Australia is famous for its blue cloudless skies and bright sun, a relatively mild climate and the absence of sudden temperature fluctuations. One of the most interesting and unique countries in the world covers an entire continent.
Climatic features depend on geography. Australia is located on both sides of the southern tropic, between two giant oceans: the Pacific and Indian. The shores of the continent are, as it were, raised, separated by mountains from the water space, so the influence of the seas is minimal.
Australia is the driest continent on Earth. There are very few fresh water and almost half of the mainland is occupied by tropical deserts, known to the whole world: Victoria, Sandy, Gibsonovskaya. few in number and almost all drying up. There are not many lakes and they are salty. There is Mountain peaks but they are rare and not tall.
The sheer size of the country determines climatic diversity: from deserts to snow-capped mountains, from soft warm coastal zones to tropical evergreen forests.
Australia has four climatic zones:
- subequatorial
- tropical
- subtropical
- moderate.
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so the order of the seasons is mirrored from the order we are accustomed to in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins in December and June is the first winter month.
Subequatorial part
Covers the northern and northeastern part of the mainland. The largest amount of precipitation falls here, mainly in summer. Winters are dry, droughts are not uncommon due to hot winds blowing from the middle of the mainland. Temperature in throughout the year flat, on average 23-24 degrees.
Tropical Australia (approximately 40% of the country's territory)
It is divided into two types of climate: tropical continental - hot with minimal rainfall and tropical humid with thunderstorms in summer.
The continental tropical climate covers large areas deserts and semi-deserts in the center and western part of the mainland. The sand in these places has a characteristic red color due to the large amount of iron it contains.
Close occurrence groundwater provides flora and fauna that are quite rich for deserts.
Acacias and eucalyptus trees grow from lonely bushes into dense thickets and thickets, which are inhabited by lizards, snakes, ostriches and kangaroos. Here is the hottest region of Australia, almost all summer the temperature does not drop below 35 degrees, in winter - 20-25 degrees.
A narrow strip of tropical rainforest extends to the east of Australia. Here southeasterly winds bring moist air from The Pacific... There is a mild warm climate favorable for the development of the richest flora and fauna. Eucalyptus trees, ferns, palms, araucaria and bamboos grow on red ferralite soil. Many forest inhabitants are found only in this part of the planet: koala, bird of paradise, marsupial flying squirrel, echidna, platypus and other species.
Subtropics
In turn, they are divided into three types of climate: continental subtropical arid - in the central and southern parts, subtropical humid with uniform precipitation - in the southeast, mixed or Mediterranean - in the east.
The Mediterranean climate is similar to that of Spain and southern France, covering the most inhabited area of Australia. Summers are dry and hot (average temperature 23-27 degrees), winters are warm (12-14 degrees) with sufficient rainfall. Evergreen beech forests, palms and shrubs grow here.
The subtropical continental climate encompasses the cities of Adelaide and South Wales. Characterized by not big amount precipitation and relatively large average annual temperature fluctuations.
The subtropical humid climate covers the cities of Victoria and New South Wales. It has a mild climate and high rainfall, mainly in the coastal area. In summer, an average of 20-24 degrees. In winter, 8-10 degrees. The climate is favorable for growing various vegetables and fruits. True, in order to get a high yield in the summer, it is necessary to artificially irrigate the soil. Grows enough fodder grasses, so the locals breed dairy cows and sheep on vast pastures.
Temperate zone
It covers the central and southern part of the island of Tasmania, is characterized by abundant rainfall, due to the influence of the surrounding bodies of water. It features cool summers (8-10 degrees) and warm winter(14-17 degrees). V winter time snow sometimes falls on the island, but does not lie for a long time. In the luscious evergreen meadows of the island all year round sheep and cows graze.
Climate by seasons
Spring starts in September and lasts until the end of November. It blooms amazingly beautifully on the islands at this time wild nature... In spring, the country is neither hot nor cold. The entire continent begins to flourish with wild, vibrant colors.The driest and hottest time - summer in Australia it lasts from December to February. In the center and not far from the deserts, the air warms up over 40 degrees in the shade. There is almost no rain and dry weather lasts almost the entire season.
