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有关澳洲气候的assignment指导-The climate of Australia
ABSTRACT: This paper is focus on the climate of Australia. Victoria, Western Australia (WA), South Australia, The Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, The Capital Territory consist of Australia. This paper will analyze the climate on the base of these states. The climate of Victoria is characterized by a range of different climate zones, from the hot, dry zone in the northwest to the snowfield in the northeast. WA has a Mediterranean climate. South Australia varies in many aspects. The Northern Territory has two distinctive climate zones. Queensland has five predominate climatic zones based on temperate and humidity. New South Wales has an arid or semi-arid climate. Tasmania has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The Capital Territory is the similar as New South Wales. Under the influence of these types of climates, the major nature disasters are drought, bushfire, cyclone.
Key words: Mediterranean, Australian climate, rainfall, tropical, The Great Dividing Range, monsoon, evaporation
1 Introduction
1.1. Background
1.1.1. Motive and methods
Professor Xu, The teacher of <Beyond the kangaroo>, demanded us to write a paper of anything about Australia. So, I have surfed on the Internet and find a variety of information in order to determine my topic. Finally, I have chosen as my topic the climate of Australia. There are several reasons of my decision. First, I am majored in geography in my middle school, therefore it is much easier for me to analyze the climate from all kinds of aspects. Second, I hope that my paper will help those who want to study in Australia. Thus, this paper will realize it’s value. Last but the most important, I want to write a paper on my favorite subject. This paper will provide you a comprehensive analysis about the Australian climate. The way of the research firstly divides the country into eight parts. They are Victoria, Western Australia (WA), South Australia, The Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and The Capital Territory. There are three steps to research the climate. The first step is the location of each state, which will influence the climate. Second step is the brief introduction of each type of climate, including its features, rainfall, temperature, snow and so on. Finally, the paper will analyze the reason one by one.
1.1.2. The definition of the climate
Climate (from Ancient Greek Klima, meaning inclination) is commonly defined as the weather averaged over a long period. The standard averaging period is 30 years, but other periods may be used depending on the purpose. Climate also includes statistics other than the average, such as the magnitudes of day-to-day or year-to-year variations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) glossary definition is:
Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather," or more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period ranging from months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate system.
Climate encompasses the statistics of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and other meteorological elemental measurements in a given region over long periods.
2 States and territories
2.1 Victoria
2.1.1 Geography
Location: Victoria is a state of Australia, located in the south-east of the country. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively.
2.1.2 Climate of this region
Climate: The climate of Victoria is characterized by a range of different climate zones, from the hot, dry Mallee region of the northwest to the alpine snowfields in the northeast of Victoria. Median annual rainfall ranges from less than 250 mm in parts of the Mallee to in excess of 1800 mm over some of the mountainous regions. To be more specific, Victoria has a varied climate despite its small size. It ranges from semi-arid and hot in the north-west, to temperate and cool along the coast. Victoria's main land feature, the Great Dividing Range, produces a cooler, mountain climate in the centre of the state.
Victoria's southernmost position on the Australian mainland means it is cooler and wetter than other mainland states and territories. The coastal plain south of the Great Dividing Range has Victoria's mildest climate. Air from the Southern Ocean helps reduce the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Melbourne and other large cities are located in this temperate region.
Temperature: The Mallee and upper Wimmera are Victoria's warmest regions with hot winds blowing from nearby deserts. Average temperatures top 30 °C (86°F) during summer and 15 °C (59°F) in winter.
The Victorian Alps in the north-east are the coldest part of Victoria. The Alps are part of the Great Dividing Range mountain system extending east-west through the centre of Victoria. Average temperatures are less than 9 °C (48°F) in winter and below 0 °C (32°F) in the highest parts of the ranges.
Rainfall: Victoria is the wettest Australian state after Tasmania. Rainfall in Victoria increases from north to south, with higher averages in areas of high altitude. Median annual rainfall exceeds 1,800 mm (71 in) in some parts of the north-east but is less than 250 millimeters (10 in) in the Mallee.
Rain is heaviest in the Otway Ranges and Gippsland in southern Victoria and in the mountainous north-east. Snow generally falls only in the mountains and hills in the centre of the state. Rain falls most frequently in winter, but summer precipitation is heavier. Rainfall is most reliable in Gippsland and the Western District, making them both leading farming areas. Victoria's highest recorded daily rainfall was 375 millimeters (14.8 in) at Tanybryn in the Otway Ranges on 22 March 1983.
