Northern rivers», « Southern Rivers", "Great Barrier Reef" and " South ocean" There are three giant aquariums, 27 large demonstration tanks and 23 aquariums. The variety of the exhibition is simply fantastic. Bright fish crocodiles swimming between corals, sea turtles, seals and so on. People, fascinated by it all, walk through glass tunnels while toothy sharks swim past them.
Horseback riding on Rainbow Beach
Tourists can enjoy wonderful horseback riding along the white sandy beaches, taste wine and delicacies.
Valley of the Giants in Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Here you can walk above the treetops along a special passage located forty meters above the ground. From here you will have an unforgettable view of trees that are more than four hundred years old.
Golden Sands of Australia, The Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert is a special place in Nambung National Park. Thousands of limestone pillars rise above the yellow sand dunes. So far, scientists have not been able to unravel the mystery of this place. They believe that these pillars were created by nature. It is also worth noting that wildflowers bloom here between August and October.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are so called because there is always a blue haze hovering over them, which is a consequence of the release of oil from eucalyptus trees. The territory is cut by canyons and gorges up to 760 meters deep. And deep in the woods, there is a giant, mysterious staircase that you can take to Jemison Valley.
Great Ocean Road
Have you always dreamed of driving along the Pacific coast? You can make your dream come true on the Great Ocean Road. It is located in the state of Victoria and its length is 243 kilometers. The scenic highway follows the coast for almost its entire length, but sometimes moves inland, where you can enjoy vineyards and tropical forests. By the way, the speed limit on the highway is 80 kilometers per hour.
Australian zoos
IN famous zoo Taronga is home to more than 340 species of animals. You can get there by ferry from the city center. There are also other zoos in Australia - Perth Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Gillsville Sanctuary (for Australian animals only) in Victoria, Adelaide Zoo and so on. But watching animals in their natural environment habitat, of course, is a much more impressive activity.
Vivid Sydney Festival
Vivid Sydney is a light festival that takes place in Sydney at the start of winter. Have you forgotten that winter in Australia begins in June?
Camel rides along Cable Beach
Here you can enjoy camel rides, visit the Argyll Diamond Mine and view King George Falls and the Mitchell Plateau from a helicopter.
Great Barrier Reef
Big Barrier Reef is a system of 2,900 individual coral reefs and 900 islands located in the Coral Sea.
Wonderful inhabitants of the continent
The fauna of Australia is incredibly diverse - more than two hundred thousand species of animals live here.
Why is Australia the hottest and driest continent? The work was completed by 7th grade students Alexey Obukhov and Oleg Rumyantsev.
Objectives of the study: n n n To study the climate of Australia. Prove that Australia is the driest continent. Explain why Australia is the hottest and driest continent.
Australian joke One day, raindrops fell on an Australian farmer's forehead and he fainted in surprise. His relatives tried to revive him by spraying him on his face. cold water, but unsuccessfully. And finally, one of them guessed and threw two buckets of dust in the unfortunate man’s face. And the farmer immediately came to his senses. It's an Australian joke. It reflected important climatic features this continent.
Climatic zones of Australia n n Australia lies in three climatic zones: subequatorial, tropical, subtropical Large area occupies tropical climate zone.
Climate indicators Average monthly temperature July ranges from +16 to 24 degrees C. The average monthly temperature in January ranges from +24 to 32 degrees C. Average annual quantity precipitation - from 250 to 500 mm.
The weather in Australia is conducive to travel all year round. The hottest time of the year: November-January, at this time from +25 C to +32 C. Relatively cold in June-August, the temperature rises no higher than +1518 C, and sometimes drops to 0 C. winter time rains frequently. May-August perfect time for the trip, September-December - peak season
Australia is the most hot mainland Australia is the hottest continent on Earth. In dry areas inland, temperatures rise to 30 degrees Celsius. The record high to which the thermometer rose was 53 degrees. The hottest time of the year is from November to January, at this time throughout the country the temperature ranges from +20 C to +32 C, and in central regions can reach up to +38 -42 C. Moreover, already 1.5 - 2 hours after sunset, the temperature can drop by 10 -12 C.
Why is Australia the driest continent? n n n Most of it lies in tropical zone. Over a significant part of the continent, precipitation falls only from 250 to 500 mm per year, and in the central part less than 250 mm per year. Almost half of the continent is occupied by the zone tropical deserts. There are very few rivers, and even then almost all dry up. There are few lakes, mostly salty.
Meaning Australian joke n n An Australian fainted from a few drops of water because the rain - a rare event for most of Australia. The Australian came to his senses from the splashed buckets of dust, because this is familiar to him, since on larger territory winds blow across the continent, carrying sand.