Gold autumn in Australia it lasts from March to May. Most of the country's reserves, parks and forests take on an amazing red and gold hue. Especially unique autumn trees in Orange and foggy forests in Yarra. It's time to harvest from the country's many vineyards.
Winter in Australia - the best time of the year. Lasts from June to August. This is the rainy season, but they do not come very often. The air temperature rarely exceeds 20 degrees. In winter, nature and the underwater world are especially beautiful in the country.
Holidays in Australia
Diversity climatic zones the country makes it attractive for tourism and recreation. When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in Australia and this is the best time to travel to the southern part of the country: cities and areas of Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth.
Australia's dry winter is the best time to visit the northern regions of the country: Barrier reef, Darwin, Cairns, National park Cockatoo, Kimberly and Broome.
Interesting facts about the climate of Australia
Cloncurry is the hottest place in the country. Here the temperature rises above 50 degrees in the shade.
In the city of Marble Bar in the western part of the country, the maximum average annual temperature was observed - 34 degrees Celsius.
Absolutely minimum temperature recorded in Eastern Australia in the state of Mitchell - 28 degrees.
Average annual rainfall: minimum recorded in Willpum Creek, in the southern part of the country - 126 mm. The maximum - 3535 mm - was noted in the east at Innisfail.
Briefly about the main thing!
§ 27. Climate and land waters of Australia
Remember: 1. What factors influence the formation of the climate of a certain territory? 2. Characteristics climate in Africa and South America? 3. In what climatic zones are Africa and South America located?
General features of the climate of Australia. Australia is the driest continent in the world. Precipitation here falls 5 times less than in Africa, and the air temperatures are just as high. Features of the climate of the continent are determined by the influence of certain climate-forming factors.
Australia is located in tropical latitudes and therefore receives a large number of solar energy... The northern part of the mainland is located in a hot heat zone, while the southern part is in a temperate one.
The climate of Australia is significantly influenced by the circulation of the atmosphere and the underlying surface, the relief and the significant extent of the territory from east to west. The mainland is located in the zone of action of constant winds - southeastern trade winds, which are formed mainly over the surface of the Pacific Ocean (Fig. 59).
The southeast trade wind moves moisture-laden air masses from the ocean to the mainland, as a result of which the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range are under the influence of humid sea air all year round. It receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year.
Explain how trade winds are formed. What kind of weather do they bring to Australia?
Rice. 59. Features of the climate-forming factors of Australia
The mountain system on the way of the trade winds retains almost all moisture, and the air, overcomes the Great Dividing Range, warms up and does not give precipitation. Therefore, in the central and western expanses of Australia, continental air masses are formed, which leads to the formation of deserts. In addition, the length of Australia from east to west along the Southern Tropic is 1.5 times that of Africa. Therefore, here the average air temperatures are higher than in Africa, and the amount of precipitation is much less.
The southern part of the island of Tasmania and the South island of New Zealand are influenced by the constant wind of the western transfer of temperate latitudes. Throughout the year, it carries moist air masses with Indian Ocean, which contributes to uniform moisture in these areas.
The climate of the western, southern and eastern coasts of Australia is significantly influenced by cold and warm sea currents.
Australia's location in the Southern Hemisphere defines a seasonal alternation between months that does not correspond to the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Consider how the climatic conditions in Australia change throughout the year.
In December, January and February, the Sun is at its zenith in the South Tropic. It's summer in Australia. High area atmospheric pressure located in the south of the mainland. The mainland is getting very hot, so the air entering the interior of Australia becomes even drier. Only in the north of the continent, in the subequatorial belt, where equatorial air masses penetrate at this time, is it hot and humid.
In June, July and August, when the Sun's zenith position moves to the Northern Hemisphere, winter sets in in Australia. The area of high atmospheric pressure is moving north and is located over the central region of Australia. The mainland is cooling slightly, and air masses move from land to ocean. Precipitation falls only in the extreme south.