2.1.3 Factors that contributes to the climate
The mountains of the Great Divide in Victoria attain a maximum height of 1986 meters at Mt Bogong near the town of Mt Beauty. There are several peaks in excess of 1500 meters in the northeast of Victoria. The Great Divide extends westwards almost to the South Australian border, with most peaks below 600 meters except in the mountainous area called the Grampians or Gariwerd, near Stawell, where Mt William's summit is 1167 meters.
To the west and north of the Great Divide the land flattens out to the dry inland plains. It is in the Mallee where the hottest temperatures in the State most commonly occur during summer, and where the annual median rainfall drops below 250 mm.
The coastal strip, south of the ranges, is generally wetter except in the far east where the Strzelecki Ranges shelter the East Gippsland District from the moisture-laden westerly winds. The climate changes across the State are reflected by marked changes in vegetation that ranges from Mallee scrub in the northwest, through irrigated plains in the north and the wetter grazing lands of the south to the forested mountainous country of northeastern Victoria.
2.2 Western Australia
2.2.1 Geography
Location: Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east.
Population: 2.3 million
2.2.2 Climates of this region
Climate: The south-west corner of the state has a Mediterranean climate. The area was originally heavily forested, including large stands of the karri, one of the tallest trees in the world.
Rainfall: Average annual rainfall varies from 300 mm (12 in) at the edge of the Wheatbelt region to 1,400 mm (55 in) in the wettest areas near Northcliffe, but in the months of November to March evaporation exceeds rainfall, and it is generally very dry.
2.2.3 Factors that contributes to the climate
The size of the land mass is a major influence on the State's climate. There is a general decrease in rainfall and an increase in the range of temperatures experienced as one moves away from the coast. Owing to a history of geological stability, much of Western Australia consists of a broad, relatively featureless plateau between 300 and 600 meters above mean sea level, with only the Pilbara and the Kimberley having any major areas of rugged country. The highest peak is Mount Meharry at 1251 meters, in the Hamersley Range. The highest land in the south is to be found in the Stirling Range, where Bluff Knoll reaches 1096 meters. Though less pronounced than in most other States, topographic features do exert a significant influence in some areas. Near the lower west coast, for example, a rapid increase in rainfall can be measured from the coastal plain to the top of the Darling Range, followed by a marked decrease to the east. Inland temperatures are modified to some degree by the elevation of the land, but the effect is not large.
2.3. South Australia
2.3.1. Geography
Location: South Australia is a state of Australia, located in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of 983,482 square kilometers (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories.
Population: 1.6 million指导assignment
2.3.2. Climates of this region
Climate: The climate of South Australia varies, from hot and dry in the interior to the milder, wetter climates of the southern Mount Lofty Ranges and the southeast coast of South Australia. Median annual rainfall ranges from about 100 mm in the area east of Lake Eyre to more than 1000 mm on the higher parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The southern part of the state has a Mediterranean climate.#p#分页标题#e#
Temperature: South Australia's main temperature range is 29 °C (84 °F) in January and 15 °C (59 °F) in July. Daily temperatures in parts of the state in January and February can be up to 48 °C (118 °F).
2.3.3. Factors that contributes to the climate
The seasonal variation of weather in South Australia is controlled by the position of the subtropical ridge of high pressure: During the warmer half of the year (November to April), this ridge is located along latitudes to the south of the Australian continent. High pressure systems (anticyclones) generally move eastwards along the ridge but have a favored position south of the Great Australian Bight. Consequently, the most frequent air stream across most of South Australia during this period is from the southeast to east. Although cold fronts associated with southern low pressure systems penetrate the ridge from time to time during summer, they generally fail to produce much useful rain.
Warm moist air of tropical origin occasionally moves into the State from the north during summer and thunderstorms may then develop.
In autumn the subtropical ridge moves north and remains over the Australian continent for most of the colder half of the year (May to October). During this period favored locations for centers of anticyclones are the Great Victoria Desert and central New South Wales. The most frequent winds are from the northwest to southwest. Frontal systems associated with depressions traveling eastwards across the ocean have a significant influence on the weather in southern South Australia during this season.
2.4. The Northern territory
2.4.1. Geography
Location: The Northern Territory is a federal territory of Australia, occupying much of the centre of the mainland continent, as well as the central northern regions. It shares borders with Western Australia to the west, South Australia to the south, and Queensland to the east, To the north, the territory is bordered by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Population: 229,675
2.4.2. Climate of this region
Climate and rainfall: The Northern Territory has two distinctive climate zones.
The northern end, including Darwin, has a tropical climate with high humidity and two seasons, the wet (November to April) and dry season (May to October). During the dry season nearly every day is warm and sunny, and afternoon humidity averages around 30%. There is very little rainfall between May and September. In the coolest months of June and July, the daily minimum temperature may dip as low as 14 °C (57 °F), but very rarely lower, and frost has never been recorded.
