AUSTRALIA GEOGRAPHY
Australia is the planet’s oldest continent, with not much geological activity across its area for over four billion years. It is about the size of the continental USA, with two-thirds of its area being desert, however highly varied with a mixture of powdered iron sand, landscapes of rocky outcrops and low mountain ranges.
Towards the north lie rich waterways. Off the eastern coast of Australia is the world’s largest coral reef complex, the Great Barrier Reef. Eastern Australia has large areas of grasslands, used for sheep and cattle ranches. Australia is famous for its “outback” the remote lands of the interior.
Scattered throughout the country of Australia are mountains and plateaus. The famous Blue Mountains, which is on the south-eastern end of Australia get their name from the blue haze caused by oil droplets given off from the eucalyptus tree.
The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid, and forty percent of the landmass is covered by sand dunes.Ocassional tornadoes or dust storms will blanket a region or several states. Rainfall is variable with frequent droughts that last several seasons. The south-east and south-west of the continent has a temperate climate.
The climate of Australia is highly influenced by ocean currents, including the El Nino southern oscillation.
Australia is very dry compared to the earth’s other continental landmass. The main factors that contribute to the dryness are:
- Shape of the landmass
- Flatness of the landmass
- Cold ocean currents off the west coast
- Dominance of high pressure system
More than 80% of the continent receives 600 millimeters of rainfall.
Because of its variable weather pattern though most of Australia is semi-arid or desert, it covers a diverse range of habitats. Soil erosion from overgrazing, poor farming practices, soil salinity, industrial development and introduced pest species threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species.
Natural resources of Australia include ironore, nickel, coal, bauxite, silver, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas and petroleum.
As Australia is geographically isolated from the rest of the world, it contains distinctive plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. You can also find a variety of reptile life a variety of fish and aquatic mammals.
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