Australian deserts. Deserts of Australia Fauna of deserts and semi-deserts of Australia

All Australian deserts lie within the Central Australian region of the Australian Floristic Kingdom. Although in terms of species richness and level of endemism desert flora Australia is significantly inferior to the flora of the western and northeastern regions of this continent, but compared to other desert regions globe it stands out both in the number of species (more than 2 thousand) and in the abundance of endemics. Species endemism here reaches 90%: there are 85 endemic genera, of which 20 are in the family Compositae, or Asteraceae, 15 - Chenopodiaceae and 12 - Cruciferae.

Among the endemic genera there are also background desert grasses - Mitchell's grass and triodia. Large numbers species are represented by the legume, myrtle, proteaceae and asteraceae families. Significant species diversity is demonstrated by the genera Eucalyptus, Acacia, Proteaceae - Grevillea and Hakea. In the very center of the continent, in the gorge of the deserted MacDonnell Mountains, narrow-area endemics have been preserved: the low-growing Liviston palm and Macrozamia from the cycads.

Even some types of orchids live in deserts - ephemerals that germinate and bloom only in short period after the rains. Sundews also penetrate here. The depressions between the ridges and the lower part of the slopes of the ridges are overgrown with clumps of the prickly grass triodia. Top part The slopes and ridges of dune ridges are almost completely devoid of vegetation, only individual curls of the prickly grass Zygochloa settle on the loose sand. In interbarchan depressions and on flat sandy plains, a sparse tree stand of casuarina, individual specimens of eucalyptus, and veinless acacia is formed. The shrub layer is formed by Proteaceae - these are Hakea and several types of Grevillea.

In slightly saline areas in depressions, saltwort, ragodia and euhilena appear. After the rains, the interridge depressions and lower parts of the slopes are covered with colorful ephemerals and ephemeroids. In the northern regions on the sands of the Simpson and Great Sandy Deserts species composition the background grasses change somewhat: other species of triodia, plectrahne and shuttlebeard, dominate there; the diversity and species composition of acacias and other shrubs becomes greater. Along the channels of temporary waters, gallery forests of several species of large eucalyptus trees form. The eastern edges of the Great Victoria Desert are occupied by sclerophyllous mum scrub scrub. The southwestern Great Victoria Desert is dominated by low-growing eucalypts; The grass layer is formed by kangaroo grass, feather grass species and others.

The arid areas of Australia are very sparsely populated, but the vegetation is used for grazing.

Climate

In the tropical climatic zone, occupying the territory between the 20th and 30th parallel in the desert zone, a tropical continental desert climate is formed. A subtropical continental climate is common in southern Australia adjacent to the Great Australian Bight. These are the marginal parts of the Great Victoria Desert. Therefore, in the summer, from December to February, average temperatures reach 30 ° C, and sometimes higher, and in winter (July - August) they drop to an average of 15-18 ° C. In some years, the entire summer period temperatures can reach 40° C, and winter nights in the vicinity of the tropics drop to 0° C and below. The amount and territorial distribution of precipitation is determined by the direction and nature of the winds.

The main source of moisture is the “dry” southeastern trade winds, since most of moisture is retained by the mountain ranges of Eastern Australia. The central and western parts of the country, corresponding to about half the area, receive an average of about 250-300 mm of precipitation per year. The Simpson Desert receives the least amount of precipitation, from 100 to 150 mm per year. Precipitation season in northern half The continent, where the monsoon change of winds dominates, is confined to the summer period, and, in its southern part, dry conditions prevail during this period. It should be noted that the amount of winter precipitation in the southern half decreases as one moves inland, rarely reaching 28° S. In turn, summer precipitation in the northern half, having the same trend, does not extend south of the tropic. Thus, in the zone between the tropics and 28° S. latitude. there is a belt of aridity.