Climatic zones. The territory of Australia is located in three climatic zones: subequatorial - in the north, in the tropical - in the center and subtropical - in the south (Fig. 60, p. 130). In the extreme north of Australia, a subequatorial climate is formed. In summer (January), during the dominance of equatorial air masses, it is humid and warm here. average temperature air is +28 ° С. The amount of precipitation exceeds 1000 mm per year. In winter (July), tropical air masses arrive, causing dry and hot weather (+ 24 ° C).
Explain why Australia has higher average temperatures and much less rainfall than Africa.
Track the climate map to see how cold and warm currents affect rainfall distribution in Australia.
Rice. 60. Climatic zones and regions of Australia
The largest area in the middle of the mainland is occupied by the tropical climatic zone. Within this belt, just like in Africa, two climatic regions are distinguished: desert (continental) and moisture (sea). Hot and dry continental climate reigns over most of the continental area. Precipitation here is less than 200 mm per year, and the air temperature throughout the year ranges from +16 to +32 ° С. Sometimes it rises to +48 ° С, and there is no rain for several years in a row. However, there are heavy showers, when in 2-3 days it falls annual rate precipitation.
The maritime climate is formed only on a narrow strip of the eastern coast to the Great Dividing Range. Temperature fluctuations during the year are less here, and a significant amount of precipitation (more than 1500 mm) is evenly distributed throughout the year.
In the south of Australia, a subtropical climatic zone has formed. In the southwestern part of it, the Mediterranean region was formed. It is characterized by dry hot (+ 24 ° С) summers during the dominance of tropical air masses and more moisture (500 -600 mm), cool (+ 12 ° С) winters, due to moderate air masses. In the middle part of the belt, through the influence of the cold current on the climate, an arid continental area was formed, and in the southeast, under the influence of the trade winds, an area with uniform moisture (sea) (more than 1500 mm) was formed.
Explain what factors determine the formation of the marine and continental climate within the tropical climate zone of Australia. Compare these climates with those in Africa.
The southern parts of the islands of Tasmania and New Zealand are located in the temperate zone, where cool summers (+ 16 ° С), warm winters (+ 8 ° С) and an even distribution throughout the year of a significant amount of precipitation (2500 mm) brought from the ocean by a westerly wind ...
Sushi waters. Due to the prevailing dry and hot climate in Australia, little surface waters and many underground.
Rivers and lakes of the mainland belong to three basins: internal flow (60% of the area), Indian and Pacific oceans.
Only in the east, in the mountains, where there is a sufficient amount of precipitation, short rivers do not dry up. In the rest of the territory, they do not have a water flow. In the interior desert and semi-desert areas, there are a lot of dry channels, which are called krіkami. Water appears in them only during rare rains. All rivers of the mainland are fed by rain and underground waters.
The most full-flowing river in Australia is the Murray. It originates from the Great Dividing Range and carries waters to the Indian Ocean. During the rains, the river spreads widely over the flat plain. This happens extremely quickly, but does not last long. The Murray tributary - the Darling River - dries up in the lower reaches during the dry period and forms several separate bodies of water. Therefore, navigation on these rivers is problematic. All rivers, primarily the Murray-Darling system, are used for irrigation.
On the territory of Australia there are a large number of lakes belonging mainly to the basin of internal flow. Most of them have no drain, so they are salty. The lakes are of relict origin, that is, they arose after the dismissal of the Central Lowland from the waters of the ancient sea. The filling of the lake basins with water depends on the season. In the dry season, the lakes sometimes dry up completely. The largest body of water on the mainland is Lake Eyre, the water level of which lies below sea level. During drought, the surface area of the lake decreases sharply, it breaks up into many small lakes. There are no living organisms in the lake, therefore it is also called the “dead heart of Australia”.
Determine the boundaries of the river basins of Australia from the atlas maps. Explain the reasons for the unequal area of the pools and their location.
Explain why Murray suffers less than Darling from lack of freedom.
The lack of surface water is partially offset by the richness of groundwater, which occurs in numerous artesian basins. The artesian waters of Australia are brackish, therefore they are used for watering sheep and technical needs. In the Central Lowland, artesian wells are practically the only source of fresh water.
Briefly about the main thing!
Australia is the driest continent on the planet. Most of the mainland is dominated by a dry tropical climate dominated by continental tropical air masses.
