the area is also called oceania because it has much more water than land. the area is also called...

The area is also called Oceania because it has much more water than land. The area is also called Oceania because it has much more water than land. Oceania covers more than of the Earths surface. Oceania covers more than of the Earths surface. There are two continents in the South Pacific region Australia and Antarctica. There are two continents in the South Pacific region Australia and Antarctica.

There are thousands of islands in the South Pacific that are formed in two main ways. There are thousands of islands in the South Pacific that are formed in two main ways. 1. Volcanic activity 2. Coral Volcanic Activity builds up land each time a volcano erupts, eventually forming an island. These islands are generally steep and mountainous. Volcanic Activity builds up land each time a volcano erupts, eventually forming an island. These islands are generally steep and mountainous.

Coral is the skeletons of tiny sea animals. As the coral builds up, it makes a semicircular island called an atoll. Coral is the skeletons of tiny sea animals. As the coral builds up, it makes a semicircular island called an atoll. The water within the atoll is called a lagoon. The water within the atoll is called a lagoon. Coral islands are generally flat. Coral islands are generally flat.

The Physical Environment The Ocean In one place mountains rise from its floor forming islands. In another area the floor plunges to 30,000 feet or more. In one place mountains rise from its floor forming islands. In another area the floor plunges to 30,000 feet or more. Mariana's Trench Mariana's Trench Mariana's Trench Mariana's Trench Water temperatures near the equator can be up to 27C where near Antarctica they can be 0C. Water temperatures near the equator can be up to 27C where near Antarctica they can be 0C. It has abundant marine life whales, salmon, tuna, anchovies, sardines, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, and even seaweed is harvested from the Pacific. It has abundant marine life whales, salmon, tuna, anchovies, sardines, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, and even seaweed is harvested from the Pacific.

Landforms The two largest landmasses of Oceania are the continents of Australia and Antarctica. The rest of the regions land is made up of widely scattered islands.

LandformsAntarctica Centers on the south pole. Made up of several large islands buried beneath a huge ice cap. Has mountains, valleys, plains and even a smoking volcano. The ice cap contains the largest amount of fresh water in the world. Remains of plants found here help to prove the theory of drift. A year in Antarctica

LandformsAustralia It is a little smaller than continental US. It is a little smaller than continental US. It is the flattest of the worlds continents. It is the flattest of the worlds continents. The Great Dividing Range separates the well watered plain on the southeastern coast from the dry, desolate plains and plateaus in the west that are called the outback. The Great Dividing Range separates the well watered plain on the southeastern coast from the dry, desolate plains and plateaus in the west that are called the outback.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world and is found off the northeastern coast. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world and is found off the northeastern coast.Great Barrier ReefGreat Barrier Reef Early explorers considered it dangerous for their ships but now it is a hot spot for marine scientists and scuba divers. Early explorers considered it dangerous for their ships but now it is a hot spot for marine scientists and scuba divers.

The Islands Geographers divide Oceanias islands into 3 large groups: Geographers divide Oceanias islands into 3 large groups: Micronesia meaning small islands Micronesia meaning small islands Melanesia meaning black islands Melanesia meaning black islands Polynesia meaning many islands Polynesia meaning many islands The islands are generally small. Exceptions are New Guinea, and both the North and South islands of New Zealand. The islands are generally small. Exceptions are New Guinea, and both the North and South islands of New Zealand. Micronesia MelanesiaPolynesia

Climate and Ecosystems Cool South Pacific Facts All of the Earths climates and ecosystems occur someplace in the South Pacific region. All of the Earths climates and ecosystems occur someplace in the South Pacific region. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -88C, Antarctica. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -88C, Antarctica. Many of the tropical islands average 27C all year. Many of the tropical islands average 27C all year. Some parts of the Australian outback may go years without a single drop of rain. Some parts of the Australian outback may go years without a single drop of rain. The windward slope of Hawaiis Mount Waialeale is the wettest place on earth receiving an average of 460 inches (38 feet)of rain a year. The windward slope of Hawaiis Mount Waialeale is the wettest place on earth receiving an average of 460 inches (38 feet)of rain a year.

Antarcticas Climate Antarctica is a barren continent with a polar ecosystem. Antarctica is a barren continent with a polar ecosystem. The only animals that live here are coastal penguins and seals. The only animals that live here are coastal penguins and seals. Explorers, scientists, and photographers who visit Antarctica must live in special camps to protect themselves from the extreme cold. Explorers, scientists, and photographers who visit Antarctica must live in special camps to protect themselves from the extreme cold.

Australias Climate Not only the flattest continent, Australia is also the driest. Not only the flattest continent, Australia is also the driest. 1/3 of its land is desert, another 1/3 is semiarid. 1/3 of its land is desert, another 1/3 is semiarid. Only the northern and eastern edges of the continent have enough rain for forests to grow. Only the northern and eastern edges of the continent have enough rain for forests to grow.