Australia is characterized by excessive variability in average annual precipitation and uneven distribution throughout the year. The presence of long dry periods and high average annual temperatures, dominant over a large part of the continent, cause high annual evaporation values. In the central part of the continent they are 2000-2200 mm, decreasing towards its marginal parts. Surface water continent are extremely poor and extremely unevenly distributed over the territory. This especially applies to the desert western and central regions Australia, which are practically drainless, but make up 50% of the continent's area.

Australia is often called the continent of deserts. About 44% of the continent's surface is occupied by desert and arid areas.
They are common in the Western Australian Tablelands and the plains of Central Australia.

In the driest areas of the center of the continent, large areas are rocky deposits or shifting sands.
On the Western Australian Plateau, rocky deserts form on thick ferruginous crusts (a legacy of humid eras). Their bare surface has a characteristic bright orange color.
On the Nullarbor Plain, composed of fractured limestones, the desert faces south coast mainland.

Great Victoria Desert

The largest desert on the Australian continent.
Its size is about 424,400 km2.
The desert was first crossed by European explorer Ernest Giles in 1875 and named after Queen Victoria.
Average annual precipitation varies from 200 to 250 mm of rain. Thunderstorms occur frequently (15-20 per year).
Daytime temperatures in summer are 32-40 °C, in winter 18-23 °C.
It is generally accepted that the desert consists of endless sand dunes or lifeless rocky plains. However Great Desert Victoria looks different. Huge variety shrubs and small plants. After a rare rain contrasting on the red sand wildflowers and acacias - an unforgettable view.
Even without rain, the caves, rocks and gorges of the desert are mesmerizing.

Great Sandy Desert

Second largest after Victoria. The desert is located in the north of Western Australia, in the Kimberley region, east of the Pilbara. A small part of it lies in the Northern Territory.
The desert has an area of ​​360,000 km²
Big sandy desert- most hot region Australia.
In the summer from December to February, the average temperature reaches 35 °C, in winter - up to 20 -15 °C.
This is where the famous national park Kata Tjuta is Uluru (Ayers Rock), which attracts travelers from all over the world.

Tanami

The rocky sand desert is located northwest of the city of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory of Australia.
The average annual rainfall in this area is more than 400 mm, that is, quite a lot of rainy days for a desert. But Tanami's disposition is such that it prevails heat, and with this high speed evaporation.
Average daily temperature in summer months(October-March) is about 38 °C, night 22 °C. Temperature in winter: daytime - about 25 °C, nighttime - below 10 °C.
The main landforms are dunes and sand plains, as well as shallow water basins of the Lander River, which contain water holes, dry swamps and salt lakes.
Gold mining is carried out in the desert. IN Lately tourism is developing.

Gibson Desert

Sandy desert in the center of Western Australia. It is bordered by the Great Sandy Desert to the north and the Great Victoria Desert to the south.
An early explorer of the region described it as “a vast, rolling gravel desert.”
The soils are sandy, rich in iron, and highly weathered. In some places there are thickets of veinless acacia, quinoa and spinifex grass, which bloom with bright colors after rare rains.
Annual precipitation in the Gibson Desert can vary from 200 to 250 millimeters. The climate is typically hot, in the south temperatures in summer can rise above 40°C, in winter the maximum is around 18°C ​​and the minimum is 6°C.

Desert Simpson

The Simpson Desert is the main part national park Uluru-Kata Tjuta in Australia.
This desert is famous for the fact that its sands are bright red and, like scarlet waves, continuously roll across the desert.
The landscapes of this place are amazing: between the high dunes there are areas of smooth clay crust and rocky plains strewn with sharpened stones. Simpson - the driest desert
average temperature in summer (January) it is 28-30 °C, in winter - 12-15 °C. In the northern part, precipitation is less than 130 mm.

Small Sandy Desert

The Little Sandy Desert is a piece of land in Western Australia located to the south of the Great Sandy Desert, and to the east it becomes the Gibson Desert.

