Top-end climate and seasons...
After many months of the land baking in extreme heat, the land being parched of all it’s moisture – every plant and animal is pushed to it’s limits of existance in this volatile climatic region.But like all seasons, they slowly change and the first showers and storms begin to form – isolated and somewhat benign in nature at first. Though this soon changes as the build up season gets into full swing and the heat and humidity is at it’s peak. The thunderstorms become more frequent and sometimes more violent and often dumping very heavy rainfall in short periods with cooler refreshing outflow winds temporarily providing relief from the stiffling heat and humidity…though once the storm clears and the sun returns the added moisture at ground levels sends the humidity skyrocketing again.
Wetlands begin to become rejuvinated remarkebly quickly again as all plants and animals look to make the most of this high speed growing and breeding season before the dry returns. Before it does though is the all mighty wet season with daily downpours, winds and little sunshine… This leaves the vast wetlands of the top end once again in full splendour of the annual floods. Access becomes very limited but what a majestic sight it is. This dramatic climate dries as quickly as it explodes and once again the top end will experience many months of cloudless skies as the cycle continues.
take a glance at my relevant photograph that inspired me writing this piece…
http://www.redbubble.com/mybubble/works/edit_image/22722
Robert Mullner
Great journal entry Tone…I’ve been thinking, I so want to go up and spend some time during “The Buildup”...I’m busting to experience the storms rolling in with that spectacular light and lightshows. Your portfolio has some awesome storm shots. I remember when we met, you mentioned to me of your passion for storm chasing..It’s great to see you’ve actually pursued your passion and grabbed it by the balls!!
I so appreciate people who actually live their dreams rather than being spectators in life. Good on ya….Hope to catch up with you one day…..best regards, Rob.