Australia and Oceania
Australia Great Dividing Range Western Plateau Nullarbor Plain Rivers Outback Nullarbor Plain Dry treeless plain
Water supply Great Barrier Reef Murray river Darling river Great Artesian Basin Largest and deepest in the world Only reliable source of fresh water Great Barrier Reef Largest reef system (more than 2, 500 reefs) Extends 1,250miles Tourism: $1 billion aus.
New Zealand North Island South Island Mt. Cook Cantebury plains Both have beaches, rich soil, mountains Mt. Cook Southern Alps, highest peak Called Aorangi by Maori Cantebury plains Most fertile area
Oceania Three groups: Many volcanic islands Atolls Melanesia Micronesia Polynesia Many volcanic islands Atolls Build up of coral reefs
Resources Australia Agriculture Minerals Only 10% of land is arable Wheat, fruit, cattle, sheep, etc Minerals Gold, Bauxite (used for aluminum), opals, oil, iron ore, etc
New Zealand Fertile soil Timber Powerful rivers Geothermal energy Sheep and wool dominate export Timber Powerful rivers Hydroelectric powers: 75% of country’s energy Geothermal energy Fishing Tuna, marlin, sharks, cod
Antarctica Ice cap cover 98% 2x size Australia Desert 70% of world’s fresh water 2x size Australia Desert Less than 10inches percip. Divided by Transantarctic Mountains Antarctic Treaty 1959 12 countries sign (now 46) No military activity, only scientific research
Identify and illustrate the following terms: Wattle -Lichens Doldrums -Mauka Typhoons 1. What climate supports most of Australia's agricultural lands? 2. Describe the factor that prevents temperature extremes in New Zealand 3. What problems might researchers encounter in Antarctic, and how could these conditions be overcome?
Australia short stories United Streaming video on Australia