AUSTRALIA
Australia, the smallest of the Earth's continents, stands out for the exceptional originality of its nature. This is a continent of relics, ancient natural objects and unique wildlife. The country's topography has preserved surfaces that have not changed since the Tertiary period, which is due to the peculiarities of relief formation inherent only to this continent - since the separation from the proto-continent Pangea, the Australian plate has drifted south practically without being affected by any tectonic cataclysms. The nature of the ancient continent also remained almost unchanged in conditions of long-term isolation from other continents and the absence of competition from “new” species of plants and animals, since Australia is separated from other continents by vast oceanic spaces.
Australian objects (at test work)
1. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef on Earth. It is also the largest organic formation on Earth, measuring 2,000 kilometers in length. The reef is located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland. In fact, it is a continuous series of reefs separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon.
The length of the ridge of coral reefs is just under 2,500 km and would easily fit the British Isles on it. Coral reefs are the only natural wonder of nature that can be seen from space.
2. Ayers Rock or Uluru- the world's largest sandstone monolith, up to 348 m high, 3.6 km long, 2.9 km wide. It is located in national park Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is a famous tourist attraction: the monolith changes color depending on the light throughout the day, and is also of great importance for Aboriginal culture - it is a sacred mountain that carries a source of energy; The caves of Uluru contain many ancient paintings and stone carvings.
Unique mountain giant Uluru consists of red sandstone, the completely unique properties of which allow it to change color depending on the light throughout the day! At dawn, the black silhouette of the mountain brightens, acquiring a dark purple hue. The sun rises higher and Uluru glows purple-red, then turns pink, and by midday it turns completely golden. The fantastic play of colors continues all day. By evening, this almost magical mountain turns into a huge dark silhouette against the background of the desert.
3. Snowy mountains, located in southwestern New South Wales, are the highest part of Australia's Great Dividing Range. Kociuszko National Park (the most high point Australia Kosciuszko 2228 m) covers their main part. It is the largest national park in New South Wales, covering an area of 6900 sq km, stretching from the Victorian border to the coast. Here are the country's main ski resorts, alpine valleys, caves, glaciers and alpine forests. Although the region is now developing as a destination for winter species sports, the Park is nevertheless popular in the summer among lovers of hiking and hiking.
4. The horizontal waterfalls of Talbot Bay are rightfully considered a natural phenomenon, although they are called waterfalls only because it is hardly possible to more accurately describe this unique phenomenon.
In reality, they are formed by the movement of water between the freshwater reservoir Poulton Creek and Talbot Bay along two gorges of the McLarty mountain range during high tides. The gorges are located in mountain ranges located parallel at a distance of approximately 300 meters. When the water level rises, quite high pressure arises, and water rushes from one gorge to another at great speed. During low tide, the waterfall turns in the opposite direction - the water, under its own weight, although at a lower speed, rushes back into the ocean. At these moments, temporary vertical waterfalls up to 5 meters high are observed.
The gorge, which is located closer to the sea, is about 20 meters wide. The second is twice as narrow, here the pressure and speed of the water are greater, and therefore the waterfall is more “spectacular”. The tides, the height of which here reaches 10 meters, alternate with low tides every 6.5 hours, and so, several times a day, the waterfalls change their direction - either they strive towards the sea, or they “flee” from it. When the water speed subsides, you can even swim in a boat in the gorges (some extreme sports enthusiasts even decide to wakeboard) and admire the majestic landscape, which in a matter of minutes can turn into a seething cauldron of foam.
5. The name Nullabor translates to “no trees.” But there are not only trees - there is nothing at all in this plain in Australia.
There are no settlements, no water, there is even only one road. Nullabor is not even a desert - there is no sand in it either. This is a limestone outcrop, the largest on the entire planet, covering an area of 200,000 km². At its widest point, the length of the desert is more than 1100 kilometers.
Yes, oddly enough, animals are still found in the Nullarbor - kangaroos, bulls, rabbits. They feed on the leaves of very small bushes that cover the plain here and there. In some areas, long fences have been built along the route to keep animals out, but protecting it all is an impossible task.
6. Jack Hills - a little younger than the planet
This mountain range in Australia seems to be of little note. But it was worth analyzing the composition of the rock, and the data turned out to be very unusual.
The low mountain range of Jack Hills stretches only 80 kilometers. The mountains are composed mainly of sandstone and quartz, so their color is bright red. The Jack Hills lie in the arid west of the continent, and there are no rivers running from the peaks - just dry riverbeds.