In the north of the continent, a subequatorial climate has formed, in the south, a subtropical one. This is due to changes in pressure areas, types of air masses, the action of trade winds and westerly winds of temperate latitudes.
Australia's land waters are unevenly distributed. Rivers and lakes often dry up. The lakes are salty. The lack of surface water is partially compensated by groundwater, which in Central and Western Australia is practically the only source of water supply.
1. What climate-forming factors influence the formation of the climate in Australia?
2. Name the main and transitional climatic zones within Australia, describe them.
3. Why is there so little surface water and a lot of groundwater in Australia?
4. Name and map the largest rivers and lakes in Australia.
5. Compare the subequatorial, tropical and subtropical climatic zones of Africa and Australia. Explain the reasons for the differences in climate.
6. What are the reasons why Australia is the driest continent on Earth.
If you are interested in which oceans wash Australia, then it is worth noting that the Green Continent is located in such a way that its washes two world oceans at once.
Eastern shores of the mainland wash the waters The Pacific, and the northwest of Australia, the Indian Ocean. As for the seas, the north of the country is washed by the Arafur and Timor seas, East Coast- The Coral Sea, and the southern coast of Australia is washed by the Tasman Sea.
Pacific waters wash the Australian eastern shores.
Salient feature the coast and these coastal waters in that shallow water is observed closer to the coast, but already 5 km from Australia in the ocean depths of up to three thousand kilometers begin.
This relief of the seabed of Australia is explained by the presence of different structures connected in one place crust- Pacific and Solomon plates. It was this collision that caused the Great Barrier Reef formed.
The ocean washing Australia from the west is Indian Ocean... Two shallow-water currents come from it to the shores of the Green Continent - the cold Western Australian and the warm South Passat.
Interesting fact! In 1604, at the junction of the South Tradewind and West Australian currents with several tons of gold on board, it was flooded pirate ship called "Reeves".
The places where these currents meet are the locations of the strongest whirlpools, fogs and tornadoes, which often cause shipwrecks and plane crashes. This place is called the Devil's Triangle. Despite this, many adventurers are drawn to see this. dangerous natural phenomenon.
Interested in what seas Australia is washed by? Then you worth knowing that this continent, unique in its kind, is washed not only by the oceans, but also by the seas entering their vast waters.
North coast of australia washed by the waters and seas, which are also called twin seas, since they are very similar in flora and fauna.
Salient feature the seas of Australia in the north is a year-round high water temperature (about + 28 ° C), which contributes to the development of coral buildings.
East Coast Australia washes. And the southeast of the Green Continent is water. The water temperature here is much lower than in northern seas Australia.
Influence of seas and oceans on climate
Australia's seas and oceans have a significant impact on the climate of the Green Continent. Exactly the impact ocean currents, especially the Indian Ocean dipole, leads to periodic droughts in Australia.
Interesting fact! Affects the climate of Australia, and more specifically on the island of Tasmania, the cold Western Australian Current, which does not allow cyclones to form, therefore the climate in this state of the country is moderate.
In addition, the oceans and seas that wash Australia, affect precipitation on the mainland. For example, seasonal tropical low pressures form cyclones in the northern part of the country, resulting in precipitation. This period is called the wet season and is characterized by high humidity as well as high temperatures.
Gifts of the seas and oceans
In addition to being ideal for relaxation, the Indian and Pacific Ocean waters surrounding Australia, they also allow the Green Continent to be one of the world's leading suppliers seafood.
The seas and oceans that wash Australia are inhabited by all kinds of marine animals.
Some of them are found only off the coast of the Green Continent. These are eels from Fitzroy, and mussels from Brai Island, and Tasmanian salmon, and crustaceans of Morton Bay, as well as the famous Sydney oysters and barramundi fish, which is found exclusively in northern Australian waters.
The oceans washing Australia, as well as the seas allow this continent to have a unique flora and fauna, as well as varied climate... Vacation on the islands located in the oceans and seas surrounding Australia is very popular with locals and tourists from all over the world.
Secluded corners with unique plant and natural world , as well as white beaches are real paradises, and a vacation on the Coral Sea, in the waters of which you can go diving, will leave an unforgettable experience.
