Oceania and Antarctica Paradise in the Pacific and Penguins at the Pole

Oceania

Physical Geography of Oceania The Pacific Ocean covers 1/3 of the world “Oceania” is the name for the islands located here Thousands of islands Many are unnamed and never been explored Some are barely big enough for one person to live on The Islands are divided into 3 sub-regions Micronesia- tiny islands Melanesia- black islands Polynesia- many islands

Climate of Oceania Climate Most Pacific islands are in the tropics Between the Tropic of Capricorn and Cancer Warm climate throughout the year  Average temperature of 65 degrees “Typhoons” Name for hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean Largest and most destructive storm

Types of Islands “High islands” Formed by volcanoes Generally large and mountainous islands  Have fertile soil for farming  Rain in mountains gives freshwater to the islands Covered by forests These resources on the islands support large populations Hawaii, Fiji, French Polynesia, and New Guinea

Types of Islands “Low islands” Formed by the buildup of coral reefs Limited water sources and resources Very small populations Many have as few as 50 people living on them Often called “Atolls” Ring-like coral islands

History/ Economics of Oceania History Many of the islands of the Pacific were discovered by Captain James Cook Tahiti was his first major discovery Economy Most people are just barely making ends meet Tourism Commercial fishing

Antarctica

Physical Geography of Antarctica Land that is completely covered by ice Ice is up to 2 miles thick Extremely harsh weather Temperatures can reach –121 degrees Winds can reach 200 miles per hour What lives there? Moss, lichens, penguins and some insects

History of Antarctica James Cook sailed around Antarctica Never saw land Concluded land would not be any good Seal hunters and whalers finally found land Near the South Pole

Explorers of Antarctica Ronald Amundsen Norway Used dog sleds to become the first to find the South Pole Had to eat the dogs on the way back No one could find his flag  Movement of the glacier had moved it from the pole Robert Scott Great Britain Decided to walk to the South Pole Died on return trip

Economic Geography Petroleum and coal have been found here Cannot be taken for the next 50 years Antarctic Treaty  Signed in 1961  Gives 40 countries ownership of resources  No one really owns the land Land is used for research purposes only Study the ozone layer and global warming