South Asia Unit 8

South Asia Physical Geography

A Separate Land The subcontinent of South Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by mountains and forms a distinct landmass. South Asia is touched by three bodies of water— the Arabian Sea the Indian Ocean the Bay of Bengal The region has varied landforms and climate regions dominated by monsoons

A Land of Great Variety The Himalaya Other Northern Landforms The tallest mountains of the world are in the north Caused by tectonic collision Other Northern Landforms Karakoram Mts. Hindu Kush Indo-Gangetic Plains Central Landforms Vindhya Range Southern Landforms Eastern & Western Ghats Deccan Plateau Karnataka Plateau Islands lie off the tip of India maldives

Three major river systems exist in the sub-continent Brahmaputra- flows east through the Himalaya And then west where it meets with the Indus Indus- Flows through Pakistan Meets with the Brahmaputra and then empties into the Indian Ocean Ganges- Flows east from the Himalaya Most important river in India World’s longest alluvial plain Rivers in the region are the key to life in the region, providing alluvial soil, drinking water, transportation, and hydroelectric power

Natural Resources Although the region has petroleum reserves, South Asia relies on other energy sources and imported oil. Not enough infa-structure to pull resources out of the earth Other resources include mica, graphite, and timber.

South Asia Climate

South Asia’s Climates Tropical & Subtropical Climates Most of South Asia has tropical and subtropical climates with diverse vegetation, including rain forests and savannas. Highland Climates Little vegetation can survive in the higher altitudes of the highlands, while in more temperate zones trees flourish. Dry Climates Dry climates are found along the lower Indus River and on the Deccan Plateau

Monsoons Seasonal winds called monsoons determine the three seasons of the regions. Areas outside the path of the monsoons receive little or no rainfall. The rains of the monsoons and other violent storms can cause flooding.