Geographic location of Australia. EGP Australia: features, characteristics, main features, pros and cons

How is mainland Australia located relative to other continents? The issue is quite relevant for students in general education institutions, because absolutely everyone studies or has studied geography. Today, not even all adults know the answer to this question - some often skipped school, while others simply were not interested in it. Let's see what interesting facts are associated with this continent, what geographical position it has and why it is so loved by the population of our entire planet.

Suggestion of a "southern land" and the discovery of Australia

The first mention of Australia comes from ancient times. Then people were sure that beyond the equator to the south there was a huge continent. On homemade maps, whose geographic accuracy was only hypothetical, they often indicated a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bland. They called her Terra Australis, which in Latin means " southern land". When James Cook opened to everyone new land, myths about incredible large area the mainland dispersed. Assumptions turned out to be extremely inaccurate, because Australia is the smallest continent on the planet.

Why Australia is considered the most mysterious place on the planet

When referring to Australia, it has become customary to use the term "most" since ancient times. After all, Australia is the smallest, warmest and most mysterious continent on earth. And this is not all of his descriptions! Discussions about Australia can just go on for hours, because this is the most amazing and exotic continent on the world map. How What are the advantages of its geographical location? Why is this continent considered mysterious? Let's deal with this!

Description of geographic location

Mainland Australia is located in two hemispheres- South and East. Numerous archipelagos of Pacific waters, combined with Australian lands, form a whole part of the world, which is commonly called "Australia and Oceania".

How is mainland Australia located relative to other continents:

• From Eurasia in the southeast (from Cape Piai in southern Asia to the coast of Australia - 3000 km).
• From North America in the southwest (from the capital of the United States to the capital of Australia, the distance is 16 thousand kilometers "Washington-Canberra").
• From South America in the east (the shortest distance to Australia is 14.5 thousand kilometers).
• Relative to Antarctica (the shortest distance to Australia is 3100 km) - to the north.
• Relative to Africa - to the east (at a southern latitude of 30 °, the distance between South Africa and Australia is about 6 thousand kilometers).

The most remarkable feature of this continent is that it is quite compact and isolated from all other continents as much as possible. Australia is located much below the equator (to the south), therefore, not throughout the mainland "eternal summer" - Northern part more sunny and warmer, and the southern one is rather changeable.

Geographical position mainland Australia is very unique: its closest neighbor is Eurasia, which is not so close. The closest point of Eurasia to Australia is (the most south point Asia), the distance from which to the Australian coast is about three thousand kilometers!

The coastal zone of Australia is washed by two oceans at once - Indian and Pacific. The nearest major islands are Tasmania (south) and New Guinea(north). From the east and north, the mainland is washed by the following Pacific seas: Timor, Coral, Arafura and Tasman.

What is the length of mainland Australia

Let's find out about that too. The length of mainland Australia from north to south is about 3.2 thousand kilometers, from west to east - 4000 kilometers. The coastline of the continent (excluding nearby islands) is about 35,900 kilometers. total area mainland is 7,659,861 square kilometers.

extreme points mainland Australia (excluding south island Tasmnania):

• East: 28°38′16″ S latitude 153°38′15″ E. longitude (Cape Byron).
• West: 26°09′06″ S latitude 113°09′17″ E. longitude (Cape Steep Point).
• North: 10°41′22″ S latitude 142°31′51″ E. longitude
• South: 39°08′20″ S latitude 146°22′27″ E. longitude (South East Point).

The soil structure of the Australian land is quite unique, it naturally presents all types of soils that are inherent in the tropical, subequatorial and subtropical zones. The mainland, by its very nature, has many plains, thanks to which the agricultural industry flourishes in the state of the same name. Australia is famous for its grapes, fruit trees and fodder crops.

Australia is the poorest continent by number water resources. The predominant number of rivers and lakes in Australia are replenished only by rainwater. Rivers, as a rule, are unstable - their water level changes frequently from time to time, and there is also no flow. In summer, the lakes dry up, thereby forming shallow saline (a type of soil characterized by the presence of salt in the upper layer) depressions. Sometimes salt at the bottom forms a layer of one and a half to two meters.

