Chapter 24Physical Geography of South AsiaThe Land Where Continents CollidedObjective: Assess key features of South Asia’s physical geography, climate/vegetation, & human-environment interaction

Chapter 24 Section 1Landforms & ResourcesVocabulary: Himalaya Mountains, Subcontinent, Alluvial Plain, Archipelago, & Atoll

Objective: Describe the subcontinent of South Asia

Mountains & Plateaus• South Asia is a subcontinent – a

large landmass that is smaller than a continent

• Mountains & water surround the region cutting it off from the rest of Asia

• During continental drift, the subcontinent collided with Asia pushing the land upward creating mountain ranges

• The Himalaya Mountains are 24000 ft high & stretch 1500 miles

• Mt. Everest is the world’s tallest peak

• In the northeast are the Karakoram Mountains with the 2nd largest peak K2

Rivers, Deltas, & Plains• The Indus & Ganges are

two of the greatest river systems in South Asia

• These rivers play a key role in supporting life in South Asia

• When the rivers overflow their banks, they deposit rich soil on alluvial plains (rich farmlands)

• The Indo-Gangetic Plain is also the most heavily populated part of South Asia

Offshore Islands• Sri Lanka & the

Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean

• Sri Lanka is a large tropical island with great natural beauty

• Maldives comprise an archipelago (group of 1200 islands)

• They are consider atoll islands (ring-like coral island or string of small islands surrounding a lagoon)

Natural Resources• The subcontinent coasts a

wide variety of natural resources that support human life

• South Asia relies heavily on soil & water resources to provide food through farming & fishing

• Water also provides a means of transportation & power

• Forest products are another important resource in South Asia

• South Asia is abundant in coal & iron ore & other metals

Chapter 24 Section 2Climate & VegetationVocabulary: Monsoon & Cyclone

Objective: Examine climate zones & weather patterns

Climate – Wet & Dry, Hot & Cold• South Asia has 6 climate

zones & must adapt to widely varying conditions

• South Asia as a whole is affected by monsoons (seasonal winds)

• October – February: dry winds blow across South Asia from the northeast

• June – September: moist air blows in from the southwest across South Asia

• The most extreme weather pattern of South Asia is the cyclone (violent storms with fierce winds & heavy rains)

Vegetation: Desert to Rain Forest• Vegetation ranges from

desert shrub & temperate grasslands to dense forests in the wettest areas

• The most forested parts of South Asia lie within the tropical wet zone

• Deforestation is a problem everywhere

• Cutting down forests has caused soil erosion, flooding, climate changes, & lost of wildlife habitats

Chapter 24 Section 3Human-Environment InteractionVocabulary: Hinduism, Ganges River, Storm Surge, & Estuary

Objective: Learn about the relationship between Hindus & the Ganges

Living Along the Ganges• Hinduism is the religion of

most Indians• To Hindus, the Ganges River

is not only an important water resource, but it is also a sacred river

• The Ganges is a sacred river that brings life to its people

• Along the river 350 million people live

• However, the Ganges has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world

• Millions of gallons of raw sewage & industrial waster flow into the river everyday

Controlling the Feni River•The Feni river flows

through a low-lying coastal plain that borders the Bay of Bengal before it reaches the sea

•Cyclones bring high waters called storm surges

•Bangladesh has the largest estuary (dam) in South Asia to deal with the Feni river