Australia, Pacific Islands, & Antarctica

Physical Characteristics

• Wide range of vegetation, from tropical rain forests to desert scrub

• Australia is mostly desert

• The Great Dividing Range is located along the eastern coast of Australia

• The Great Barrier Reef is located off the Northeastern coast of Australia

Physical characteristics cont.

• Australia’s isolation has resulted in unique animal life

• Antarctica is the world’s coldest, driest, windiest continent: It is mostly icecap.

• Pacific islands are mostly volcanic, coral or continental

Economic Characteristics

• Require air and water travel to bring goods and services to remote areas

• Dry areas of Australia well suited to cattle and sheep ranching

• upset of environmental balance, caused by the introduction of nonnative plants and animals

• ranching, mining (primary activities)

Cultural Characteristics

• Pacific Islands are sparsely populated

• Most of Australia’s population lives near the coast

• Traditional culture continues to shape life in the Pacific Islands

• Lifestyles range from subsistence farming to modern city living

• Cultures reflect the mix of European and indigenous cultures (ex: Maori and aborigines)

• Antarctica has no permanent residents

Cultural characteristics cont.

• Cities as centers of culture and trade– Canberra ACT (Australian Capital Territory)– Sydney, Australia– Melbourne, Australia

• Cultural landscape– Sydney Opera House– Cattle and Sheep station (Australia)– Research stations (Antarctica)– Thatched roof dwellings (Pacific Islands)