Features of the flora and fauna

How is mainland Australia located relative to other continents? Features of the geographical position of this continent can be determined immediately by looking at world map. Among geographers and scientists, it is generally accepted that Australia is the first continent that millions of years ago literally “separated” from a single continental crust (solid land that was not divided into continents). This explains the fact of isolation and uniqueness of flora and fauna on the continent. Animal world Australia is 75 percent endemic. Such animals are considered to be the koala, the platypus, the Tasmanian devil and, no matter how traditional it is for the Australian area, the kangaroo!

What You Don't Know About Australia

• The amazing island of Tasmania is one of the most popular for tourism, because the Tasmanian air is considered the cleanest on the planet.
• South Australian terrain is the most favorable in the world for growing many crops, which is why there is a farm there, the size of which exceeds the area of ​​Belgium.
• loves in almost every restaurant or cafe on the menu there are many dishes in which this ingredient is found.
• Coral reefs of Australia are recognized as the most picturesque on the planet, one of them is considered the largest in the world (Australian Great Barrier Reef);
• At 5,700 kilometers long, the Australian wall is the second longest in the world (after Chinese wall), she protects the land of Queensland from the invasion of wild dogs (dingo dogs).
• The Australian Alps are covered with large layers of snow, which is much more than in the Swiss Alps.
• Despite the fact that the Australian climate is quite warm, local people they love to wear closed shoes - uggs (hence the trend of their popularity around the world). Residents of Australia prefer to feel warm in their homes, which are almost not protected from the cold (cold weather is considered to be a drop in air temperature to +15..+25 degrees Celsius).

In the article, we presented description of the geographical position of mainland Australia and many interesting facts about him.

Australia is the smallest and amazing mainland. Australia was discovered later than America. The entire mainland is occupied by one state - the Commonwealth of Australia. The Australian continent is the flattest of all continents and the driest. One of the features of the nature of the continent is the absence of young mountains, glaciers and active volcanoes on it. Australia earlier than other continents, about 150 million years ago, separated from Gondwana and quickly moved away from its other blocks. Because of this, it has an exceptionally peculiar nature. The mainland is justifiably called the "museum of living fossils."

Geographical position

Australia is located entirely in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres. Almost in the middle of it crosses the Southern Tropic. Australia is a separate continent, remote from other continents. This is what determined the uniqueness of its nature. Main trade routes pass away from the mainland, which hinders the development of economic ties. (Which islands are the "bridge" between Australia and Southeast Asia?)

The area of ​​Australia is 7.6 million km2. The shores of the mainland are slightly indented. In the north it juts out into the land Gulf of Carpentaria, on South - Great Australian Bight. The northern edge of the mainland forms Cape York Peninsula. On the southeastern coast is tasmania island, near the northeast - one of the large islands of Oceania - island of new guinea separated from Australia Torres Strait.

Warm waters washing the mainland and shallow depths contribute to the formation and growth of coral reefs off the coast. They are formed as a result of the vital activity of marine organisms with a calcareous skeleton, mainly coral polyps. In the Pacific Ocean, a long ridge stretches along the eastern coast of Australia for about 2,500 km. coral formations - Great Barrier Reef.

Discovery and exploration of Australia

The Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon was the first European to reach the coast of Australia in 1606. During the Great geographical discoveries Dutchman Abel Tasman explored the northern and northwestern coasts of Australia. In the XVIII century. Englishman James Cook rediscovered Australia and the islands of New Zealand and declared them colonies of England.

For several decades, convicts for various crimes were expelled to Australia from England. They developed new territories, engaged in mining, animal husbandry.

Rice. 61. E. Eyre

Rice. 62. J. Stewart

In 1840, the sheep breeder Edward Eyre (Fig. 61) intended to explore the space between the Flinders Ridge and the western shore (the area of ​​the city of Perth) in South Australia. E. Air could not go deep into the mainland, he explored only the southern coast.

In honor of E. Eyre, the largest lake on the mainland was named. During a four-month journey, E. Eyre covered over 2000 km.

