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ClimateThe climate of Australia varies widely due to its large geographical size, but by far the largest part of Australia is desertor semi-arid. Only the south-east and south-west corners have atemperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part of the country has a tropical climate, varied between tropical rainforests, grasslands, part desert.
Australia's climate is ruled by the hot, sinking air of the subtropicalhigh pressure belt which moves north and south with the seasons. This causes the rainfall pattern over Australia to be highly seasonal. Australia's rainfall is the lowest of the seven continents (besides Antarctica). Rainfall is variable, with frequent droughts lasting several seasons and is thought to be caused in part by theEl Niño-Southern Oscillation.
Since it is a small continent separated from polar regions by theSouthern Ocean, Australia does not get the harsh snaps of polar air that swarm over Northern Hemisphere continents during winter, which is why winter is relatively mild in the country with very little snow. The continents in the Northern Hemisphere have a considerable temperature contrast between summer and winter, whereas in Australia the temperature contrast is small. In many parts of the country, seasonal high and lows can be great with temperatures ranging from above 50 °C (122 °F) to well below zero. Minimum temperatures are moderated by the lack of mountains and the influence of surrounding oceans.
Australia's climate is ruled by the hot, sinking air of the subtropicalhigh pressure belt which moves north and south with the seasons. This causes the rainfall pattern over Australia to be highly seasonal. Australia's rainfall is the lowest of the seven continents (besides Antarctica). Rainfall is variable, with frequent droughts lasting several seasons and is thought to be caused in part by theEl Niño-Southern Oscillation.
Since it is a small continent separated from polar regions by theSouthern Ocean, Australia does not get the harsh snaps of polar air that swarm over Northern Hemisphere continents during winter, which is why winter is relatively mild in the country with very little snow. The continents in the Northern Hemisphere have a considerable temperature contrast between summer and winter, whereas in Australia the temperature contrast is small. In many parts of the country, seasonal high and lows can be great with temperatures ranging from above 50 °C (122 °F) to well below zero. Minimum temperatures are moderated by the lack of mountains and the influence of surrounding oceans.