5 Environmental Factors
Not only are the seasons different from our own, but also the temperature. The average temperature in the winter is 16°C, as you may have guessed this temperature does not allow for the Australians to have snow of any kind. In the summer the temperature raises to a average maximum of 26°C with an average humidity of 65 per cent.
Although to popular disbelief Australia does get a fair amount of rain. Their annual rain fall is about 1 222.7 milometers or 48.1 inches. Australian usually enjoy about 340 sunny days, with 25 or less days of rain spread evenly throughout the year. |
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Natural Vegetation:
Vegetation is every where in Australia. Over 7 million square kilometers are covered in natural vegetation (91%). Some types you may find are:
Vegetation is every where in Australia. Over 7 million square kilometers are covered in natural vegetation (91%). Some types you may find are:
grevilleaGrevillea is one of the most widely spread of all Australian plants. Grevillea is a member of the Protea genus.
emu bushThe emu bush is only found in Australia, and is part of the Eremophila genus.
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wattleWattle is one of the 1 200 types of plants in the Acacia genus.
kangaroo pawKangaroo paws are from the Haemodoraceae genus; and are also related to lilies.
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gum treeGum trees are one of the 700 species in the Eucalyptus genus.
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paperbarksPaperbarks are commonly found near the edge of water. They are part of the Melaleucas genus.
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Soils:
The soil in Sydney is mostly Triassic rock and sandstone. Because of this only 6 per cent of Australia is able to be used for farming (arable) ; none of which is in Sydney. However, the state of New South Wales which Sydney is located in does produce 30 per cent of the wheat grown in Australia. Mining has always been an important trade in Australia. The minerals they mine include gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc and other rarer minerals. This trade was brought in by the Indigenous Australians, and has been around for more than 40 000 years. |
Fun Fact: Finding Nemo was placed in Sydney Australia
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Fresh Water and Salt Water:
Clean water is highly valued in Australia, no matter where you live. This is because of the numerous droughts caused by climate changes. Australia was the first country to open a seawater desalination plant, and they have continued to add more over the years. In some parts of Australia they have water restrictions because of the lacking of clean water. Australia is one of the driest continents, this makes it harder to save water because on average Australians drink 62 liters more then the average person. The ocean is one of the biggest attractions in Sydney, just like the weather the temperature of water varies but never strays far from the highest temperature. |