Australia and Oceania

The Land Australia, both a country and a continent, encompasses mountains, central lowlands, and expansive deserts. Rich mineral deposits and productive farms and ranches contribute to the Australian economy. Australia, both a country and a continent, encompasses mountains, central lowlands, and expansive deserts. Rich mineral deposits and productive farms and ranches contribute to the Australian economy. Oceania’s thousands of islands extend across the southern Pacific Ocean. The islands of Oceania were formed either directly or indirectly by volcanic activity. Oceania’s thousands of islands extend across the southern Pacific Ocean. The islands of Oceania were formed either directly or indirectly by volcanic activity.

New Zealand

New Zealand is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands. The main North and South Islands are separated by the Cook Strait, only 14 miles wide at its narrowest point. Besides the North and South Islands, the five largest inhabited islands are Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island (in the Hauraki Gulf), d'Urville Island (in the Marlborough Sounds) and Waiheke Island (about 14 miles from central Auckland). New Zealand is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands. The main North and South Islands are separated by the Cook Strait, only 14 miles wide at its narrowest point. Besides the North and South Islands, the five largest inhabited islands are Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island (in the Hauraki Gulf), d'Urville Island (in the Marlborough Sounds) and Waiheke Island (about 14 miles from central Auckland).

New Zealand’s main features are two large islands with mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes. The country boasts rich soil and timberland. New Zealand’s main features are two large islands with mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes. The country boasts rich soil and timberland.

Climate and Vegetation Australia generally has a hot, dry climate. Along the edges of the vast interior desert, the steppe receives sufficient rainfall for raising livestock. Only the coastal climates provide enough rainfall for growing crops without irrigation Australia generally has a hot, dry climate. Along the edges of the vast interior desert, the steppe receives sufficient rainfall for raising livestock. Only the coastal climates provide enough rainfall for growing crops without irrigation

Oceania enjoys a warm, moist tropical climate. Most islands have wet and dry seasons. The amount of rain during the wet season determines whether shrubs and grasses or dense rain forests will grow. New Zealand’s marine west coast climate provides year-round rainfall, with temp. that vary without being extreme. Oceania enjoys a warm, moist tropical climate. Most islands have wet and dry seasons. The amount of rain during the wet season determines whether shrubs and grasses or dense rain forests will grow. New Zealand’s marine west coast climate provides year-round rainfall, with temp. that vary without being extreme.

Antarctica

Antarctica’s extremely cold and windy climate supports primarily lichens and mosses. Antarctica is an ice-covered continent. While Antarctica may have important mineral resources, its key resource is the information it offers to scientists Antarctica’s extremely cold and windy climate supports primarily lichens and mosses. Antarctica is an ice-covered continent. While Antarctica may have important mineral resources, its key resource is the information it offers to scientists

Population Patterns Many different peoples settled in the South Pacific, resulting in diverse cultures and lifestyles. Many different peoples settled in the South Pacific, resulting in diverse cultures and lifestyles. The population of the South Pacific is unevenly distributed because both the physical geography and the climate differ dramatically from place to place and because many areas can’t support life. The population of the South Pacific is unevenly distributed because both the physical geography and the climate differ dramatically from place to place and because many areas can’t support life.

Migration between and within South Pacific countries has influenced pop. patterns and caused a blending of cultures. Migration between and within South Pacific countries has influenced pop. patterns and caused a blending of cultures.

History and Government Many of the area’s earliest inhabitants came from Oceania and survived by fishing, gathering, and farming. Many of the area’s earliest inhabitants came from Oceania and survived by fishing, gathering, and farming. Although European countries discovered many of these islands in the late 16 th and early 17 th centuries, their remoteness insulated them from the rest of the world. These islands became rest and re-supply stations for traveling Europeans. Although European countries discovered many of these islands in the late 16 th and early 17 th centuries, their remoteness insulated them from the rest of the world. These islands became rest and re-supply stations for traveling Europeans. Australia, New Zealand, and a number of Pacific islands are independent; a few island groups are still under foreign rule. Australia, New Zealand, and a number of Pacific islands are independent; a few island groups are still under foreign rule.

