Situated in the centre of a tectonic plate, Australia lacks active volcanoes and experiences little tectonic lift, resulting in more worn-down mountains compared to other continents. About 33 million years ago, Australia moved northward after separating from Antarctica and encountered a hotspot, leading to eruptions that formed the Great Dividing Range. The oldest volcano erupted 35 million years ago at Cape Hillsborough, and the most recent around 6 million years ago at Macedon. Rivers and streams have further eroded the land, carving valleys in Australia’s higher regions. Slowing streams, glaciers and winds have dropped the materials they carried (deposition), leading to the formation of broad coastal and low-lying inland valleys called flood plains. 13.6.2 Australia’s landform regions
SkillBuilder discussion Communication 1. Describe what is meant by the term landform region . 2. What factors do you think are used to categorise landform regions? 3. Describe the area covered by each landform region.
FIGURE3 Australia’s four major landform regions
0 250 500 km
Key
Coastal lowlands Central lowlands Great Western Plateau Eastern highlands
Source: MAPgraphics Pty Ltd Brisbane
Coastal Lowlands The Coastal Lowlands around Australia’s edge are narrow and fragmented. The plains often take the form of river valleys, such as the Hunter Valley in NSW, and include significant wetlands and estuaries. Eastern Highlands The Eastern Highlands include the Great Dividing Range and consist mainly of tablelands and plateaus. The area is rugged as rivers have cut deep valleys. It is the source of many of Australia’s great rivers, including the Fitzroy, Darling and Murray. The highest part is in the south-east, where a small alpine area is covered with snow most of the year. Significant mountain peaks are found in the Australian Alps and Snowy Mountains, including Mount Kosciuszko.
306 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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