Southeastern coast: Southeastern coast: rainfall is plentiful rainfall is plentiful temperatures are mild temperatures are mild the most productive farming region on the continent the most productive farming region on the continent Northeastern coast & Cape York Peninsula: Northeastern coast & Cape York Peninsula: wettest parts of Australia wettest parts of Australia wet-and-dry tropical climate wet-and-dry tropical climate Savanna grasslands and forests of eucalyptus trees thrive here Savanna grasslands and forests of eucalyptus trees thrive here

Interior & West Coast: Interior & West Coast: A desert steppe ecosystem A desert steppe ecosystem The Great Dividing Range on the east coast blocks the moisture from getting to the interior The Great Dividing Range on the east coast blocks the moisture from getting to the interior Only the occasional thunderstorm waters the outback, then plants grow and bloom quickly. Only the occasional thunderstorm waters the outback, then plants grow and bloom quickly. Plants die quickly too due to lack of water, their seeds lie in the ground for months, waiting for the next rain. Plants die quickly too due to lack of water, their seeds lie in the ground for months, waiting for the next rain.

The Islands Climate New Zealand: New Zealand: Has a true marine climate with enough precipitation for forests Has a true marine climate with enough precipitation for forests Winters are mild and summers are warm and rainy on the North Island Winters are mild and summers are warm and rainy on the North Island The South Island has a cooler climate because it is close to the South Pole The South Island has a cooler climate because it is close to the South Pole

Melanesia: Melanesia: Wet tropical climate and tropical rainforest ecosystem. Wet tropical climate and tropical rainforest ecosystem. Polynesia/Micronesia: Polynesia/Micronesia: Temperatures vary with elevation on the large, mountainous islands. Temperatures vary with elevation on the large, mountainous islands. Smaller islands have tropical or subtropical climates with wet and dry seasons. Smaller islands have tropical or subtropical climates with wet and dry seasons. Except where people cleared land, most smaller islands have dense tropical vegetation. Except where people cleared land, most smaller islands have dense tropical vegetation.

The Human Imprint People in Oceania are few in numbers and widely scattered. It is only in the past 250 years that Europeans have spread their culture here. Archaeologists believe that the earliest humans arrived in Australia was 40,000 years ago. Many of the smaller islands of the Pacific were discovered only in the past 2,000 years.

Early Peoples Australias original people are known as the Aborigines. Australias original people are known as the Aborigines. Traditionally lived by hunting and gathering Traditionally lived by hunting and gathering Tools were made of wood, hide, bone, or stone Tools were made of wood, hide, bone, or stone One of their weapons was the boomerang One of their weapons was the boomerangboomerang A didgeridoo is a traditional instrument. A didgeridoo is a traditional instrument.didgeridoo Religious ceremonies and art were important parts of their culture Religious ceremonies and art were important parts of their culture

New Zealand was settled about 1,000 years ago by the Maoris. New Zealand was settled about 1,000 years ago by the Maoris. Called New Zealand Aotearoa the long white cloud Called New Zealand Aotearoa the long white cloud They lived by farming They lived by farming Were great warriors and skilled wood-carvers Were great warriors and skilled wood-carvers Hakka Hakka Hakka

European Exploration No European had seen any of the South Pacific before the 1500s. It was thought there must be a land mass in the south to balance the earth. 1642 Abel Tasman (Dutch) discovered New Zealand and Tasmania. James Cook (British) mapped the coast of New Zealand, eastern Australia, Hawaii, and the edge of Antarctica.

In some places European conquest meant disaster. The last Tasmanian died in 1867. In Australia, many Aborigines were killed in fighting and by disease, or driven from the best lands by Europeans. In New Zealand, Maoris fought to hold their land, and many died. Today both the Aborigines and Maoris have a place in society, but have lost much of their traditional culture.

Settlement Patterns 90% of the people in Australia and New Zealand today are of European decent. 90% of the people in Australia and New Zealand today are of European decent. Europeans make up a much smaller part of the population in the rest of Oceania. Europeans make up a much smaller part of the population in the rest of Oceania. Some 24 million people live in Oceania, averaging only about 7 persons per square mile. Some 24 million people live in Oceania, averaging only about 7 persons per square mile. Australia has 16 million itself, but is thinly settled. Australia has 16 million itself, but is thinly settled. Hawaii is densely populated with more than 150 people per square mile. Hawaii is densely populated with more than 150 people per square mile.

Nearly 3 of every 4 people live in cities. Making a living by farming or herding is very difficult. Nearly 3 of every 4 people live in cities. Making a living by farming or herding is very difficult. 85% of people live in cities in Australia, making it the most urbanized continent. 85% of people live in cities in Australia, making it the most urbanized continent. Sydney more than 3 million Sydney more than 3 million Melbourne almost 3 million Melbourne almost 3 million Brisbane 1 million Brisbane 1 million Adelaide almost 1 million Adelaide almost 1 million Brisbane Sydney Adelaide Perth Melbourne

On the mountainous islands of Oceania, nearly everyone lives on the narrow coastal plains. On the mountainous islands of Oceania, nearly everyone lives on the narrow coastal plains. On the low lying coral atolls, most people settle near the calm inner lagoon, away from the stormy sea. On the low lying coral atolls, most people settle near the calm inner lagoon, away from the stormy sea.

