Chapter 28, Section 2 (Pages 782–786) Climate Regions

Places reflect the relationship between humans and the physical environ- ment. As you read, complete the diagram below. Explain the effects of climate on life in each area. Effects of Climate

Australia New Zealand Oceania Antarctica

Climates of Australia (pages 783–784)

In general, Australia is a dry continent. Large portions of the outback are covered by deserts. These interior areas receive no As you read, sketch more than 8 inches of rain per year. The desert regions are a simple map of encircled by a steppe climate zone. The steppe receives enough Australia and label yearly rainfall to allow for some farming. In a dry region west its six climate zones. of the Great Dividing Range, wells bring water from a vast underground reservoir called the Great Artesian Basin. This allows people to live in this region even though it is very dry. Eucalyptus trees can grow in central Australia’s desert areas. These trees have thick, leathery leaves that hold in mois- ture, so they can survive the dry conditions. Other plants have

Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, long roots that can reach groundwater during the dry season. Not all parts of Australia are dry, however. 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 sum- mers 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 temper- atures are warm throughout the year. A marine west coast climate is found along the eastern coast. Summers are warm, winters

Chapter 28, Section 2 199 Climates of Australia (continued)

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.

Climates of Oceania (page 785)

All of the countries in Oceania are islands. As a result, the sea affects their climates. Most of New Zealand has a marine west Complete this coast climate. Winds from the ocean warm the land in the winter chart with key facts and cool it in the summer. Temperatures are mild throughout regarding plant life the year, with plentiful rainfall. These conditions are ideal for in areas of Oceania. pastures, or grasses and other plants that grazing animals eat. As a result, many of the people of New Zealand raise livestock. Area Plant Life Most of the smaller islands of Oceania are in the Tropics. New Temperatures are generally warm, and rainfall is seasonal. Some Zealand areas receive heavy rains in the spring and summer, and other areas get heavy rain in the summer and fall. Typhoons are common. Rainfall also is affected by the elevation of the islands. Islands with higher elevations tend to receive more rain. The mountainous High islands areas of the high islands also tend to have lower temperatures. Vegetation in Oceania varies based on the type of island. Because high islands have more rainfall as well as fertile, volca-

nic soil, they have a greater variety of plants. The conditions Companies,Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Inc. Low on low islands can support only a few kinds of plants, such as islands coconut palms and breadfruit trees. Breadfruit, a starchy pod that can be cooked in a number of different ways, is a food staple in Oceania.

The Climate of Antarctica (page 786)

Antarctica never receives direct sunlight. Therefore, the tem- peratures are extremely cold, ranging from a high of –4˚F in the Give three reasons summer to –129˚F in the winter. In addition, harsh winds blow why Antarctica is across the region. The only people who live in Antarctica are so cold. scientists who stay there for brief periods of time while doing research. 1. The air of Antarctica is so cold that it is unable to hold 2. much moisture. Because humid air is needed to trap the sun’s 3. warmth, Antarctica’s dry air contributes to its coldness. Even though Antarctica is covered by ice, it is actually a desert.

200 Chapter 28, Section 2 The Climate of Antarctica (continued)

People do not live in Antarctica, but some plants and ani- mals do. Penguins and other marine mammals feed off of the rich sea life. Tiny, sturdy plants called lichens grow in rocky areas along the coasts.

Answer these questions to check your understanding of the entire Wrap-Up section.

1. Naming What kinds of trees grow in central Australia and why?

2. Comparing and Contrasting Complete this Venn diagram with key facts about high islands and low islands in Oceania.

High Islands Low Islands

D script v In the space provided, write a paragraph describing the human, e i e plant, and animal life in Antarctica. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies,

Chapter 28, Section 2 201