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A continent is a continuous land mass consisting of sialic rock, such as Australia. Australia is also located on one tectonic plate, amazingly called the Australian Plate, so, Australia satisifies all of the requirements to be identified as a continent. A continent also includes everything out to the edge of the continental shelf which is why Tasmania is a part of Australia.

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15y ago
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13y ago

Australia is described as an isolated continent because it does not join to any other land mass. The country and continent of Australia is sometimes referred to as an island continentbecause it is completely surrounded by water. The nearest other major island is New Guinea, about 150 km to the north.

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13y ago

Because Australia is a Continent and an Island.

Geographically, Australia is a continent, not an island. As a landform, it could be considered an island as it is entirely surrounded by water and not joined onto any other land mass. For this reason, it is often referred to as an island continent. Australia is too big to be formallyclassified as an island. The world's largest island is Greenland.

Another reason why Australia is also considered a continent is because it sits on its own tectonic plate. This is different from Greenland, which uses the same land mass as North America. That is why the geological appearances are much different in Australia from anywhere else. A place like Greenland shares the same geologic attributes as North America.

Australia and Antarctica are the only two true Continental Islands. That is, they are separated from all other continents by water. All other continents are connected by a landmass to at least one other Continent. If there are any waterways, they have been artificially created.

Australia is the smallest continent and the 6th largest country, with an area of 7,686,850 sq km.

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7y ago

Geographically, Australia is a continent, not an island. As a landform, it could be considered an island as it is entirely surrounded by water and not joined onto any other land mass. For this reason, it is often referred to as an island continent.Australia is too big to be formally classified as an island. The world's largest island is Greenland.

Australia is considered to be a continent because it sits on its own tectonic plate. This is different from Greenland, which uses the same land mass as North America. That is why the geological appearances are much different in Australia from anywhere else. A place like Greenland shares the same geologic attributes as North America.

Australia and Antarctica are the only two true Continental Islands. That is, they are separated from all other continents by water. All other continents are connected by a landmass to at least one other Continent. If there are any waterways, they have been artificially created.

Australia is the smallest continent and the 6th largest country, with an area of 7,686,850 sq km.

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13y ago

Because that's where continental drift put it.

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11y ago

Austalia is a continent not an island well... Thats what most geoograpers say australia is too big to be a island

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15y ago

Autsralia

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9y ago

It is a continent surrounded by waters.

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Q: Why is Australia considered a continent?
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Related questions

What country is a continent and an island?

The country Australia can be considered a continent, country, and island.


What continent does Australia belong to?

It is already considered a continent. Australia itself is a continent.


Which continent is the world's smallest?

Australia is the smallest continent in the world. Australia is the only considered continent to also be a country.


What is a large country but is considered the smallest continent?

Australia


Is Australia a continent oa an island?

Technically, both. However, Australia is too large to be considered an island so it is a continent.


Which of the world's nations is also classified as a continent?

Australia (although nowadays Australia is considered part of the Continent of Oceania or Australasia)


Is autstralia a continent or an island?

Australia is a continent as it is much too large to be considered an island.


What country is a Continent country and island?

The country Australia can be considered a continent, country, and island.


Australia biggest island?

Australia is a Continent, Greenland is the largest island


Largest island on the planet?

Australia, though considered a continent it is also considered to be an island.


What is an island country?

Indonesia


What are the names of the 7 continent?

The seven continents are North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica. Australia is considered both an island and a continent.