Political Patterns Exploration and trade brought European nations to the South Pacific. War, treaties and buying gave control of most islands to the European countries (the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French) Exploration and trade brought European nations to the South Pacific. War, treaties and buying gave control of most islands to the European countries (the Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French) The British held Australia and New Zealand and much of Melanesia, until they gained their independence. The British held Australia and New Zealand and much of Melanesia, until they gained their independence. Spain held most of Micronesia until they lost those islands through war. The US now controls most of Micronesia along with several islands in Polynesia including Hawaii. Spain held most of Micronesia until they lost those islands through war. The US now controls most of Micronesia along with several islands in Polynesia including Hawaii. Independence is spreading throughout Oceanias islands. Independence is spreading throughout Oceanias islands.

Economic Patterns The aborigines of the South Pacific lived by fishing, hunting, gathering wild foods, and farming taro and yams. The aborigines of the South Pacific lived by fishing, hunting, gathering wild foods, and farming taro and yams. European settlers changed the economy from a subsistence economy to a cash economy. European settlers changed the economy from a subsistence economy to a cash economy.

Farming Sheep raising is a major activity in both Australia and New Zealand. Sheep raising is a major activity in both Australia and New Zealand. Australia is a world leader in wool production and a major livestock producer. Australia is a world leader in wool production and a major livestock producer. New Zealands climate makes it a good place for mixed farming. New Zealands climate makes it a good place for mixed farming. It is also major producer of wool, meat, and dairy products. It is also major producer of wool, meat, and dairy products.

On the low coral islands most people still live by fishing and subsistence farming. The soils are thin and poor and fresh water is scarce. Yams, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas and taro are typical food crops. On the low coral islands most people still live by fishing and subsistence farming. The soils are thin and poor and fresh water is scarce. Yams, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas and taro are typical food crops. The high islands have more farming because of the fertile soil and more fresh water. Coconut meat is dried to make copra, which is used in cooking oil, margarine, soap and makeup. The high islands have more farming because of the fertile soil and more fresh water. Coconut meat is dried to make copra, which is used in cooking oil, margarine, soap and makeup.

Resources Australia has more resources than any other of Oceanias countries. It has many minerals and energy sources. Australia has more resources than any other of Oceanias countries. It has many minerals and energy sources. Mining has become important on some islands. Mining has become important on some islands. Nauru has the richest phosphate deposits in the world. Nauru has the richest phosphate deposits in the world. New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have copper deposits. New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have copper deposits.

Industry Australia is the leading industrial country in Oceania. Australia is the leading industrial country in Oceania. Much of the land around Sydney and Melbourne is used for manufacturing. Much of the land around Sydney and Melbourne is used for manufacturing. The kinds of industry are clothing and food production, steel, electronics, appliances and precision instrument manufacturing. The kinds of industry are clothing and food production, steel, electronics, appliances and precision instrument manufacturing. Australia is in good position for future industrial growth due to its mineral and fuel deposits. Australia is in good position for future industrial growth due to its mineral and fuel deposits. New Zealands industry is based on the processing of agricultural goods. New Zealands industry is based on the processing of agricultural goods. Because of their isolation from world markets and small populations, the islands and New Zealand do not see manufacturing as an area for growth. Because of their isolation from world markets and small populations, the islands and New Zealand do not see manufacturing as an area for growth.

Australia Australia is the only country that occupies an entire continent.

Australias Regions Eastern and Southeastern Coast West of the Great Dividing Range Most densely populated and economically developed part of the country Most densely populated and economically developed part of the country Well suited to farming and grazing Well suited to farming and grazing Major cities are located here. Major cities are located here. Called the Great Artesian Basin. Called the Great Artesian Basin. Named for its many artesian wells and springs. Named for its many artesian wells and springs.

The Outback West of the Great Artesian Basin is the outback. West of the Great Artesian Basin is the outback. Little water and sparse vegetation. Little water and sparse vegetation. Few people live here in scattered ranches and a few mining towns (Alice Springs). Few people live here in scattered ranches and a few mining towns (Alice Springs). Recently found petroleum, natural gas and nickel deposits. Recently found petroleum, natural gas and nickel deposits. People are connected by phone, roads and can call for a flying ambulance in emergencies. People are connected by phone, roads and can call for a flying ambulance in emergencies. Children attend school by listening to special school radio programs. Children attend school by listening to special school radio programs.

the area is also called oceania because it has much more water than land. the area is also called...

Documents

coral islands

antarctica slide

thousands of islands

large islands

scattered islands

near antarctica

coral volcanic activity

south pacific region