Transcript CHAPTER 4
World Geography Today Chapter 31 Australia and New Zealand Preview Section 1: Australia Section 2: New Zealand Chapter Wrap-Up World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia Read to Discover • What are the main features of Australia’s natural environments? • What are Australia’s history and culture like? • What are some important features of Australia’s human systems? World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia Question What are Australia’s landform regions, water resources, climates, and other resources? World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia Water Resources Landform Regions Murray River Darling River Artesian wells Great Dividing Range Central Lowlands Western Plateau Climates Arid, semiarid, tropical wet and dry, humid subtropical, marine west coast, Mediterranean The Natural Environments of Australia Other Resources Bauxite, copper, iron ore, lead, silver, zinc, gemstones, coal, oil, natural gas, sheep World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia Natural Environments • Great Dividing Range—Eastern highlands; main mountain system • Central Lowlands—Artesian wells; Lake Eyre, salt lake; Simpson Desert • Western Plateau—Two-thirds of country; oldest rocks; deserts, Nullarbor Plain • Great Barrier Reef—Coral reefs; varied tropical sea life • Dry, desert interior (outback) surrounded by wetter, greener coasts, with some rainforests • Unusual animal life—marsupials World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia History and Culture • Aborigines—Ancient native culture; traditionally nomadic; hundreds of languages • British settled Australia as a penal colony starting in 1788. • Settlers forced Aborigines off the land. • Six large colonies developed; became Commonwealth in 1901. • People are mainly of European ancestry; many Asians began arriving in 1970s. World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia History and Culture (continued) • Most people live in southeastern coastal cities. • Religion—Mostly Christian; Aborigine beliefs; immigrants have brought other religions • Sports and beach activities are popular. • There are world-renowned artists and craftsmen. • Foods are often a mix of Mediterranean and Asian. World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 1: Australia Human Systems • Developed country with a market economy • Good transportation and health care • Stable democratic government • Key economic activities—Services, mining, extensive agriculture (wool), tourism World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand Read to Discover • What are some important features of New Zealand’s natural environment? • What are New Zealand’s history and culture like? • On what is New Zealand’s economy based, and what economic challenge does the country face? World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand Question What are the physical features of the North and South Islands of New Zealand? World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand North Island Forests, volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, hills Both Islands Lowlands South Island Mountains, glaciers, lakes, plains World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand Natural Environments • North Island—Forests, fertile lowlands; tectonic activity (earthquakes, geysers, hot springs) • South Island—High elevations (Southern Alps); Canterbury Plains • Mild marine west coast climate overall • Temperate forest biome—Evergreens, endemic species (kiwis, moas, bats) World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand History and Culture • Maori arrived around 1000 years ago; settled on North Island. • James Cook arrived in 1769; British settlers came from Australia. • Settlers took Maori land; wars (1845–1872) led to Maori defeat. • New Zealand gained independence, 1907; continued to develop farming economy. World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand History and Culture (continued) • Most people have British ancestors; Maori make up about 10 percent. • Population is concentrated along coasts, mainly on North Island and in cities. • Outdoor activities and sports are popular; many sheep. World Geography Today Chapter 31 Section 2: New Zealand New Zealand’s Economy New Zealand’s economy is based on farming, but manufacturing and services are growing. • Agriculture—Sheep and cattle very important; crops include wheat, barley, fruits. • Industry—Food processing, wood and paper, textiles, machinery • Film production and tourism are also important. • Challenges—Small population makes economy of scale difficult; dependence on global trade makes country vulnerable to outside forces. World Geography Today Chapter 31 Chapter Wrap-Up Understanding the Main Ideas 1. What are some of the reasons Australia is dominated by arid and semiarid climates? 2. What is the pattern of the distribution of major cities in Australia? Why do few people live in the continent’s interior? 3. How have the physical characteristics of New Zealand changed during the last 1,000 years? 4. What are some important characteristics of New Zealand’s market economy? 5. How are the physical and human geography of Australia and New Zealand similar? How are they different?