The central deserts were explored by the British Robert Burke and John Stewart (Fig. 62). By the end of the XIX century. exploration of the interior of Australia was largely completed. (Trace the routes of the explorers of Australia on the map of the atlas.)

Geological structure, relief, minerals

The surface of Australia is predominantly flat and the lowest compared to other continents. Its average absolute height is only 350 m. The base of the mainland is an ancient Australian platform, part of the Indo-Australian lithospheric plate. The platform occupies the western and central parts of the mainland. The crystalline foundation of the platform is composed of ancient rocks. In the west, the foundation comes to the surface, forming shields.

The western part of the Australian Platform is uplifted. Here is the vast Western Australian Plateau 400-600 m high. The flat surface in the center of the mainland is disturbed by massifs - remnants rocks. The remains of a plateau with steep slopes and flat tops have a height of 400-600 m. Stony and sandy deserts(Big Sandy, Great Victoria Desert).

The eastern part of the platform is a huge trough, covered with a thick layer of predominantly marine sediments. Absolute heights Central lowlands do not exceed 100 m. low point The mainland is located in the area of ​​Lake Eyre North (16 m below sea level). To the south is the Flinders Ridge.

A folded belt, the East Australian Mountains, adjoins the Australian Platform in the east. Great Dividing Range extends along the east and south east coast Australia. The most high part ridge - australian alps- carry traces ancient glaciation. The highest point of the mountains and the mainland Kosciuszko(2230 m).

Australia is the flattest continent with a leveled relief and the most tectonically stable continent: there are no volcanoes, young mountains and modern glaciation.

Minerals

The Australian platform contains large reserves of gold, platinum, uranium, iron, copper, lead-zinc ores and tin. Deposits of phosphorites, hard and brown coal, oil and natural gas are confined to the sedimentary strata of the platform. Many minerals

(bauxite, iron ore) occur at shallow depths and are mined in an open and cheap way. Oil, gas and coal deposits are confined to depressions and deflections of the platform.

Australia ranks first in the world in the extraction of bauxite, zinc, diamonds, second in the extraction of iron ore, uranium and lead, and third in the extraction of nickel and gold (Fig. 63). Australia holds a quarter of the uranium reserves developed countries world, mining is a third of all diamonds on the planet. gold is mined

Rice. 63. In Western Australia

At the beginning of the XXI century. The Australian Diamond Mining Union overtook the world's leading countries: Democratic Republic Congo, South Africa, Angola. Local diamonds are considered unique due to their rare pinkish hue.

Bibliography

1. Geography grade 8. Textbook for the 8th grade of institutions of general secondary education with the Russian language of instruction / Edited by Professor P. S. Lopukh - Minsk "Narodnaya Asveta" 2014

Australia is a state of the British Commonwealth in the Southern Hemisphere, occupying the entire surface of mainland Australia, the island of Tasmania and several islands of the Pacific and indian ocean. Its area is 7.6 million km 2, 5% of the entire earth's land, this is the sixth largest in the world. It is one of the most developed countries in the world, ranks 6th in terms of GDP per capita, the capital is Canberra, Largest cities- Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, New Castle. The population is 24.067 million (2017), average density the lowest in the world - 2.8 people / km 2.

Geographic characteristics

The state is located entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, consists of Australia, Tasmania and islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

North of Australia are East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, in the northeast - Solomon islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, in the southeast - the territory of New Zealand.

Mountains and plains

The relief of most of the country is low-lying plains, their average height- about 215 m. Huge territories are occupied by deserts: Great Desert Victoria, Great Sandy Desert, Large semi-desert artesian pool. In the east rise old dilapidated mountains - the Great Dividing Range, a zone of ancient folding. Here it is highest point mainland Australia - Mount Kosciuszko (2228 m), the highest point in the country - active volcano Mawson (2750 m) on Heard Island in the subarctic zone of the Indian Ocean. The lowest point in the country is Lake Eyre (-15 meters below sea level)...

Rivers and lakes

The Australian continent has a small river network, which is represented by the main Murray River (2375 km), the second longest river is the Murrumbidgee (1485 km), the third is the Darling River (1472 km, a tributary of the Murray). The Murray-Darling river basin occupies almost 14% of the country's territory or 1 million km 2. The most developed hydro network is located on the island of Tasmania. The deficit of surface waters is partially compensated by large reserves of underground artesian waters with a high level of mineralization.

Located in the country a large number of lakes, mainly formed in basins due to precipitation. Largest lakes- salt lakes Eyre (with an area of ​​​​9.5 thousand km 2), Torrens (5.7 thousand km 2), Gairdner (4.3 thousand km 2), amazing salt Lake Hiller with a unique rose water and others: Mackay (3.5 thousand km 2), Amadius (1 thousand km 2), artificial reservoirs Argyle and Gordon ...

Oceans and seas surrounding Australia

Northern and eastern shores washed by the waters of four seas: Arafura, Coral, Tasman (sea Pacific Ocean) and Timor (Indian Ocean), west and south - by the Indian Ocean. Length coastline Australia - almost 60 thousand km, the mainland - 35.8 thousand km, the island - 23.8 thousand km. Along northeast coast under water at a distance of more than 2 thousand km stretched coral reef - the Great Barrier Reef ...

Significant ancient age continent, diversity weather conditions and its long geographical isolation from the outside world contributed to the accumulation of the richness and diversity of Australia's flora and fauna. More than 12 species of representatives of the animal and plant kingdoms live here, and 9 thousand of them are endemic. Woody vegetation is represented mainly by such evergreens as eucalyptus and acacia, adapted to survive in constant conditions drought and high temperatures. In cool Tasmania with a temperate type of climate, in addition to the eucalyptus trees typical of Australia, evergreen southern beeches grow.

The most famous representatives of the Australian fauna: mammals of the monotreme platypus and echidna order, mammals of the family of marsupial kangaroos, koala, wombat, birds - emu ostrich, cockatoo parrot, laughing kingfisher or kookaburra, the only placental predator in the Australian fauna is the wild dingo dog (formerly here also marsupial wolves lived, but their population, unfortunately, disappeared)...

Climate of Australia

Australia is three climatic zones: northern part in subequatorial climate, central - tropical, southern part - subtropical climate. Tasmania has a temperate climate. The Australian summer, which lasts from December to February, is very hot and dry, central regions the temperature rises to +40 °C, in winter it drops to +10 °C, +2 °C, frosts are possible.

The climate of the western ocean coast is slightly softened by the influence of oceanic air masses, sometimes bringing here a small amount of precipitation. In general, Australia is the driest continent on Earth, ¾ of its territory does not receive sufficient moisture, which, together with big amount solar radiation from the hot tropical sun led to the formation of vast deserts in the center of the country...

Resources

natural resources of australia

Australia is rich in a variety of mineral resources, it ranks second in the world in the extraction of bauxite and zirconium, leads in uranium ore reserves (1/3 of all world reserves) and in terms of its production, 6th in the world in coal mining, also here there are large reserves of ores of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, there are rich deposits of gold and diamonds. Oil and natural gas reserves are insignificant, concentrated in the south of the country, on the northeastern and northwestern oceanic shelves...

The most developed branches of industrial production in Australia are the oldest mining industry, automotive, heavy engineering, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical production, food and light industries.

In agriculture, the leading position is occupied by grazing, in which an important place is given to sheep breeding (Australia supplies 9% of the world's wool production to the world market, 50% of the fine wool variety called Mouton comes from here), meat and dairy farming, pig breeding, poultry farming, beekeeping, breeding of camels and thoroughbred racehorses.

In crop production, the process of growing and harvesting wheat is in the lead, which is mainly grown on the territory of the so-called "wheat belt", stretching up to 300 km wide from Brisbane to southeast coast country to the southern regions Australia. In addition to wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, forage grasses are grown: lupine and clover. Also, Australia is a major supplier of oranges, mangoes, pineapples, various vegetables and even opium poppy for pharmaceutical purposes, which is grown on plantations on the island of Tasmania under the strict control of the authorities ...

culture

Peoples of Australia

About 80% of the population of Australia have British roots, because since 1770 it was a colony of Great Britain, then the Australian type was formed. in English. The intensive formation of Australian culture as such took place actively in the middle of the 19th century, when an influx of immigrants from the most different countries world (Germany, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada), which was associated with the discovery of gold deposits in the southeastern part of the country, the second influx of immigration from Europe and Asia was observed after the Second World War in the twentieth century. So for modern Australia characterized by multiculturalism based on the principles of equality and good neighborliness. Previously, there was a problem of harassment and infringement of rights in Australia local population- the indigenous aborigines of Australia, whose culture is now one of the main values ​​​​of this country ...