The wet season is associated with tropical cyclones and monsoon rains. The majority of rainfall occurs between December and March (the southern hemisphere summer), when thunderstorms are common and afternoon relative humidity averages over 70% during the wettest months. On average more than 1,570 mm (62 in) of rain falls in the north. Rainfall is highest in northwest coastal areas, where rainfall averages from 1,800–2,100mm.
The central region is the desert centre of the country, which includes Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, and is semi-arid with little rain usually falling during the hottest months from October to March. Central Australia receives less than 250 mm (9.8 in) of rain per year.
2.4.3. Factors that contributes to the climate
Two major atmospheric pressure systems affect Territory latitudes: the subtropical ridge of high pressure cells (highs or anticyclones), and a broad tropical low pressure region called the monsoon trough.
2.5. Queensland
2.5.1. Geography
Location: Queensland is a state of Australia, located in the north-east of the country. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean.
2.5.2. Climate of this region
Climate: There are five predominate climatic zones in Queensland, based on temperature and humidity:
hot humid summer (far north and coastal)
warm humid summer (coastal elevated hinterlands and coastal south-east)
hot dry summer, mild winter (central west)
hot dry summer, cold winter (southern west)
temperate – warm summer, cold winter (inland south-east, e.g. Granite Belt)
However, most of the Queensland populace experience two weather seasons: a "winter" period of rather warm temperatures and minimal rainfall and a sultry summer period of hot, sticky temperatures and higher levels of rainfall.
2.5.3. Factors that contributes to the climate
The climate of the coastal strip is influenced by the warm waters of the Coral and Tasman Seas, which in general, keep the region free from extremes of temperature and provide moisture for rainfall. The annual median rainfall along the coastal strip is generally within the range of 1000 to 1600 mm. increasing to over 3200 mm along parts of the north Queensland coast near Innisfail.
The mountains of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland attain a maximum height of 1622 meters at Mt Bartle Frere near Innisfail, and there are several peaks in excess of 1000 meters, mainly in the north and southeast. Along sections of the Great Divide, the elevation abruptly increases away from the coastal plain, and then west of the Divide it gradually descends onto the western plains.
On the western side of the Great Divide, the rainfall drops quickly to an annual median of about 700 mm. and then gradually decreases further. At the same time, average maximum temperatures gradually increase with increasing distance from the coast.
Further to the west the land slowly flattens out to the dry inland plains, marked by cold nights. It is here that the hottest temperatures in the State most commonly occur during summer, and where the annual median rainfall drops below 200 mm.
2.6. New South Wales
2.6.1. Geography
Location: a state of Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean.
Population: 7,238,819,
2.6.2. Climate of this region
Climate: Over half of New South Wales has an arid or semi-arid climate. However, the eastern portion has a temperate climate, ranging from humid subtropical to the Central Coast and most of Sydney, and oceanic to the south coast. The Snowy Mountains region in the south-east falls in the alpine climate/highland climate zone, with cool to cold weather all year around and snowfalls in the winter. Further inland, the climate gets semi-arid and it's a desert climate towards the western part of the state.
The weather in the south of the state is generally hot in summer and cool in the winter as the seasons are well-defined in the south. The hottest New South Wales Climate region is the north-west part of the state, seasons are not well-defined in the north, where summers are hot and can be wet and winters are cooler and drier. The coldest region is the Snowy Mountains where the snow and frost continues for quite long durations during the winter months.
Rainfall: Rainfall varies throughout the state. The far north-west receives the least, less than 180 mm (7 in) annually, while the east receives between 600 to 1,200 mm (24 to 47 in) of rain.
2.6.3. Factors that contributes to the climate
The Great Dividing Range, running approximately north to south in the east of New South Wales, has a large impact on the climate, creating four distinct climate zones; the coastal strip, the highlands, the Western Slopes and the flatter country to the west.
2.7. Tasmania
2.7.1. Geography
Location: Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is 240 kilometers (150 mi) south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania, the 26th largest island in the world and the surrounding 334 islands.
Population: 507,626
2.7.2. Climate of this region
Climate and temperature: Tasmania has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer lasts from December to February when the average maximum sea temperature is 21 °C (70 °F) and inland areas around Launceston reach 24 °C (75 °F). Other inland areas are much cooler with Liawenee, located on the Central Plateau, one of the coldest places in Australia with temperatures in February ranging between 4 °C (39 °F) and 17 °C (63 °F). Autumn lasts between March and May and experiences changeable weather, where summer weather patterns gradually take on the shape of winter patterns.
