AU - Australia's Climate (Lesson)

Australia's Climate

Introduction 

Australia's climate varies from dry or desert, across much of the central part of the continent, to humid subtropical in the eastern parts of the continent. Australia's climate can be divided into six distinct regions: equatorial, tropical, subtropical, desert, grassland, and temperate.

Australia's 6 Climate Types

Equatorial -  The equatorial climate region is located in the very northern parts of the Australian continent close to the equator. Temperatures are generally hot year round with plenty of rainfall.

Tropical -  Australia's tropical region is located in the northeast parts of the continent. Rainfall is plentiful in this region. Summer months are hot and humid, and winter is pleasant.

Subtropical -  Australia's subtropical region is located along the eastern and southwestern coastlines of Australia. Rainfall is plentiful and temperatures are generally warm throughout the year with cool mild winters.

Desert -  The desert or outback region of Australia is located in Australia's interior. Deserts in the interior receive up to eight inches of rainfall year round. Much of the soil in the outback is dry. There are some low shrubs that grow in this part of the country.

Grassland -  Australia's grassland or steppe region encircles the desert or outback. Although this area is dry, farming still exists in this region. High temperatures cause the water to evaporate quickly.

Temperate -  Along Australia's southeast coastline and into Tazmania lies the temperate region. The temperate region consists of comfortable temperatures year long. Summers are generally warm, winters are cool, and rainfall is plentiful.

 

Australia's Population

Most Australians live along the coastal regions of the continent where the ocean is accessible and temperatures are mild during most of the year. Very few people live in the desert or outback interior of the country. More than eighty-five percent of Australia's population reside in cities. Only a small percentage of people live in rural areas called the bush.

 

Natural Resources

Australia is rich in natural resources that are mined exclusively. These natural resources include minerals such as bauxite, copper, nickel, and gold. Other natural resources used for energy are natural gas and coal. Australia's natural resources account for approximately 4% of all exports and Australia's GDP.

 

Test Yourself!

Look at the map Below. Pay attention to where the climate regions are. Then, quiz yourself! Define each of the 6 regions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australian's live in various regions throughout the continent. Most of the population resides along urban coastal areas where the climate is mild throughout the year. Very few Australians live in the outback or mountainous regions of the country.

 

 MAP BY MARTYMAN, CC-BY-SA, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

ALL OTHER IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS