Variably moist forests grow in those areas of the Earth where precipitation in the form of rain does not fall all year round, but the dry season does not last long. They are located in Africa north and south of the equatorial rain forests, as well as in northeastern Australia.

Look geographical position zones variable rain forests on the map of natural areas.

The life of variable humid forests is closely related to seasonal climate change: During the dry season, under conditions of moisture deficiency, plants are forced to shed their leaves, and during the wet season, they are forced to put on foliage again.

Climate. During the summer months, the temperature in the regions variable-humid forests reaches 27 degrees Celsius; in the winter months the thermometer rarely drops below 21 degrees. The rainy season comes after the hottest month. During the summer rainy season there are frequent thunderstorms, and there may be continuous cloud cover for several days in a row, often turning into rain. During the dry period, some areas may not receive rain for two to three months.

Variably humid forests are dominated by yellow earth and red earth forests. soil. The structure of the soil is granular-lumpy, the humus content gradually decreases downwards, on the surface - 2-4%.

Among the plants of variable humid forests, evergreen, coniferous and deciduous trees are distinguished. Evergreens include palm trees, ficus, bamboo, all kinds of magnolia, cypress, camphor tree, tulip tree. Deciduous trees represented by linden, ash, walnut, oak, and maple. Among the evergreens, fir and spruce are often found.

Animals.

The fauna of the variable humid forests is rich and diverse. The lower tier is home to many rodents, large animals include elephants, tigers and leopards; monkeys, pandas, lemurs, and all kinds of felines find refuge among the tree branches. There are Himalayan bears, raccoon dogs and wild boars. The variety of birds is represented by pheasants, parrots, partridges and black grouse. Pelicans and herons live on the banks of rivers and lakes.

Man has destroyed a significant part of the variable rain forests. In place of cleared forests, rice, tea bushes, mulberries, tobacco, cotton, and citrus fruits are grown. It will take a long time to restore lost forest areas.

The exceptional originality and antiquity of the flora and fauna of Australia is explained by its long isolation. Most plant (75%) and animal (90%) species in Australia are endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world. Among the animals there are few mammals, but species extinct on other continents have survived, including marsupials (about 160 species). Typical representatives of the Australian flora are eucalyptus (600 species), acacia (490 species) and casuarina. The mainland has not given the world valuable cultivated plants.

Australia is located in four geographical zones- from subequatorial to moderate. The change in natural zones is due to changes in temperatures and precipitation patterns. The flat nature of the relief contributes to a well-defined terrain, disturbed only in the east. The main part of the continent lies in tropical latitudes, so the greatest development has been achieved tropical desert and semi-deserts, occupying half the area of ​​the continent.

The central parts of the continent in two geographical zones (tropical and subtropical) are occupied by deserts and semi-deserts. Australia is rightly called a continent of deserts (Great Sandy, Great Desert Victoria, Gibson Desert, etc.). On the Western Australian plateau in tropical conditions continental climate Tropical deserts and semi-deserts dominate. In rocky and sandy river beds, light forests of casuarinas stretch. In the depressions of clayey semi-deserts there are thickets of quinoa and salt-tolerant species of acacias and eucalyptus trees. Deserts are characterized by “cushions” of the bushy grass spinifex. The soils of semi-deserts are gray soils; desert soils are primitive rocky, clayey or sandy.

In the south of the mainland in the subtropics, deserts and semi-deserts occupy the Nullarbor Plain (“treeless”) and the Murray-Darling Lowland. They are formed under subtropical continental climate conditions on brown semi-desert and gray-brown soils. Against the background of dry rare grasses there is wormwood and solyanka; there is no tree and shrub vegetation.

The most acute problem in Australia is the shortage. Previously, it was solved by pumping groundwater from numerous wells. But currently a decrease in water level in artesian basins has been recorded. The depletion of groundwater reserves, along with a decrease in river flows, has exacerbated water shortages in Australia, forcing the implementation of water conservation programs.

One of the ways to preserve nature is to create specially protected natural areas. They occupy 11% of the continent's area. One of the most visited is Kosciuszko Park in Australia. In the north there is one of the world's largest parks - Kakadu, where not only wetlands that serve as habitat for many endemic birds are protected, but also caves with Aboriginal rock art. The Blue Mountains Park protects stunning mountain landscapes with a variety of eucalyptus forests. The nature of deserts is also under protection (Great Victoria Desert and Simpson Desert parks). Ayers Rock, a giant red sandstone monolith sacred to Aboriginal people, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uluru-Katayuta Park. The fabulous world of coral is protected in the Great Barrier Reef Underwater Park.

The Great Barrier Reef has the greatest diversity of corals on the planet (up to 500 species). A threat, in addition to coastal water pollution and poaching, is posed by polyp-eating Starfish"crown of thorns" Rising ocean temperatures due to global warming climate leads to bleaching and death of corals.

The main feature of Australia's flora and fauna is the predominance of endemics. Australia is the most deserted continent. Global depletion of water resources, depletion of flora and fauna pose a threat to the nature of the continent. Specially protected natural areas occupy 11% of the continent's area.

Natural areas Australia (7th grade) is one of the most interesting topics school geography. Indeed, this continent, despite its small size, is characterized by a very rich natural diversity. This article gives a brief description of all natural areas of the continent.

What is a natural area? Formation of natural areas

A natural (or physical-geographical) zone is a part of the geographic envelope, which is characterized by its own set of natural components and conditions. Any natural area includes a number of structural components, namely:

• climate features;
• landforms;
• inland waters;
• soil;
• flora and fauna.

All these components are in close interaction with each other, and the nature of these connections will be different for each of the natural zones.

The main factor that influences the formation and distribution of natural zones on the planet is the ratio of moisture and heat received. This ratio will vary depending on the latitude of the area. Natural zonation is also influenced by other factors (for example, the nature and complexity of the relief, proximity to the ocean, etc.), but the key factor is still the climatic one.

Each of the continents of our planet has its own set of natural zones. Australia is no exception here. The natural zones of this continent, namely their distribution, differ significantly from the sublatitudinal one. The reason for this is the small size of the continent, as well as the presence of a powerful mountain system stretching from north to south in the east of the continent of Australia.

The natural areas of the mainland, as well as their territorial distribution, are displayed on the following map:

Natural areas of Australia: table

In order to visualize the physical and geographical zoning of Australia, we bring to your attention the following table.

Australia: natural areas and their brief characteristics

The largest area in Australia is the zone of deserts and semi-deserts, located in the tropical zone. This zone is characterized by low precipitation and extremely high evaporation. Therefore, the vegetation of Australian deserts is very poor. Quite often one can observe here extensive salt crusts covering large areas.

To the east, the zone of deserts and semi-deserts is replaced by more wet zone savannas and tropical woodlands. In this natural area vegetable world already much richer, but the lack of hydration is noticeable here too.

The eastern outskirts of Australia, as you know, are occupied by a mountain system - the Great Dividing Range - the most important landscape barrier on the mainland. It was on its slopes that two natural forest-type zones were formed. Between the 15th and 28th degrees of south latitude there is a zone of evergreen forests, and north of the 15th degree there is a zone of constantly humid forests. Altitudinal zone on this continent it is clearly visible only in the Australian Alps.

Finally

So, we found out that within the smallest continent of the planet there are four natural zones.

The natural zones of Australia are the zone of permanently moist forests, the zone of evergreen hard-leaved forests, the zone of savannas and woodlands, as well as the zone of deserts and semi-deserts. Each of them is distinguished by its geographical features (soil, flora, fauna).

Variably humid forests are also found in the humid subtropics ( monsoon climate) .
The climate in Australia is formed under the influence of the ocean, in which cyclones form, which in turn bring rain. As a result, natural areas are formed.
Australia differs from other continents of the globe in its antiquity and unique flora and fauna. They formed under conditions of long-term isolation of the continent (with Cretaceous period) . Among plants, endemics account for 75% of species. The most characteristic representatives of the flora of Australia are eucalyptus (more than 600 species), acacia (490 species) and casuarina (25 species). Among the eucalyptus trees there are giants reaching 150 m in height, as well as shrubby forms. Araucarias, proteaceae, southern beeches, tree ferns, palms and a number of other plants indicate the presence in the past of land connections with other continents ( South America, Africa, Southeast Asia) . Animal world Australia is extremely unique. The fauna of the continent has a pronounced relict character. Endemics make up 90% of total number animals of Australia. Only here the most primitive mammals (platypus and echidna) have been preserved. The greatest diversity of species was provided by marsupials: giant kangaroos (up to 3 m in height) and dwarf kangaroos (up to 30 cm in size); koala is a marsupial bear, wombats are reminiscent of our hamsters; marsupial predators and rodents, insectivorous and herbivorous marsupials. Birds that are also unique to Australia include parrots, emus, black swans, cassowaries, weed chickens, lyrebirds and brightly colored birds of paradise. The waters of Northern Australia are home to crocodiles and turtles. There are many lizards in dry savannas and deserts, poisonous snakes; mosquitoes and other insects. Australian native fauna, long time developing in isolation, it turned out to be easily vulnerable and could not compete with the settlers who came with humans. She went wild and became dangerous predator dingo dog. Rabbits, foxes, rats, sparrows, and starlings, brought here from England, quickly multiplied. Many Australian animal species have become extremely rare or extinct, like the Tasmanian marsupial wolf. Currently, 27 species of animals and 18 species of birds are threatened with extinction. Australia is well aware of the uniqueness and significant vulnerability of local nature. This is probably why there are now more than 1000 protected areas in the Commonwealth of Australia ( National parks, reserves, state parks), occupying more than 3% of the country's territory. In Australia, as in Africa, the natural zonation of landscapes is well defined. This is facilitated by the flat nature of the continent's topography and the absence of well-defined orographic boundaries on it. Natural zones gradually change when moving from north to south as temperatures, regimes and precipitation change. Among continents, Australia ranks first in the relative area of ​​deserts and semi-deserts and last in forest area. However, only 2% of Australia's forests are of industrial importance. The central and western regions of Australia within the tropical zone are occupied by deserts and semi-deserts with sparse vegetation of hard grasses and shrubby forms of eucalyptus and acacia (scrape). In deserts, special primitive soils are formed, often colored red. Equatorial, subequatorial and humid rainforests presented on small areas in the far north of the continent and along the eastern windward slopes of the Great Dividing Range. In these forests, palms, ficuses, laurels, tree ferns intertwined with vines grow mainly on red ferralite soils; Eucalyptus trees predominate in the forests of the eastern part. Subequatorial climatic zone correspond mainly to savannas and woodlands (of eucalyptus, acacia and casuarina). Red-brown and red-brown soils form under the canopy of light eucalyptus forests and in savannas. Within subtropical zone in the southeast and southwest of the continent special natural complexes. In the humid subtropical forests in the southeast of the continent, eucalyptus forests grow on red soils and yellow soils, and evergreen southern beeches grow in the southern part of this zone. In the southwest of the continent there is a zone of hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs of typical Australian species on brown soils.

Natural areas

Australia- a continent of deserts, semi-deserts and dry woodlands, occupying vast inland areas. It's good on the mainland

pronounced latitudinal zonality. Humid and variable-humid tropical forests are characteristic of the northern and northeastern parts of the continent; to the south and west they are replaced by ridcolliss and savannas, which turn into semi-deserts and deserts. In the extreme southwest, shrubby steppes give way to forests and shrubs. In the southeast there is a zone of subtropical humid mixed forests. In general, Australia ranks first among continents in terms of the relative area of ​​deserts and second to last in terms of forest area.

Australia differs from other continents in the uniqueness of the organic world. Among plants, endemics account for 75%, characteristic plants Australia: eucalyptus, grass tree, acacia, palm, tree fern, many types of grasses and shrubs. There are more than 300 species of eucalyptus.

The fauna of Australia is even more unique than the flora. There are many ancient (relict) species here. But in general, the diversity of animal species on the mainland is small. Characteristic of Australia are the kangaroo, koala, platypus, echidna, wombat, etc. A rich and diverse world of birds: Birds of Paradise, cassowaries, emu, parrots, black swans, lyrebird, etc. Australia has many poisonous snakes, lizards, locusts, mosquitoes , mosquitoes, flies. All these plant and animal species have a zonal distribution.

Humid and variable humid zone tropical forests covers the northeast of the continent, where there is a lot of rainfall. Various types of palm trees, ficus, and laurels grow here on red ferrallitic soils. The trees in these forests are entwined with vines. The forests on the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range are dominated by eucalyptus trees. In the mountains above 1000 m, mountain forests grow, in which individual tracts of ancient coniferous species - Araucaria - can be found. While moving towards the interior of the mainland, forests with rich species composition the world is changing

small and dry eucalyptus forests, which turn into tropical savannas and woodlands. "

Savannas are characterized by eucalyptus, acacia, and Kazuo-Rini trees. In eucalyptus forests and savannas, red-brown and red-brown soils are formed / Kangaroos and emus live here, and many birds live near water bodies.

Large areas of semi-deserts and deserts in the interior parts of the continent are in some places occupied by thickets of hard-leaved, thorny, densely intertwined evergreen shrubs. Such areas in Australia are called scrape. The main plants of the scrub are shrubby forms of eucalyptus and acacia. Grasses also grow in deserts, among which cereals are common. Among the animals found here are giant kangaroos, wild dog dingoes, wombats, emus. .

In the humid subtropical forests in the southeast of the continent, eucalyptus forests grow on red-yellow ferrallitic soils; evergreen beech grows in the southern part of these forests.

Altitudinal zonation is expressed only in the Australian Alps. The forests of the lower parts of the mountains give way to alpine-type meadows on the peaks.

Australia's wild vegetation contains no plants that have played a significant role in agriculture. But there are species that are used by humans: plants provide wood, tannins, essential oils. From Europe and other continents, “many species of trees, bushes and herbs were brought to Australia. Many animals were brought. Rabbits cause great harm to the economy. Dingoes, foxes, and rats pushed aside or significantly destroyed local species of animals. In general, the flora and fauna of Australia are greatly modified by humans .

Protecting Australia's endemic and vulnerable wildlife important issue. Various protected areas have been created on the mainland.

Population and political map

More than 20 million people live on the mainland (2005)

The modern population of Australia consists mainly of Anglo-Australians (80% of the population), who are descendants of settlers from Great Britain and Ireland. The share of indigenous people (aboriginals) is only 1% of the mainland's population.

The Aborigines of Australia belong to the Australoid race, the representatives of which differ significantly from other main races. Their appearance combines some features of the Negroid and Caucasian races. Indigenous Australians are made up of numerous tribes speaking more than 200 languages.

The average population density of Australia is 2 people per 1 km2. CA is one of the lowest in the world. The population is located on the mainland very unevenly.

The territory of the entire mainland, the island of Tasmania and a number of small islands is occupied by one state - Australia.