IN given time the descendants of the indigenous aborigines of Australia make up a little more than 1.5% of the total population of the country, who, in order to survive, have to assimilate with other inhabitants of the country, many work in tourism, on various farms and ranches, some, like their ancient ancestors, are engaged in hunting and live in harmony with the wildlife that surrounds them.

One of the ancient traditions Australian aborigines- carrying out ritual dances and chants to the accompaniment of the unique Australian wind instrument didgeridoo. The Aborigines of Australia believed that the whole world around them was created by their ancestors in the sacred "Age of Dreams", with the help of their dances, songs, drawings on the bark of trees and fabric, each tribe told about the history of their ancestors and their deeds, which were passed down from generation to generation .

Australia is the smallest continent on Earth. Together with the adjacent islands, it is entirely located in the southern hemisphere. The name of this continent, discovered and settled later than others, comes from the Latin word australis - southern.

The southern tropic crosses Australia so that a smaller part of the mainland is located to the north of it. The extreme points of the mainland in the north are Cape York (10 ° 41 "S), in the south - Cape South East Point (39 ° 11" N), in the west - Cape Steep Point (113 ° 05 "E), in the east - Cape Byron (153 ° 34" E). The length of Australia from north to south is 3200 km, from west to east about 4100 km, the area is 7614.5 thousand km2.

The modern name of the mainland appeared on the maps relatively recently - in the early 20s. 19th century Prior to this, separate parts of the continent were called by the names received from the discoverers. So, northern lands the Dutch called New Holland, the first English colony in the east became known as New South Wales. And only when the captain of the Royal Navy Matthew Flinders sailed around the mainland, the name "Australia" appeared.

In the north off the coast of Australia are the islands of Melville, Bathurst, Groote Island and other smaller ones, in the south - located within the continental shelf of the island of Tasmania, King, Flinders and Kangaroo. In the west the most large island— Dirk Hartog, to the east — Fraser.

Australia is bordered by the Pacific and Indian oceans. It is not connected by land to any other continent. Therefore, Australia, also referring to its small size, is sometimes called the mainland-island.

The nature of Australia is unique to a greater extent than the nature of all other continents, except for Antarctica. It is distinguished by the antiquity of landscapes, originality, endemism and antiquity of the organic world, features of the development and change of natural conditions by man.

To the north and east of Australia, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, there are many large and small islands of mainland, coral and volcanic origin. The whole set of these islands is called Oceania. The total area of ​​the islands of Oceania is approximately 1.3 million km2.

Oceania is usually divided into several parts.

The largest western islands, closest to Australia, excluding New Zealand called Melanesia. Melanesia includes New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, and others.

New Zealand, located much to the south, is singled out especially.

Small islands north of Melanesia and west of 177° E (Marian, Caroline, Marshall, etc.) are called Micronesia.

All other islands in the central and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean east of 177 ° E belong to Polynesia. These are the islands of Hawaii, Line, Society, etc.

This division is historical and ethnographic; it does not coincide with the division of Oceania according to genetic and physical-geographical features.

The island arc from New Guinea to New Zealand, including the Fiji Islands in the east with water basins separating the islands and the mainland, is a continuation of the Pacific island arcs.

By climate formation and the formation of the organic world, these islands are closely connected with Australia, being in relation to it approximately in the same position as the East Asian islands in relation to Eurasia, although in this case the similarity of the nature of the islands with the nature of the mainland is expressed to a somewhat lesser extent. The islands of the open part of the Pacific Ocean are genetically related to the oceanic crust and have never experienced the influence of large areas of land during their existence. Their nature is distinguished by great originality and typically oceanic features.

