The Austral Realm
Geography-234
June 2, 2013
The Geography of the Austral Realm
Australia and New Zealand are two illustrious countries with Anglo-European legacies that are now being infused with new cultural views and restraints. Though they are both intriguing and are similar in many ways, there are many geographical features that account for their cultural differences. Additionally, there are many differences that account for Australia 's relationship with Indonesia. In each aspect, geographical features play a significant role (Blij, 2012).
The physiographic differences between massive and compact Australia and elongated and fragmented New Zealand are quite apparent. Much of the differences between the two countries stems from the location as it relates to the Earth 's tectonic plates. Australia lies at the center of the Australian Plate and is composed of some of the most ancient rocks on the planet. While New Zealand lies at the convergence of the Pacific and Australian Plates. It is also younger and less stable. In New Zealand, volcanoes and eruptions are common, whereas they are unknown of in Australia. The location of the two countries not only effects the volcanic activity, but also its relief. The Great Dividing Range is Australia 's highest relief. The highest of these old and eroding reliefs is Mount Kosciusko at 2230 meters (7316 ft tall). As opposed to New Zealand where its entire ranges are higher. In the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, reaches 3754 meters (12,316 ft) (Blij, 2012).
The climate of the two countries are also affected by the geographical location of the two countries. New Zealand has a varied climate. It ranges from tropical in the north to Mediterranean in the south. Additionally, the interior is mostly desert and steppe conditions. The semiarid steppe conditions allow for grassland that provides grassland for tens of thousands of livestock. New Zealand is under the influence of the Pacific and Southern Oceans which creates moderate, moist
June 2, 2013
The Geography of the Austral Realm
Australia and New Zealand are two illustrious countries with Anglo-European legacies that are now being infused with new cultural views and restraints. Though they are both intriguing and are similar in many ways, there are many geographical features that account for their cultural differences. Additionally, there are many differences that account for Australia 's relationship with Indonesia. In each aspect, geographical features play a significant role (Blij, 2012).
The physiographic differences between massive and compact Australia and elongated and fragmented New Zealand are quite apparent. Much of the differences between the two countries stems from the location as it relates to the Earth 's tectonic plates. Australia lies at the center of the Australian Plate and is composed of some of the most ancient rocks on the planet. While New Zealand lies at the convergence of the Pacific and Australian Plates. It is also younger and less stable. In New Zealand, volcanoes and eruptions are common, whereas they are unknown of in Australia. The location of the two countries not only effects the volcanic activity, but also its relief. The Great Dividing Range is Australia 's highest relief. The highest of these old and eroding reliefs is Mount Kosciusko at 2230 meters (7316 ft tall). As opposed to New Zealand where its entire ranges are higher. In the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, reaches 3754 meters (12,316 ft) (Blij, 2012).
The climate of the two countries are also affected by the geographical location of the two countries. New Zealand has a varied climate. It ranges from tropical in the north to Mediterranean in the south. Additionally, the interior is mostly desert and steppe conditions. The semiarid steppe conditions allow for grassland that provides grassland for tens of thousands of livestock. New Zealand is under the influence of the Pacific and Southern Oceans which creates moderate, moist
Cited: Blij, H. D. (2012). Geography: Realms, Regions, and Concepts. Wiley & Son, INC. Indonesia Country Brief Overview. (2013, May). Retrieved from Australian Government-Department of Internal Affairs: http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/indonesia/indonesia_brief.html