For geologists, however, this massif is of interest. Since 2005, samples of local rocks have yielded interesting results. Zircon crystals were discovered here, the age of which – 4.4-4.5 billion years – amazed geologists. Local zircon is 750 million years older than any other substance on the planet. If these data are correct, they change the way geologists think about the age of the continents. It turns out that they took shape much faster than previously thought, and the Earth became solid almost immediately after it was formed. These crystals have survived an incredible number of generations of the surrounding rock.
7. Tasmanian rain forest – 70% of the territory is untouched forest
Tasmania lies off the southeast coast of Australia and is separated from the continent by Bass Strait. The most striking fragments of the colossal ancient rain forest are found in Tasmania, more than a quarter of which remains intact.
8. Fraser Island is considered the world's largest sand island. The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef and is located at eastern shore Australian continent. The island seems to hug the coast; thanks to this shape, it stretches 120 kilometers in length and more than 10 kilometers in width. In some places its width reaches even 23 kilometers, which is surprising, since the island consists exclusively of sand dunes that have been washed here over 400 thousand years since the formation of the island. Another unique feature is the presence of about 4 dozen fairly large fresh natural lakes here.
9. Lake Hillier is a pink lake on Middle Island, the largest of the islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago in Western Australia. The lake has an interesting dark bubblegum pink color.
It is believed that the color may have been the result of paint created by Dunaliella and Halobacteria organisms living in salt water bodies. Another hypothesis is that pink occurs due to red halophilic bacteria. That this is not a trick of the eye or a refraction of light can be proven by simply collecting water from Lake Hiller in a container - the pink color will be visible quite clearly.
10. Towers Desert in Nambung National ParkLocated off the coast of southwestern Australia, thousands of pillars of limestone rise straight from the shifting yellow sands. In some places they reach three and a half meters in height. Some are jagged with a sharp edge all the way to the top, while others resemble tombstones. This is the Towers Desert, part of Nambung National Park about 200 kilometers north of Perth. These amazing natural limestone structures were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the sea retreated and left colonies of seashells behind. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars and towers in their current form.
11. Air- dry lake in South Australia. It is located in the center of the vast pool of the same name. Occasionally it fills to a level of 9 m below the sea level. Moreover, its area is 9500 square meters. km., which makes it largest lake Australia. When drying out, the lowest point of the lake bottom is at an altitude of -15 m, which is the lowest point in the country
12. Murray- largest river in Australia, forming, together with its longest tributary, the Darling, the country's largest river system with an area of more than 1,000,000 km² (about 12% of the entire continent).
(WE ALSO TEACH THE NOMENCTATURE OF AUSTRALIA FROM THE ATLAS FOR THE TEST!)
Ø Islands
Ø Peninsulas
Ø Inland waters
Exotic islands with unique plants and animals, the world's largest coral reef, preserved monuments of colonial architecture and incredibly interesting cultural centers– Australia is rich in amazing sights, many of which have long been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Australia is ideal for an active holiday; tourists here will have the opportunity to visit incredibly interesting nature reserves and get acquainted with the rich historical heritage continent, and also see with your own eyes the Aboriginal tribes, whose way of life has not changed for thousands of years. Which attractions to choose for exploration is a matter of taste, but visitors to Australia will certainly not be limited in their choice.
One of the main attractions of Australia and a natural site of world importance is the Great Barrier Reef, whose length is 2,500 km. With just under 2,900 individual coral reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef covers an area of 344,400 sq. km. The reef is so huge that it can be easily distinguished even from space; in 1981 it was included in the World Heritage List.
Scientists were able to establish that the reef began to form 8,000 years ago, and its transformations continue continuously. The rapid growth of corals is facilitated by certain climatic conditions, in particular, the water temperature, which in this area does not fall below 17.5 degrees Celsius. The colony of coral polyps formed a unique ecosystem; it became home to thousands of species of marine life, including exotic fish, seahorses and stars, as well as larger underwater inhabitants - dolphins and killer whales.
It's no surprise that the Great Barrier Reef attracts scuba diving enthusiasts from all over the world, but you don't have to go underwater to admire this unique natural attraction. For travelers in these places there are most interesting excursions by boats with a transparent bottom, only some areas of the huge reef are accessible for tourist excursions. Near the reef there are several islands equipped for recreation. Their guests are offered accommodation in luxury hotels, a lot interesting entertainment, as well as the opportunity to fully enjoy the beauty of Australia’s main natural attraction.
Fans of architectural landmarks will definitely be impressed by the Royal Exhibition Center, located in the suburban Melbourne area of Carlton. Together with Carlton Gardens, it represents a huge architectural, historical, aesthetic and social value. The beautiful garden is an example of landscape art; it was founded more than a hundred years ago. Rare species of trees grow on its territory, including hundred-year-old plane trees, rare species of oaks and cedars, as well as very interesting evergreens. Every year the garden is decorated with flower beds, and another decoration of the garden are artificial lakes.