Climate
Relief
History of discovery and research
Physical and geographical location
Mainland Australia is located in the southern latitudes of the Eastern Hemisphere. The southern tropic crosses Australia almost in the middle. Australia is a compact continent: its central regions are almost equally distant from the ocean.
The mainland is washed by waters Indian and Quiet oceans. In the west, near the coast of Australia, there is a cold Western Australian current, and in the east - warm East Australian flow.
Warm waters South Passatny currents run along the northern coast of the mainland. Cold current Westerly winds wash its southern shores.
The vast oceanic expanses separate Australia from other continents. Only in the north, thanks to the numerous islands, is it connected with Asia. The continent's isolation has influenced its nature.
North - Cape York (11 0 S, 142 0 E);
· South - Cape Yugo-Vostochny (38 0 S, 146 0 E);
Western - Cape Steep Point (26 0 S, 113 0 E);
Eastern - Cape Byron (27 0 S, 153 0 E)
The coastline is poorly indented.
Big seas washing the shores of Australia: Koralovoye and Tasmanovo.
The largest bays are the Great Australian and Carpentaria.
The largest peninsulas are Cape York and Arnhemland.
The most famous islands off the coast of the mainland: New Guinea, Tasmania, New Zealand.
Australia was discovered only at the beginning of the 17th century. Dutch. Abel Tasman passed along the northern, western and southwestern coasts.
In the second half of the 18th century. the second discovery of Australia by the Englishman James Cook took place. He walked around the eastern shores of the continent. From that time on, Australia became a colony of Great Britain.
Only in the 19th century. the first voyage around the mainland was made and its dimensions were established. This was done by the Englishman Matthew Flinders. He also suggested the modern name of the continent.
Much of Australia is located within the ancient Australian platform far from the edges lithospheric plates... This explains the predominantly flat character of its relief.
In the western part of the mainland is located Western australian highlands height of 400-600 m. It lies within the shield, therefore, minerals of magmatic origin are mined there: iron and nickel ore, gold.
In the southeast, the plateau turns into Central lowland, which in the area of Lake Eyre plunges below ocean level. In a thick layer of sedimentary cover, deposits of oil and natural gas were found there.
In the east of the mainland along the coast, there are severely destroyed ancient Paleozoic mountains - Great Dividing Range... In the extreme southeast, the mountains reach highest height and are called Australian alps... Here is the most high mountain Kostsyushko (2230 m). There is not one on the mainland active volcano, there are no earthquakes.
The climate of the mainland is very dry and hot. The southern tropic crosses Australia almost in the middle, so the Sun is over northern part its territory is at its zenith. Therefore, the mainland receives a large amount of solar radiation due to the large angle of incidence of the sun's rays. Australia lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest month on the mainland is January, the coldest is July.
Australia's climate is influenced by constant winds - southeast trade winds that blow from the tropics to the equator. They come from the Pacific Ocean, so they carry moist air masses. But the Great Dividing Range is holding back the trade winds. This affects the redistribution of precipitation: only small coastal areas up to the mountains receive them, there is little precipitation beyond the mountains.
The coastal climate is influenced by sea currents: cold currents cause dry weather, warm ones - wet. Therefore, the western coasts (due to the cold West Australian Current) and the southern one (due to the current Western Winds). The eastern shores receive a lot of precipitation due to the warm East Australian Current. Australia is the driest continent on the planet.
On the territory of Australia, there are
subequatorial climatic zone (warm with summer season rains and winter dry season),
tropical(warm with different moisture content: continental in the center of the mainland - with insufficient and uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year, nautical in the east - with excessive and even distribution of precipitation throughout the year),
subtropical(with humid warm winters and dry hot summers).
Currents:
Benguela current- cold Antarctic current.
It arises south of the Cape of Good Hope as a branch of the Western Wind and goes to the north. Reaches the Namibaw area of Africa.
Western Australian Current- cold current in the southeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It flows off the western shores of Australia from south to north, represents the northern branch of the Western Winds. In the tropical zone of the Southern Hemisphere, part of the Western Australian Current passes into the South Tradewind Current, and part of it dissipates in the Timor Sea.