Conclusion Having analyzed climate maps Australia, having studied the climate of the continent based on various sources, we can conclude that Australia is the hottest and driest continent
Resources: n n n O. V. Krylova “Lessons of Geography” Atlas on the geography of continents and oceans. Great encyclopedia Cyril and Methodius Internet resources. Korinskaya, Schenev, Dushina “Geography of continents and oceans”
Objectives of the study: To study the climate of Australia. Study the climate of Australia. Prove that Australia is the driest continent. Prove that Australia is the driest continent. Explain why Australia is the hottest and driest continent. Explain why Australia is the hottest and driest continent.
Australian joke One day, raindrops fell on an Australian farmer's forehead and he fainted in surprise. Relatives tried to revive him by splashing cold water on his face, but to no avail. And finally, one of them guessed and threw two buckets of dust in the unfortunate man’s face. And the farmer immediately came to his senses. It's an Australian joke. It reflected the important climatic features of this continent. One day, raindrops fell on an Australian farmer's forehead and he fainted in surprise. Relatives tried to revive him by splashing cold water on his face, but to no avail. And finally, one of them guessed and threw two buckets of dust into the unfortunate man’s face. And the farmer immediately came to his senses. It's an Australian joke. It reflected the important climatic features of this continent.
Climatic zones of Australia Australia lies in three climatic zones: Australia lies in three climatic zones: subequatorial, subequatorial, tropical, tropical, subtropical subtropical. A large area is occupied by the tropical climate zone. The tropical climate zone occupies a large area.
East Coast continental falls here greatest number precipitation, as the trade winds bring air masses With Pacific Ocean saturated with moisture. The greatest amount of precipitation falls here, as trade winds bring air masses from the Pacific Ocean, saturated with moisture.
Weather in Australia The weather in Australia is conducive to travel all year round. The hottest time of the year: November-January, at this time from +25 C to +32 C. It is relatively cold in June-August, the temperature does not rise above C, and sometimes drops to 0 C. In winter, rain is frequent. May-August is the ideal time to travel, September - December- peak season The weather in Australia is conducive to travel all year round. The hottest time of the year: November-January, at this time from +25 C to +32 C. It is relatively cold in June-August, the temperature does not rise above C, and sometimes drops to 0 C. In winter, rain is frequent. May-August is the ideal time to travel, September-December is the peak season
Australia is the hottest continent Australia is the hottest continent on Earth. In dry areas inland, temperatures rise to 30 degrees Celsius. The record high to which the thermometer rose was 53 degrees. The hottest time of the year is from November to January, at this time throughout the country the temperature ranges from +20 C to +32 C, and in the central regions it can reach C. Moreover, already 1.5 - 2 hours after sunset sun, the temperature can drop to C. Australia is the hottest continent on Earth. In dry areas inland, temperatures rise to 30 degrees Celsius. The record high to which the thermometer rose was 53 degrees. The hottest time of the year is from November to January, at this time throughout the country the temperature ranges from +20 C to +32 C, and in the central regions it can reach C. Moreover, already 1.5 - 2 hours after sunset sun, temperatures can drop to C.
Why is Australia the driest continent? Most of it lies in the tropical zone. Most of it lies in the tropical zone. Over a significant part of the continent, precipitation falls only from 250 to 500 mm/year, and in the central part - less than 250 mm/year. Over a significant part of the continent, precipitation falls only from 250 to 500 mm/year, and in the central part - less than 250 mm/year. Almost half of the continent is occupied by tropical deserts. Almost half of the continent is occupied by tropical deserts. There are very few rivers, and even then almost all dry up. There are very few rivers, and even then almost all dry up. There are few lakes, mostly salty. There are few lakes, mostly salty.
The Meaning of an Australian Joke An Australian fainted from a few drops of water because rain is a rare occurrence in most of Australia. The Australian fainted from a few drops of water because rain is a rare occurrence in most of Australia. The Australian came to his senses from the splashing buckets of dust, because this is familiar to him, since winds blow across most of the continent, carrying sand. The Australian came to his senses from splashing buckets of dust, because this is familiar to him, since winds blow across most of the continent, carrying sand.
Conclusion Having analyzed the climate maps of Australia, having studied the climate of the continent based on various sources, we can conclude that Australia is the hottest and driest continent. Having analyzed the climate maps of Australia, having studied the climate of the mainland based on various sources, we can conclude that Australia is the hottest and dry continent
Resources: O.V. Krylova “Geography Lessons” O.V. Krylova “Geography Lessons” Atlas on the geography of continents and oceans. Atlas on the geography of continents and oceans. Great Encyclopedia of Cyril and Methodius Great Encyclopedia of Cyril and Methodius Internet resources. Internet resources. Korinskaya, Shchenev, Dushina “Geography of continents and oceans” Korinskaya, Shchenev, Dushina “Geography of continents and oceans”