Culture and Lifestyles The culture of the South Pacific is a mixture of Western and indigenous lifestyles. The culture of the South Pacific is a mixture of Western and indigenous lifestyles. Some people in the area still live in traditional villages; others live in modern urban areas. Some people in the area still live in traditional villages; others live in modern urban areas. Modern technology helps provide services to people in some remote areas. Modern technology helps provide services to people in some remote areas.

ace – excellent ‘ang on – wait a moment by crickey – an expression of surprise chewy – chewing gum dinky-di – genuine dunny – an outside toilet fair go – a chance; also an appeal for fairness hooroo – goodbye mackas - McDonalds mexicans - people from the state south of yours outback – the inland country far away from large cities no-hopper – incompetent person ranga - person with red hair shonky – poor quality Australian Slang

Mountains and Volcanoes Mountains and Volcanoes Mountains on islands for part of the Ring of Fire. Are actually volcanoes and many are still active. Has left behind rich soil making the islands great for farming. Mountains on islands for part of the Ring of Fire. Are actually volcanoes and many are still active. Has left behind rich soil making the islands great for farming.

Tropical Wet Climate Tropical Wet Climate Island and coastal areas. Little variation in temperature and mostly wet conditions year round. Island and coastal areas. Little variation in temperature and mostly wet conditions year round. 79°F average temp creates hot, humid and rainy conditions inches of rain annually % humidity. 79°F average temp creates hot, humid and rainy conditions inches of rain annually % humidity.

Australia: Australia: Mountains and Plateaus Mountains and Plateaus Great Dividing Range only mountain range. Most rivers start there. Great Dividing Range only mountain range. Most rivers start there. Western Plateau- low are of flat land in central and western Australia. 2/3rds of continent. Called Outback. Great Sandy, Great Victoria, and Gibson Deserts. Western Plateau- low are of flat land in central and western Australia. 2/3rds of continent. Called Outback. Great Sandy, Great Victoria, and Gibson Deserts. Nullarbor Plain- south of Great Victoria Desert. Treeless land that ends in cliffs. Nullarbor Plain- south of Great Victoria Desert. Treeless land that ends in cliffs.

Central Lowlands Central Lowlands Great Dividing Range and Western Plateau separated by the central Lowlands. Get rain once and awhile. Most of the year it is dry. Great Dividing Range and Western Plateau separated by the central Lowlands. Get rain once and awhile. Most of the year it is dry. Murray River and Darling River provide water for irrigation in the southeast. Great Artesian Basin to the south of the lowlands. This is a place where they raise livestock. Water too salty for humans or crops. Murray River and Darling River provide water for irrigation in the southeast. Great Artesian Basin to the south of the lowlands. This is a place where they raise livestock. Water too salty for humans or crops.

Great Barrier Reef Great Barrier Reef Northeastern coast. World’s largest coral reef. It is a national park because it is home to so many species of animals and plants. Northeastern coast. World’s largest coral reef. It is a national park because it is home to so many species of animals and plants. String of more than 2,500 small reefs. Formed from coral and extends 1,250 miles. String of more than 2,500 small reefs. Formed from coral and extends 1,250 miles.

Natural Resources Natural Resources 10% of land can be farmed. Agriculture still important. 10% of land can be farmed. Agriculture still important. 1/4 th world’s bauxite and high quality opals. Deposits of coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, nickel, and petroleum. Make it one of the world’s major mining areas. 1/4 th world’s bauxite and high quality opals. Deposits of coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, nickel, and petroleum. Make it one of the world’s major mining areas.

