six continents of the Earth is absolutely not similar to each other.For example, in Eurasia - the world's most diverse climatic conditions.The peculiarities of the climate can be identified is the hottest continent - Africa, the coldest - Antarctica.The most humid continent is South America.But Australia - is the driest continent on Earth.
because of the small amount of precipitation
Australia is divided almost in half the southern tropics.This means that there prevails tropical air.In most of the continent dry and hot tropical masses held throughout the year, so very little precipitation.Over the tropics in both hemispheres formed area of high atmospheric pressure.They air falls and becomes drier, resulting in fine weather constant and almost complete lack of precipitation.
In most of Australia's precipitation during the year falls less than 250 mm per year.This neskolko times less than in Moscow.And given the fact that Australia's climate is much warmer, we can understand that, and dry air is much larger than ours.
There is another reason that it is the driest continent on Earth.This mountain in the east of the continent.In Australia, there are trade winds - winds from the tropics to the equator.They are directed to the Pacific to the mainland.Meeting on the way mountain air masses rise up the side, spilling rain on the east coast.And in the interior of the air comes already withered and prevents precipitation.
Consequences dry climate
As a result of the aridity of the climate prevailing in the Australian desert and semi-deserts are located.The most famous - Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy, Gibson, Simpson.And in the area of Lake Eyre, called "dead heart of Australia", precipitation does not exceed 125 mm.A relative humidity is not more than 20-30%.
few rivers in Australia.They mainly originate from the Great Dividing Range.The biggest - the main tributary of the Murray - Darling.But there are rivers in the north of the continent dominated by sub-equatorial climate.
flora and fauna of the driest continent on Earth
In such circumstances, survive only adapted species of plants and animals that can withstand dry climate.In dense eucalyptus leaves turn edge-on to the sun's rays to reduce evaporation.A long roots can extract water from depths of tens of meters.There are also dwarf species of eucalyptus trees and tall trees.Thickets of plants dangerous part of fire, as the essential oils contained in the leaves is easy to ignite spontaneously in the heat and dryness.
The deserts are also common cereals (spinifex) and Shrubs - Acacia, various soups, quinoa.Imported in the XX century, prickly pear cactus spread rapidly and become malignant weed.
of the inhabitants of the deserts most interesting Moloch - small lizard, all covered with tumors and spikes.It is able to absorb moisture across the surface of the skin.Additional animals may be noted various birds feeding on seeds of cereals, reptiles and insects.
What is the driest continent of the earth?
strange question, is not it?But the thing is how to define the driest continent on Earth.
If we take the driest place in the world, pulled forward South America.Here in the coastal Atacama desert rainfall does not happen for years.Practically the only source of water mists are associated with the cold Peruvian current.
On average rainfall in the driest continents and include Antarctica.On its most of the precipitation is not more than 100 mm per year, and they fall in the form of "diamond dust" - fine ice needles.But because of the extremely cold weather snow accumulates, forming ice cover of the continent.
But among the places inhabited by man is the driest continent on earth - it is Australia.Rescues are large reserves of underground water is used for irrigation, and for irrigation of pastures.