Those who most like to walk through picturesque natural places should pay attention to the Willandra lake region. This picturesque and incredibly interesting area covers an area of about 2,400 square meters. km, contrary to expectations, travelers will not be able to see beautiful lakes here. Once upon a time, about two million years ago, there were actually 19 lakes here, which dried up over time.
Among the most recognizable architectural landmarks of the planet, the Sydney Opera House occupies a special place; it has long been the most important symbol not only of Sydney, but also of the Australian continent as a whole. The building is notable for the sail-like shells that form the roof, which is what makes the building musical theater unlike any other in the world. The theater is located in Sydney Harbour; previously there was a tram depot in its place, and before that there was a fort and a number of fortifications.
An equally important natural attraction is the rainforests of the east coast of Australia. They represent a vast territory, including about 50 nature reserves; these are the most extensive subtropical forests in the world, the total area of which reaches about 370 thousand hectares. Main value The rainforest is a unique collection of ancient vegetation, as well as numerous geological formations with a multi-million-year history.
Located in the northwestern part of Australia, Shark Bay is also one of the most visited natural attractions in the world; about 120,000 travelers from all over the world come to these unique places every year. The main value of the bay is the algae, which cover more than 4,000 square meters. km of its area and allow us to consider the bay a unique ecosystem. In addition to algae, the bay has become home to various types Plankton, small fish and shrimp are also attracted to these places by dugongs.
Desert Islands Heard and Macdonald are located in the southern Indian Ocean, surrounded by a halo of smaller islands that are also uninhabited and of great interest to researchers. These islands are of volcanic origin, which determines their rocky structure. The archipelago is distinguished by its harsh climatic conditions, the islands are covered with snow for a significant part of the year, and the main representatives of the flora on their territory are lichens and mosses.
A must-visit for nature lovers in Australia National Park Purnululu, which is located in the state of Western Australia. This reserve was founded in 1987 and was included in the World Heritage List in 2003. The unique park covers an area of more than 239 hectares; it is famous for its diversity of landscapes, unique geological formations, as well as multifaceted flora and fauna.
Kakadu National Park also has its own unique features, which allow it to be considered a landmark of world significance. The reserve received its name in honor of the tribe of the same name that lived on its territory; today the park is of enormous etiological, archaeological and natural value. While exploring local caves, scientists discovered traces of the so-called X-ray rock art, the oldest drawings are 18,000 years old.
An amazing landmark of Australia in all respects is the Lord Howe Archipelago. His most big island bears the same name, its area is 14.5 square meters. km. This island is self-governing, with just over 340 people permanently living on its territory. The Lord Howe Islands received the status of a world landmark due to their unique nature; on their territory you can find many endemic plants that are not found anywhere else in the world. In a distant country where kangaroos live there are many vibrant natural attractions included in the World Heritage List. Among them, it is worth noting the humid tropics of Queensland, which stretch in the northeast of the country. They grow along the coast and are considered the habitat of the rarest animals and plants.
To the east lies Australia's UNESCO heritage rainforest. They consist of several parks and reserves. There are natural formations of volcanic origin here, where geologists come from all over the world. In addition, rare plants and trees grow in the rain forests.
The Willandra area is also a UNESCO-listed area in Australia. It was in this area that archaeologists discovered traces of people who lived here before Pleistocene times. Another interesting attraction is the Lord Howe Island area. Here you can see the most beautiful rocks, and also learn about rare endemic organisms.
On the sandstone plateau of the Blue Mountains near Sydney there are gorges where Australian eucalyptus forests formed in ancient times. In addition, Heard and McDonald Islands are under the protection of the world organization. There are active volcanoes there that are of great interest to geologists. In Western Tasmania there is a unique territory where nature has been preserved in its original form. And in Uluru-Katayuta Park there are rare formations. They change color throughout the day, making them incredibly popular among tourists.
The building is also included in the World Heritage List Royal Exhibition. It represents a unique example of the international exhibition movement. In Kakadu National Park, archaeologists discovered rare examples of rock art, after which it became a world heritage.
We can safely say that Australia is a unique country. A large number of natural reserves, parks and unique archaeological finds make it the center of rare attractions of global importance.
Commonwealth of Australia
19 Commonwealth of Australia sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2 objects are included in the list according to cultural criteria, 12 objects - according to natural ones, 5 - according to mixed ones. 9 objects are recognized as natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance (criteria vii), 2 cultural site recognized as masterpieces of human genius (criterion i).