To the territory of Malaya sandy desert There are several lakes, the largest of which is Lake Disapointment, located in the north. Seyviori is main river, passing through this area. It flows into Lake Disapoinmet.

The area of ​​the region is 101 thousand km². The average annual precipitation, which falls mainly in summer, is 150-200 mm
Average summer temperatures range from 22 to 38.3° C, in winter this figure is 5.4-21.3° C

Tirari Desert

It occupies an area of ​​15 thousand square kilometers and is located in the eastern part of South Australia.

The desert contains salt lakes and large sand dunes. There's enough here harsh conditions, high temperatures and very little precipitation, the average annual amount of which does not exceed 125 millimeters

It is also part of the rocky ecoregion of Australia.

The Pinnacles

A small desert in the southwest of Western Australia. The name of the desert translates as “desert of pointed rocks.” The desert got its name from the isolated stones rising 1-5 meters in the middle of the sandy plain. Nearest locality- the city of Cervantes, from which it is a 20-minute drive to the desert. The stones are rocks or peaks.

Te Pinnacles is part of Nambung National Park.
The landscapes in this part are exceptional, you would think that you are on another planet.
If you are a visitor to Nambung National Park, don't miss the opportunity to see beautiful nature The Pinnacles Desert.

Besides the most large deserts Australia - Victoria and the Great Sandy Desert, on the territory of the Green Continent there are also other dry areas.

If you are interested in the deserts of Australia, then you worth knowing that the mainland has both tropical and subtropical desert areas. What are these dry zones like?

The Gibson Desert is located in the center.

Europeans first visited this desert, covered with rubble unsuitable for agriculture. in 1874.

Despite the harsh climatic and natural conditions people live in this area - Australian Aboriginal tribe Pintubi.

This tribe of the indigenous people of the mainland is one of the topics that preserved the traditional ancient way of life of the aborigines Green Continent.

Also, the Gibson Desert rich in animal world . They live here typical representatives animals of Australia - red kangaroo, marsupial badger, moth lizard, grass wren and emu.

The marsupial badger also lives here, which previously inhabited 70% Australian territory, and today is on the verge of extinction. The main vegetation of the Gibson Desert is spinifex and acacia.

Simpson Desert

Simpson Desert, which is located in the heart of Australia is a protected area of ​​the Green Continent, where the world famous is located.

This body of water temporarily filled with water, fed by Australia's underwater rivers and home to many of Australia's animals.

They live here ducks, eagles, gulls, Australian pelicans, kingfishers, budgies, pink cockatoos, swallows and other representatives of the mainland's avifauna.

Also found here marsupial jerboas, desert bandicoots, marsupial mice and moles, dingo dogs, wild camels and kangaroos.

The flora of the Simpson Desert consists of drought-resistant grasses and thorns. Today in the desert there are a number of protected areas. Tourists come here to take 4x4 rides through the dunes.

Interesting fact! In the 19th century, people wanted to graze cattle and build settlements here, but the climate did not allow this. The Simpson Desert has also been a disappointment to oil seekers who searched here in the 1970s and failed to find this natural resource.

Small Sandy Desert

The Small Sandy Desert is located in the west of the Green Continent. The flora and fauna, as well as the topography of this desert area, are similar to the characteristics of the Great Sandy Desert.

On the territory of the Small Sandy Desert there is its main watercourse - Savory Creek, which flows into Disappointment Lake located in the north of the desert.

Despite the rather harsh climate for which the deserts and semi-deserts of Australia are famous, tribes of the indigenous population of the mainland live here. The biggest one is Parnngurr tribe.

The only way through the desert, namely the Canning Cattle Route, runs in the northeast of the Little Sandy Desert.

Deserts of Australia - Tanami and Te Pinnacles

Another desert territory of Australia called Tanami, which is located in, has been explored more than other arid zones of the mainland. Europeans made expeditions here until 20th century.

The Tanami Desert is rocky sand dunes, the area of ​​which 292,194 km².