The current speed is 0.7-0.9 km per hour, salinity is 35.5-35.70 grams per liter. The water temperature along the course varies from 19 to 26 ° C in February and from 15 to 21 ° C in August.
Madagascar current- warm surface current of the Indian Ocean off the eastern and southern shores of Madagascar; branch of the South Tradewind Current.
Directed to the south and southwest at a speed of 2-3 km / h. The average water temperature at the surface per year is up to 26 ° C. The salinity of the water is more than 35 ‰. In the south-west, it partly connects with the warm current of Cape Igolny.
Mozambican current- warm surface currents in the Mozambique Channel, in the western part of the Indian Ocean; branch of the South Tradewind Current. Directed to the south, along the coast of Africa, where it passes into the Current of Cape Agulhas.
North trade wind- warm surface currents in the Mozambique Channel, in the western part of the Indian Ocean; branch of the South Tradewind Current. Directed to the south, along the coast of Africa, where it passes into the Current of Cape Agulhas.
Speed up to 2.8 km / h (from November to April). The average water temperature at the surface per year is up to 25 ° C. Salinity is 35 ‰.
North equatorial current- warm sea current in the Quiet, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
In the Pacific Ocean, the North Equatorial (North Tradewind) Current arises from the deflection of the California Current and flows between 10 ° and 20 ° N in westward until, in front of the east coast of the Philippines, it deflects and passes into the warm current of Kuroshio.
In the Atlantic Ocean, it arises from the Canary Current and flows between 10 ° and 30 ° north latitude in the northwest direction, being one of the sources of the Gulf Stream.
In the Indian Ocean, the direction of the North Equatorial Current depends on the season. During the winter months, during which the rainy season falls from the northeast, it is a slight westerly current along the Equator. During the summer months, when it rains from the southwest, the Somali current intensifies, flowing in a northeast direction along the coast of Africa, turning east, bypassing India.
Somali current-current in the Indian Ocean of the Somali Peninsula. The fastest current in the open ocean, can reach speeds of 12.8 km / h
Changes its direction in seasons, caused by monsoon winds. During the summer monsoon (July - August), with a south-westerly wind, it reaches a width of about 150 km and a thickness of about 200 m in the stream. In summer, waters rise from the depths along the eastern coast of Somalia. The water temperature sometimes drops to 13 ° (at the surface). In winter, the northeast monsoon interrupts the Somali current and turns it southwest. The rise of water from the depth practically stops.
The current of Cape Igolny, or the course of Agulhas- the warm western boundary current in the Southwest Indian Ocean, which is part of the westward South Equatorial Current. Mainly runs along the western coast of Africa. The current is narrow and fast (on the surface the speed can reach 200 cm / s).
Equatorial countercurrent- a powerful countercurrent in the interval between the North trade wind and the South trade wind, observed in the equatorial region around the entire globe in the quiet, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Surface countercurrents in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans have been known since the 19th century. These currents are directed to the east against the prevailing winds and against the movement of the main surface currents. Inter-trade countercurrents are caused by the transverse unevenness of the prevailing winds (trade winds), therefore, their speed and flow rate fluctuate significantly, up to disappearance, depending on the strength and uniformity of the winds.
In the middle of the 20th century, subsurface and even deep countercurrents were discovered. Including the powerful equatorial subsurface countercurrents of the Cromwell Pacific current and the Lomonosov current in the Atlantic oceans. Subsurface equatorial currents are caused by pressure gradients and flow in a narrow flow eastward under the westward trade wind current.
During the period of weakening of the trade winds, subsurface countercurrents can "come out" to the ocean surface and be observed as surface currents.
South Tradewind Current- named for the prevailing winds in the region - the trade winds blowing from the east to the west - the warm current in the World Ocean, passing through the southern tropical latitudes.
In the Pacific Ocean, it starts off the coast of South America, approximately in the Galapagos Islands, and goes west to the shores of New Guinea and Australia.
The northern boundary of the current ranges from 1 degree north latitude in summer to 3 degrees south latitude in winter.
At the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, the current splits into branches - part of the current turns to the east, merging into the Equatorial Countercurrent. Another major branch of the current is the East Australian Current, which begins off the coast of Australia.