Physical Geography of Oceania, Australia, Antarctica Exploring Our World-Mrs. Breen

Climate-Australia Wells help bring drinking water to make the areas livable Vegetation has long roots to reach underground water sources Like Eucalyptus Tree Large portions of the outback are covered by deserts. <8 inches of rain per year. The desert regions are encircled by a steppe climate zone

Climate-Australia A tropical savanna climate zone covers the far north. Moist, warm air from the ocean rises and cools over this area, bringing monsoon rains. The summers are hot and humid, whereas winters are more pleasant A narrow stretch of Australia’s northeastern coast experiences a humid subtropical climate. Rainfall is heavy here, and temperatures are warm throughout the year

Climate-Australia A marine west coast climate is found along the eastern coast. Summers are warm, winters are cool, and rainfall is plentiful. Most of Australia’s people live in this area. The southern and western parts of Australia have a Mediterranean climate of warm summers and mild winters

Climate-Oceania All of the countries in Oceania are islands. As a result, the sea affects their climates. Most of New Zealand has a marine west coast climate. Winds from the ocean warm the land in the winter and cool it in the summer. Temperatures are mild throughout the year, with plentiful rainfall. These conditions are ideal for pastures, or grasses and other plants that grazing animals eat. As a result, many of the people of New Zealand raise livestock Lord of the Rings was filmed here

Climate-Oceania Most of the smaller islands of Oceania are in the Tropics Typhoons are common Temperatures are generally warm, and rainfall is seasonal Volcanic islands are more mountainous, fertile, lower temperatures Coral islands have less vegetation, lower elevation, higher temperatures Moana set here

Climate-Antarctica Antarctica never receives direct sunlight. Temperatures range from a high of –4˚F in the summer to –129˚F in the winter. Harsh winds blow across the region. The only people who live in Antarctica are scientists. The air of Antarctica is so cold that it is unable to hold much moisture. Because humid air is needed to trap the sun’s warmth, Antarctica’s dry air contributes to its coldness. Even though Antarctica is covered by ice, it is actually a desert Penguins and other marine mammals feed off of the rich sea life. Tiny, sturdy plants called lichens grow in rocky areas along the coasts.

Environmental Issues-Oceania The people and environments in Oceania have been harmed by human activities. In the late 1940s, the United States and other countries carried out nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific, unaware of its dangers. People were exposed to radiation that caused illnesses and death. The radiation also poisoned the land, water, and vegetation. Although the testing has stopped, its effects are still felt by the people and the environment. The United States has given millions of dollars to help Marshall Islanders who were affected. In 1987 New Zealand announced that nuclear powered ships could not enter its waters. France planned but canceled nuclear testing in the 1990s. Environmental Issues-Oceania

Environmental Issues-Antarctica Antarctic Treaty- used only for peaceful, scientific purposes Once joined to Africa and South America. Climatologists study samples of ice from deep beneath the surface to learn about the climate from thousands of years ago

Environmental Issues-Antarctica Humans may be contributing to global warming. Higher temperatures may lead to loss of ice in and near Antarctica. If this happens, the plants that live on the ice also will disappear These plants are eaten by krill, tiny shrimplike creatures. Krill, in turn, are the main food source for many of the larger animals in Antarctica. The survival of the entire chain depends on the ice.

Environmental Issues-Antarctica Areas beyond Antarctica also would be affected by an ice melt in the region. Scientists believe that such a melting would raise sea levels and possibly lead to flooding of the low islands in Oceania and of crowded coastal cities Antarctic research showed another environmental challenge— the weakening of the ozone layer. Ozone is a gas that forms a protective layer around the Earth in the atmosphere. It protects all life on Earth from certain harmful rays of the sun. Scientists first noticed a “hole” in the ozone layer above Antarctica in the 1980s. They believe that the loss of ozone could lead to higher rates of skin cancer and might contribute to global warming. Many countries have taken steps to protect the ozone layer. Some have limited the use of aerosol sprays and other products that are thought to cause ozone loss.