What is the name given to the vast rural area in the center of the Australian continent?
What natural features explain the very sparse population of this area?
Please help i'm very confused and all the websites have different info.
The vast rural area in the center of the Australian continent is commonly known as the "Outback." Its name comes from the term "out back," which refers to the remote and isolated nature of the region.
The sparse population in the Outback can be attributed to several natural features:
1. Extreme Aridity: The Outback is characterized by arid and semi-arid desert regions, such as the Great Victoria Desert and the Simpson Desert. These areas receive very low levels of rainfall, resulting in limited access to water sources and making it challenging for humans to sustain life.
2. Harsh Climate: The Outback experiences harsh weather conditions, including high temperatures and limited cloud cover, which contribute to the aridity of the region. The hot and dry climate makes it inhospitable for large-scale settlements and agriculture.
3. Limited Water Resources: The Outback has limited water resources, with sparse and unreliable rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves. The scarcity of water restricts the growth of vegetation, making it difficult to support a significant population or sustain extensive agricultural activities.
4. Isolation and Distance: The Outback covers vast distances, and many parts of the region are located far from major towns and cities. The isolation and remoteness of the Outback make transportation and communication challenging, discouraging large-scale settlements.
It's worth noting that while the Outback is sparsely populated, Indigenous communities have a long-standing connection to this land and have adapted their lifestyles to its unique conditions.
To verify and gather more detailed information about the Outback and its features, it's advisable to consult reputable sources such as government websites, academic publications, or books specifically dedicated to Australian geography.
It's called the Outback.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outback
http://www.google.com/search?q=outback+australia&es_sm=122&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ZDBCUvubLcTw2gWVl4G4Dw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=711&bih=453&dpr=1