Climate Tanami – semi-desert. The average annual rainfall here is much higher than in other Australian deserts.

In 2007 The Northern Tanami Aboriginal Protected Area was created here, which covers an area of ​​approximately 4 million hectares. Today gold mining is carried out here. IN last years Various areas of tourism are developing.

It is important to know! The North Tanami Protected Area is home to Australian fauna and flora that are on the verge of extinction.

The desert called The Pinnacles is a small area located in the southwest of the Green Continent.

The title translates as "desert of pointed rocks" and speaks for itself. The sandy desert area is “decorated” with towering stones from one to five meters.

Find out more about the drylands of Australia, it becomes clear why some species of unique Australian animals could not survive in such harsh climatic conditions.

The exceptional originality and antiquity of the flora and fauna of Australia is explained by its long isolation. Most plant (75%) and animal (90%) species in Australia are endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world. Among the animals there are few mammals, but species extinct on other continents have survived, including marsupials (about 160 species). Characteristic representatives Australian flora are eucalyptus (600 species), acacia (490 species) and casuarina. The mainland has not given the world valuable cultivated plants.

Australia is located in four geographical zones- from subequatorial to moderate. Change natural areas caused by changes in temperatures and precipitation patterns. The flat nature of the relief contributes to a well-defined terrain, disturbed only in the east. The main part of the continent lies in tropical latitudes, That's why greatest development got tropical desert and semi-deserts, occupying half the area of ​​the continent.

The central parts of the continent in two geographical zones (tropical and subtropical) are occupied by deserts and semi-deserts. Australia is rightly called a continent of deserts (Great Sandy Desert, Great Victoria Desert, Gibson Desert, etc.). On the Western Australian plateau in tropical conditions continental climate Tropical deserts and semi-deserts dominate. In rocky and sandy river beds, light forests of casuarinas stretch. In the depressions of clayey semi-deserts there are thickets of quinoa and salt-tolerant species of acacias and eucalyptus trees. Deserts are characterized by “cushions” of the bushy grass spinifex. The soils of semi-deserts are gray soils; desert soils are primitive rocky, clayey or sandy.

In the south of the mainland in the subtropics, deserts and semi-deserts occupy the Nullarbor Plain (“treeless”) and the Murray-Darling Lowland. They are formed under subtropical continental climate conditions on brown semi-desert and gray-brown soils. Against the background of dry rare grasses there is wormwood and solyanka; there is no tree and shrub vegetation.

The most acute problem in Australia is the shortage. Previously, it was solved by pumping out groundwater from numerous wells. But currently a decrease in water level has been recorded in artesian pools. The depletion of groundwater reserves, along with a decrease in river flows, has exacerbated water shortages in Australia, forcing the implementation of water conservation programs.

One of the ways to preserve nature is to create specially protected natural areas. They occupy 11% of the continent's area. One of the most visited is Kosciuszko Park in Australia. In the north there is one of the world's largest parks - Kakadu, where not only wetlands that serve as habitat for many endemic birds are protected, but also caves with Aboriginal rock art. The Blue Mountains Park protects stunning mountain landscapes with a variety of eucalyptus forests. The nature of deserts is also under protection (Great Victoria Desert and Simpson Desert parks). Object World Heritage UNESCO in Uluru-Katayuta Park recognizes the giant red sandstone monolith Ayers Rock as sacred to the Aboriginal people. The fabulous world of coral is protected in the Great Barrier Reef Underwater Park.

In big barrier reef there is the greatest diversity of corals on the planet (up to 500 species). A threat, in addition to coastal water pollution and poaching, is posed by polyp-eating Starfish"crown of thorns" Temperature increase ocean waters Global warming is causing coral bleaching and death.

The main feature of the animal and flora Australia - predominance of endemics. Australia is the most deserted continent. Global, exhaustion water resources, depletion of flora and fauna pose a threat to the nature of the continent. Specially protected natural areas occupy 11% of the continent's area.