Oceania: Island Groups Oceania: Island Groups Thousands of islands extending across millions of square miles make up Oceania. Created by tectonic plates and volcanic hot spots. Thousands of islands extending across millions of square miles make up Oceania. Created by tectonic plates and volcanic hot spots. Classified into three groups, based on location, how they were formed, and cultures. Melanesia: “black islands.” lies north and east of Australia. Micronesia: “Little islands.” north of Melanesia. Polynesia: “many islands.” go from Midway Island to New Zealand. Classified into three groups, based on location, how they were formed, and cultures. Melanesia: “black islands.” lies north and east of Australia. Micronesia: “Little islands.” north of Melanesia. Polynesia: “many islands.” go from Midway Island to New Zealand.

Island Types Island Types High islands: earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mountain ranges split by valleys. Not a lot of agriculture. High islands: earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mountain ranges split by valleys. Not a lot of agriculture. Low Islands: Atolls- ring shaped islands. Encircle lagoons. Little soil and few natural resources. Low Islands: Atolls- ring shaped islands. Encircle lagoons. Little soil and few natural resources. Continental Islands: rising and folding of ancient rock. Most of the large islands. Plains, swamps, rivers. Have most of the mineral deposits. Oil, gold, nickel, and copper. Continental Islands: rising and folding of ancient rock. Most of the large islands. Plains, swamps, rivers. Have most of the mineral deposits. Oil, gold, nickel, and copper.

New Zealand New Zealand North and South Islands display sandy beaches, emerald hillsides, and snow tipped mountains. North and South Islands display sandy beaches, emerald hillsides, and snow tipped mountains. Northern Island- central plateau of volcanic stone features hot springs and several active volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu. Northern Island- central plateau of volcanic stone features hot springs and several active volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu.

South Island- Southern Alps along the western edge. Maori named the highest peak Aorangi which means cloud piercer (Mount Cook) 12,316 ft. The Canterbury Plains on the eastern coast feature fertile volcanic soil. Half farming and half livestock. Sheep and wool products dominate exports. Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. South Island- Southern Alps along the western edge. Maori named the highest peak Aorangi which means cloud piercer (Mount Cook) 12,316 ft. The Canterbury Plains on the eastern coast feature fertile volcanic soil. Half farming and half livestock. Sheep and wool products dominate exports. Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy.

Australian Climate Australian Climate Tropical climates in the northeast, deserts in the interior, and mid-latitude temperate areas along eastern, southern, and western coasts. Rainfall makes all the difference. Tropical climates in the northeast, deserts in the interior, and mid-latitude temperate areas along eastern, southern, and western coasts. Rainfall makes all the difference. December to March- subtropical high pressure air masses block moist winds from reaching Western Plateau. December to March- subtropical high pressure air masses block moist winds from reaching Western Plateau. Steppe areas encircle deserts. Gets more rainfall. More vegetation. 10 to 20 inches of rain. Steppe areas encircle deserts. Gets more rainfall. More vegetation. 10 to 20 inches of rain.

Coastal areas have more moist climates. Northeastern climate averages 80 inches and is a humid subtropical climate. This is where the majority of agriculture is. Coastal areas have more moist climates. Northeastern climate averages 80 inches and is a humid subtropical climate. This is where the majority of agriculture is.

Oceania and New Zealand Oceania and New Zealand Most of Oceania lies between Equator and Tropic of Capricorn. Tropical wet climate. Warm year round. Wet and dry seasons. Tropical vegetations. Doldrums. Gives way to typhoons. Most of Oceania lies between Equator and Tropic of Capricorn. Tropical wet climate. Warm year round. Wet and dry seasons. Tropical vegetations. Doldrums. Gives way to typhoons.

New Zealand is mostly marine west coast. Warm winters cool summers. Elevations makes a difference. Southern Alps get average rainfall of 315 inches. New Zealand is mostly marine west coast. Warm winters cool summers. Elevations makes a difference. Southern Alps get average rainfall of 315 inches.

