ULuru
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ABOUT
Uluru, also known as "Ayer's Rock", is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks. Uluru lies west of the Simpson Desert, not far from the ‘Red Centre’ of Australia. Uluru is an “island mountain”, and an isolated remnant left after the slow erosion of an original mountain range. It stands 348 metres above sea level at its tallest point, yet it resembles a “land iceberg” as the vast majority of its mass is actually underground
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The climate in this region is extreme. In winter, daytime temperatures can be pleasant but clear nights can see the temperature drop below 0. In summer on the other hand, the temperature can get very hot peaking as high as 45C. Normally its around 30 -35C.
Local Aboriginal people recognise five seasons:
Uluru's weather is classified as a desert climate, although its average rainfall of 290mm normally results in a semi-arid classification. Its high evaporation statistic, however, puts the climate firmly into the arid category. Annual rainfall is erratic year on year, with some years receiving as much as 800m and others as little as 200m. Sometimes rain falls in winter when low pressure troughs moving across southern Australia extend north to Uluru to produce cold weather and occasional widespread rain. More rain falls in summer. This is usually from tropical depressions or ex-cyclones that have petered out after crossing the northern Australian coastline.The desert welcomes any rain.
Uluru, also known as "Ayer's Rock", is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks. Uluru lies west of the Simpson Desert, not far from the ‘Red Centre’ of Australia. Uluru is an “island mountain”, and an isolated remnant left after the slow erosion of an original mountain range. It stands 348 metres above sea level at its tallest point, yet it resembles a “land iceberg” as the vast majority of its mass is actually underground
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The climate in this region is extreme. In winter, daytime temperatures can be pleasant but clear nights can see the temperature drop below 0. In summer on the other hand, the temperature can get very hot peaking as high as 45C. Normally its around 30 -35C.
Local Aboriginal people recognise five seasons:
- Wanitjunkupai (April/May) – Cooler weather
- Wari (June/July) – Cold season bringing morning frosts
- Piriyakutu (August/September/October) – Animals breed and food plants flower
- Mai Wiyaringkupai (November/December) – The hot season when food becomes scarce
- Itjanu (January/February/March) – Sporadic storms can roll in suddenly
Uluru's weather is classified as a desert climate, although its average rainfall of 290mm normally results in a semi-arid classification. Its high evaporation statistic, however, puts the climate firmly into the arid category. Annual rainfall is erratic year on year, with some years receiving as much as 800m and others as little as 200m. Sometimes rain falls in winter when low pressure troughs moving across southern Australia extend north to Uluru to produce cold weather and occasional widespread rain. More rain falls in summer. This is usually from tropical depressions or ex-cyclones that have petered out after crossing the northern Australian coastline.The desert welcomes any rain.
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Flora and Fauna
Uluru has more than 29 species of native mammals, 178 species of birds, 73 species of reptiles and literally thousands of invertebrates species including ants, spiders and bugs. Each species has its own individual adaptations to the dry desert climate.The desert flora has adapted to the harsh conditions. The growth and reproduction of plant communities rely on irregular rainfall. Some plants are able to survive fire and some are dependent on it to reproduce. Examples of Adaptation
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