Chapter 32 homework

Chapter 32, Section 1

1. A chain of hills and mountains known as the Great Dividing Range interrupts Australia’s level landscape. The Western Plateau, a low area of flat land in central and western Australia, covers almost 2/3s of the continent. The Great Dividing Range and the Western Plateau are separated by the Central Lowlands, an arid expanse of grassland and desert that stretches across the east central part of Australia. New Zealand’s North Island and South Island display sandy beaches, emerald hillsides, and snow-tipped mountains.

2. Continental islands are formed by the rising and folding of ancient rock from the ocean floor. Most of Oceania’s large islands, such as New Guinea and New Caledonia, are continental islands. Low islands are ringed-shaped islands, known as atolls, formed by the buildup of coral reefs on the rim of submerged volcanoes.

Creative Writing:
North Island would be the best to visit on vacation. Its northern region includes golden beaches, ancient forests, and rich soil. A central plateau of volcanic stone features hot springs and several active volcanoes.

Chapter 32, Section 2

1. Australians climate and vegetation regions include tropical climate in the northeast, deserts in the interior and midlatitude temperate areas of grasslands, scrub, and mixed forests along the eastern, southern, and southwestern coasts. Seasons throughout most of Oceania alternate between wet and dry. The dry season features cloudless blue skies, but the wet season brings constant rain and high humidity.

2. Because much of Oceania lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn.

Creative Writing:
Much of Oceania lies between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, so many islands have a tropical wet climate. Most days are warm year-round ranging from 70 degrees to 80 degrees. The Dry season features cloudless blue skies.