From the north, Australia is washed by the Timor and Arafura epicontinental seas. In addition, in the north is one of the largest bays within the mainland - Carpentaria. A strip of shallow water stretches along the western and southern coasts mainland, which are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean. In the east, Australia is adjoined by the Coral and Tasman Seas, which are deep basins with oceanic or transitional type crust and great depths(over 5000 m). The Melanesian, New Caledonian and other basins are no less deep, separating underwater uplifts and ridges from the continental and coral islands. From the outside, and partly from the side of the seas, troughs stretch along the island arcs (Vityaz, Tonga, Karmadek, etc.) with maximum depths more than 9 and even 10 thousand m.

Australia - the only country on the globe occupying the entire continent. The total area is 7.7 thousand sq. km. It is located in the eastern part of the Southern Hemisphere and is washed by the waters of two oceans - the Pacific and the Indian. The capital of Australia is Canberra.

Australian population

At present, the population of the country exceeds 19 million people. Most of them (10 million) live along the southern and eastern coasts. In the most big cities- Sydney and Melbourne - concentrated more than a third of the population of all of Australia.

Climatic conditions of Australia

Australia is dominated by tropical and mediterranean climate with heavy rainfall. Summer (November-January) runs from average temperature up to 32°С. Winter (June-August) is characterized by temperatures from +18°С to 0°С and frequent rains. The ideal time to visit Australia is from May to August. The peak season is September-December.

Time in Australia

The country of Australia has three time zones. Therefore, depending on one or another part, we are ahead of Moscow time by +8, +9:30 and +10 hours, respectively.

Australian language

The official language is English. There are Greek, Italian, Chinese and indigenous dialects of the local population.

Australian Cuisine

The culinary preferences of the first English colonists had the greatest influence on Australian cuisine. Subsequently, it was enriched with the traditions of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Among lovers of the exotic, the original Australian Aboriginal cuisine is very popular, in which spicy herbs that grow in abundance on the mainland and the meat of local wild animals are widely used.

Australian currency

There are 100 cents in the Australian dollar (AUD). Banknotes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 dollars, coins of 50, 20, 10, 5 cents are in circulation.

Religion in Australia

The overwhelming majority of the country's inhabitants are Christians: Catholics and Protestants.

Holidays Australia

In addition to traditional holidays accepted all over the world, such as New Year and Christmas, Australia celebrates January 26 - Australia Day, March 21 - Harmony Day, April 25 - Defender of the Fatherland Day, November 11 - Memorial Day.

Socio-political system of Australia

The formal head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of England. The executive power is the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers headed by him.

Resorts of Australia

The main miraculous attraction of Australia is the Great Barrier Reef, considered the largest coral reef system in the world. The surrounding resort islands of Fitzroy, Hyman, Lizard, Hamilton, Green, and Bedarra are also popular. Magnetic Island is a paradise for fans of diving and yachting. Fraser - the largest on Earth sand island, where you can meet dolphins and even whales in coastal waters, the famous sand dunes and lakes with fresh water. Cape York, Red Deserts, Lake District, Kings Canyon - unique nature reserves mainland Australia.

Landmarks of Australia

The Opera House, located in Sydney, is one of the most original and recognizable buildings in the world and is calling card Australia. Opera theatre built on the water and is a ship sailing under loose white sails. Also noteworthy are Taronga Zoo, Hyde Park, Royal national park, Art Gallery of New Wales, Maritime Museum.

Worth a visit in Melbourne National Gallery Victorian State Royal Botanical Garden, Cathedral St. Patrick, J. Cook memorial, Aquarium, Mint. In Perth attract the attention of tourists Art Gallery Western Australia and the famous Perth Bell Tower. The green pearl of Australia are National parks Kakadu, Uluru, Magnetic Islands - with stunning natural diversity and wildlife. The unique natural attractions of the country are included in the UN World Heritage List.

In Australia, you can conquer impregnable cliffs or go diving on the Bolshoy barrier reef, you can admire huge flocks of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets in Currumbin Park, scratch a koala bear behind the ear in Koala Park, or admire art in Melbourne's galleries. Diverse, bright mysterious Australia will not leave anyone indifferent!