South West drainage division facts for kids
The south-west corner drainage region of Western Australia is a special part of Australia. It's one of only two areas on the mainland that has a mild climate and good soil for growing things.
This region covers about 140,000 square kilometers (about 54,000 square miles). To help you imagine its size, that's a bit smaller than the state of North Carolina in the USA, or a little bigger than England.
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Discovering Western Australia's Southwest Corner
This section explores the unique features of the southwest corner of Western Australia. It's a key area for understanding the state's geography and environment.
What Does the Land Look Like?
The land here is mostly flat and sandy. But there are also some important natural features. One is the Stirling Range of mountains, located near Albany. Its highest point reaches 1,096 meters (about 3,596 feet) high! Another important feature is the Darling Scarp, which is a long, steep slope that runs north to south.
Understanding the Climate
The climate in the southwest corner is called "temperate Mediterranean." This means it has warm to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Mountains near the coast help to gather rainfall in that area. Some parts of the very southwest corner can get as much as 1,400 millimeters (about 55 inches) of rain each year. However, as you move away from the coast and further inland, the amount of rain quickly drops. Inland areas usually get around 250 millimeters (about 10 inches) of rain per year.
Other Drainage Regions in Australia
Australia has many different drainage regions, which are areas where all the water flows to a common point. The southwest corner is just one example. Other important drainage regions in Australia include the Murray-Darling Basin and the Lake Eyre Basin. These areas are vital for Australia's water supply and ecosystems.