The winter months are between June and August and are generally the wettest and coolest months in the state, with most high lying areas receiving considerable snowfall. Winter maximums are 12 °C (54 °F) on average along coastal areas and 3 °C (37 °F) on the central plateau, as a result of a series of cold fronts from the Southern Ocean. Spring is a season of transition, where winter weather patterns begin to take the shape of summer patterns, although snowfall is still common up until October. Spring is generally the windiest time of the year with afternoon sea breezes starting to take effect on the coast.
Rainfall: Rainfall in Tasmania follows a complicated pattern rather analogous to that found on large continents at the same latitude in the northern hemisphere. On the western side rainfall increases from around 1,458 millimeters (57.4 in) at Strahan on the coast up to 2,690 millimeters (106 in) at Cradle Valley in the highlands.
2.7.3. Factors that contributes to the climate
Prevailing westerly winds produce a marked west to east variation of cloudiness and rainfall, but the variation of temperature is more governed by the elevation and distance from the coast.#p#分页标题#e#
Summers are mild and are characterized by greatly lengthened days. The sun reaches a maximum elevation of 70 to 73 degrees in the midsummer, giving about 15 hours of daylight. In midwinter, the sun's elevation does not exceed 20 to 23 degrees, and the shortest day consists of about nine hours of daylight.
In winter and early spring, westerly winds reach their greatest strength and persistence (they are also known as equinoctial gales) causing a distinct maximum in the rainfall distribution in the west and northwest. In the east and southeast, rainfall is more evenly distributed throughout the year. In comparison with those areas of Europe and North America which are at similar latitudes. Tasmania enjoys a very temperate climate. This is due to the stabile effect of surrounding oceans whose temperatures change by some 6 or 7 degrees throughout the year. The higher proportion of ocean to land area confers a similar benefit on the southern hemisphere as a whole.
2.8. The Capital Territory
2.8.1. Geography
Location: The Australian Capital Territory is the capital territory of the Commonwealth of Australia and is the smallest self-governing internal territory. It is enclaved within New South Wales and is regularly referred to as Australia's 'Bush Capital'.
2.8.2. Climate of this region
Climate: The Australian Capital Territory has a continental climate with marked seasonal and diurnal variations in temperature. Temperatures range between 14 and 108 °F (−10 and 42 °C); the daily maximum often exceeds 86 °F (30 °C) in summer (December through February). During the winter (June through August), temperatures are lower, and the higher parts of the mountains are covered with snow. Frosts occur on most winter nights, but the days are usually sunny and often warm.
2.8.3. Factors that contributes to the climate
The reason is as same as the New South Wales.
3 Conclusion指导assignment
3.1. The diversity of Australian climate
Now, the point I want to make ,is that ,it is obvious to see that the climate of Australia varies wildly. Different parts of Australia record diverse and interesting weather condition. Some parts may experience scorching heat during the summer while other parts may enjoy cool summers.
3.2. Two main features
Two important regions of Weather Australia are the tropical region and dry region. The tropical regions of Australia such as Queensland experience two specific seasons. They are Wet season that occurs from December to March and Dry Season that lasts from May to October. The northern part of Australia generally consists of the Tropical regions. Cyclones are very common in the Tropical regions. On the other hand, central Australia is marked by dry regions which are described by very hot days and equally cold nights.
3.3. The disasters
3.3.1. Droughts
Australia is the driest inhabited continent.17 As a consequence, water is a very precious resource to Australians. As well as having an unpredictable and varied rainfall pattern, Australia often experiences serious droughts.
A drought is an unusually long period of time when there is not enough water for people to use in the way they normally would. There have been many serious droughts in Australia in the last 200 years. The 1895-1903 drought18 lasted eight years and caused the death of half of Australia's sheep and forty per cent of its cattle.
3.3.2. Bushfires
Australia's weather also contributes to bushfires. Bushfires are large, out of control fires that occur in Australia's bushland. The Australian summer is characterized by low humidity, high winds and low rainfall. Sunshine and high temperatures make trees and grass very dry and very easy to burn. Most Australian native plants burn quickly and easily. Eucalyptus trees have a lot of oil occurring naturally in them, which makes them especially dangerous in a bushfire. In 1967, a huge fire burnt over 250,000 hectares of land in southern Tasmania in five hours, reaching as far as the outskirts of Hobart.
3.3.3. Cyclones
Cyclones are a tropical weather phenomenon. They are usually encountered in Australia between November and April, and they mostly take place in the north of the country. The Western Australian and Northern Territory coasts, as well as the Queensland coast, are the usual places that cyclones occur.
About six cyclones happen in Australia every year. By far the most famous cyclone in Australia is Cyclone Tracy, which hit Darwin in the Northern Territory on Christmas Eve 1974.
Reference
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