1. Great Barrier Reef, (1981), criteria: vii, viii, ix, x;
2. Kakadu National Park (1981, 1987, 1992), criteria: i, vi, vii, ix, x;
3. Willandra Lakes Region (1981), criteria: iii, viii;
4. Lord Howe Island Group: Lord Howe Island, Ball's Pyramid (1982), criteria: vii, x;
5 Wildlife Tasmanian Wilderness (1982, 1989), criteria: iii, iv, vi, vii, viii, ix, x;
6. Rainforests of the east coast of Australia (English: Gondwana Rainforests of Australia), (1986, 1994), criteria: viii, ix, x;
7. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
(previously called Ayers Rock - Mount Olga, English. Ayers Rock - Mount Olga), (1986, 1994), criteria viii, ix, x;
8. Wet Tropics of Queensland (1988), criteria: vii, viii, ix, x
9. Shark Bay, (1991), criteria: vii, viii, ix, x;
10. Fraser Island, (1992), criteria: vii, ix;
11. Australian Fossil Mammal Sites:
Riversleigh (11a; English Riversleigh), Naracoorte (11b; English Naracoorte) (1994), criteria: viii, ix;
12. Heard and McDonald Islands (1997), criteria: viii, ix;
13. Macquarie Island (1997), criteria: vii, viii;
14. Greater Blue Mountains Area, (2000), criteria: ix, x;
15. Purnululu National Park (2003), criteria: vii, viii;
16. Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens (2004), criteria: ii;
17. Sydney opera house(English: Sydney Opera House), (2007), criterion: i;
18. Australian Convict Sites - 11 sites in different states, (2010), criteria: iv, vi;
19. Ningaloo Coast, (2011), criteria: vii, x;
Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire reef has been declared a marine park - Great Barrier Reef Marine Park/
This huge ridge of barrier reefs stretches 2.5 thousand km along the northeast coast of Australia, in the Coral Sea, Queensland. In the north, the coral reef is located 50 km from the coast, approaching 32 km at Cape Melville; in the south, the reef stretches up to 300 km from the coast of Australia. In the northern part its width is about 2 km, in the southern part it is about 150 km. The area of the GBR (great barrier reef) is about 344,400 km2
Most of the reefs are underwater and exposed at low tide. A number of the reefs are islands. The main part of the Great Reef consists of more than 2,900 individual reefs ranging in size from 0.01 km² to 100 km², surrounded by barriers that form more than 600 islands.
Coral reefs were formed as a result of the life activity of colonies of coral polyps. Coral polyps are marine invertebrates, bottom-dwelling organisms. Polyps are usually active at night; they spread their tentacles, with the help of which they catch various small animals and plankton. Large single polyps are capable of catching fish and shrimp. Some species of coral polyps live due to symbiosis with unicellular algae. Many coral polyps have a calcareous, less often horny, skeleton, which is preserved after the death of the organism and contributes to the formation of reefs, atolls and islands. And corals are usually called the skeleton of a colony, remaining after the death of many small polyps. When a new polyp is born, it attaches to the surface of the previous one. Corals reproduce both by budding and sexually. The living polyps remain on the surface of the coral structure and the coral continually grows. Under favorable conditions, coral growth is 1 cm per year. A coral reef is built by corals together with calcareous algae, such as Porolithon, Lithophyllum, Basiella, Goniolithon, which secrete or encrust calcium carbonate in the cells. And besides large number attached polychaetes, mollusks and barnacles with a calcareous skeleton participate in the construction of the reef. But the dominant role in building the reef remains with corals. The large reef has over 400 species of coral. Gorgonians or horn corals live here, creating tall tree-like and lacy colonies; “staghorn” corals, sometimes reaching gigantic sizes; brain corals, mushroom corals (Fungiidae). Corals are the most different colors: pink, red, yellow, orange, brown, blue, green.
You can also find black coral (Antipatharia). The skeleton of this coral is black or brown. Due to intensive harvesting and low growth rates in many regions of the world, black corals are endangered and protected.
The main builders of coral reefs are madrepore corals, coral polyps from the subclass of six-rayed corals (Hexacorallia). It is madrepore corals that produce an exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate. Madresexual corals most often live in colonies. Their small polyps can have a diameter of 1 to 3 mm, and colonies reach a height of several meters and consist of tens of thousands of polyps.
There are solitary forms of Madreporaria, which can be up to 50 cm in diameter.
Gorgon collalls or gorgonians (Gorgonaria)
Soft reef-forming corals include alcyonarians, hydrocorals, and bryozoans.
Tubastrea is a yellow sun coral. Tubastrea is spectacular with its bright yellow-orange color and is loved by aquarists.