Antarctic Land and Climate: 5.4 million square miles. 5 th largest continent. Transantarctic Mountains separate into east and west. East- has the South Pole. West- has Vinson Massif- 16,066ft. Climate is colder depending on location. East has higher elevation so is colder. Lowest temp is - 126°F. Some areas average right around freezing. Antarctic Land and Climate: 5.4 million square miles. 5 th largest continent. Transantarctic Mountains separate into east and west. East- has the South Pole. West- has Vinson Massif- 16,066ft. Climate is colder depending on location. East has higher elevation so is colder. Lowest temp is - 126°F. Some areas average right around freezing.

Plant and Animal Life Plant and Animal Life Most plant life is milder West Antarctica. No trees. Most animal life near the water. Penguins, whales, and seals. Most plant life is milder West Antarctica. No trees. Most animal life near the water. Penguins, whales, and seals. Natural Resources Natural Resources 1% has been surveyed for minerals has coal, copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold and natural gas. Conditions of climate make it hard to get them. Restrictions placed on mining. 1% has been surveyed for minerals has coal, copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold and natural gas. Conditions of climate make it hard to get them. Restrictions placed on mining.

Exploration and Scientific Research Exploration and Scientific Research 1770s Captain James Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle. 1770s Captain James Cook became the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle. Several nations sponsored scientific exploration. Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, Chile, France, New Zealand, and Norway laid claims to land. Several nations sponsored scientific exploration. Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, Chile, France, New Zealand, and Norway laid claims to land.

1959 Antarctic Treaty- signed by 12 countries to keep the land for science and research. 27 countries have research stations. 4-10,000 people a year. Global warming is a major issue. Water around Antarctica is warming melting the ice Antarctic Treaty- signed by 12 countries to keep the land for science and research. 27 countries have research stations. 4-10,000 people a year. Global warming is a major issue. Water around Antarctica is warming melting the ice. Tourism Tourism 1958 first tourists came. 10,000 came in the 1990s. 30,000 in The tourist season is short due to weather first tourists came. 10,000 came in the 1990s. 30,000 in The tourist season is short due to weather.

THE PEOPLE Aborigines – Latin for “first people” Nomadic hunters, years ago, organized into clans Hunted w/boomerangs, gathered grains 2% of Australian population Many groups w/in Aborigines (like our Native Americans) Believe in Dreamtime, a direct relationship to the beginning of time

Maori The Māori originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages at some time between 1250 and 1300 Farmers lived in villages In the 2006 census, there were an estimated 620,000 Māori in New Zealand, making up roughly 15% of the national population. They are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, after European New Zealanders Many stories from Māori mythology are analogous with stories across the Pacific Ocean.

Polynesia Polynesians invented the double sailing canoe allowing colonization with transported domesticates, and terraced and canal irrigated agricultural systems were impressive. Polynesians invented the double sailing canoe allowing colonization with transported domesticates, and terraced and canal irrigated agricultural systems were impressive. New Zealand's palisaded earthwork fortifications and Eastern Polynesia's massive stone platforms used by competing chiefs in the Hawaiian, Society, and Marquesas Islands. New Zealand's palisaded earthwork fortifications and Eastern Polynesia's massive stone platforms used by competing chiefs in the Hawaiian, Society, and Marquesas Islands.

Europeans 1606 – Spanish explorer de Torres 1770 – British Explorer James Cook; 3 expeditions; claimed E. Australia, some islands, circled Antarctica 1788 – Australia a penal colony 1850s – imperialism ended; colonists began to farm & raise livestock 1851 – gold discovered & rush began Mid 1800s – granted self-governing power from Britain

1900 – Australia Constitution became law 1901 – 6 states became Commonwealth of Australia Fought in both WWI & WWII, Vietnam; faced Great Depression in 1929 Is a parliamentary democracy – House of reps, Senate – Prime Minister is head of government – Monarch of GB is also monarch of Australia – Governor-general is Queens representative in Australia (like Canada)

Easter Island Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. It is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. It is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.

The mysterious Easter Island statues actually have bodies! Archaeologists have been unearthing the statues' bodies since 2010.