CHAPTER 7
1. Deserts 2. Oasis 3. Coastal Plains 4. Mountains
Very dry. Extreme Temperature (hot during the summer months, and below freezing during the winter). Violent sand storms (windy), with occasional rain. Strong winds can change the landscape.
People live nomadic lives. They move from place to place. Use camels for transportation. Wear loose-fitting long clothes for protection from the sun and sand. Use herd animals (camels, goats, and sheep) for food, shelter, and clothing. Conduct trade (barter) via camel caravans.
Most fertile land in the desert to grow crops, due to water that has been trapped underground and seeping to the surface. Fresh water allows for plants and trees to grow, which are used for shade. Oases provide life sustaining water and nourishment for animals and humans.
People are sedentary (permanently settled). They don’t move!! Settlers dig deep wells to store/save water. Settlers grow dates, peaches, and grains. Palm trees have many uses. Towns begin to develop. Conduct trade with nomads.
The air is damp. Rains regularly. When it rains, sometimes dry riverbeds fill with water. Natural harbors along the coast.
Settlers grow grains, fruits, vegetables, and trees for frankincense and myrrh. Settlers dig wells, build small dams, and construct irrigation systems to save water for personal consumption and farming. Conduct extensive sea trade with sailors from other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Europe.
1,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level in elevation. Moist winds from the Indian ocean keep the temperature cool. Good rainfall causing dry riverbeds to fill up during storms. Frost on the ground during winter, and at higher elevations.
Settlers use terrace farming to grow crops. Settlers build small dams, construct irrigation systems for farming and storage of rainwater. Grow crops of melons, pomegranates, and trees for frankincense and myrrh. Use ashes and manure for fertilizer.
If you were moving to the Arabian Peninsula, what environment would you want to live in? Why? Think about it.