Eastern Australian rainforests & cyclones/storms

describe the rainforest biodiversity in Tasmania

• cool, wet climate

• simple forest structure

• low species richness and biodiversity

Describe the rainforest biodiversity in the subtropics

• warm, wet climate

• more complex structure

• moderate to high biodiversity

• called the “transition zone”

Describe the rainforest biodiversity in far north Australia

• hot, humid climate

• complex structure

• rich in biodiversity

• home to over half of Australia’s plant species

How does latitudinal influence change these rainforests?

Temperature increases as you go more north which results in higher rainfall, warmer temperatures, and moister air. High temperatures also lead to faster plant growth.

What features on the coast can be used to evaluate past storm events? How do they preserve the intensity of the storm?

Dune erosion, monsoon trough/cyclone activity and beach ridges are telling of past storm events. By understanding storms and cyclones, scientists can predict future activity. Dune erosion shows how far a storm reached land. Very high/wide ridges are linked to storm events and can be used to predict future events.

What conditions are required for coastlines to archive storm and cyclone events?

low-energy environments, sediment availability, coastal stability, and human impact records

Why might you observe a storm/cyclone on the east coast rather than anywhere else?

Warmer waters and tropical regions near the Tasman Sea, influence from the South Pacific zone (low low-pressure system that shifts along the east coast, and prevailing winds/Coriolis effect (circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere)

Why is the QLD coastline exposed to greater change from climate change rather than other coastlines?

• long, exposed coastline

• high population density

• high exposure to monsoon troughs, cyclones and storms

• warmer nearby sea temperatures

what are some uncertainties in predicting change on the QLD coast in the future?

We don’t know fully how to predict future climate interactions, there can always be surprises, and human decisions regarding emissions are constantly changing and could be inaccurate.

How does meteorology impact Brisbane?

primarily through urbanization because it replaces vegetation with impervious materials. Urban surfaces are also darker and absorb more heat, storing heat during the day. Because Brisbane has a large population, it produces a lot of heat and vehicle emissions, which makes the energy demand for cooling greater.