South Asia Geography, climate, and vegetation

Landforms and Resources Considered a subcontinent. Considered a subcontinent. having a certain geographical or political independence" from the rest of the continent having a certain geographical or political independence" from the rest of the continent India 1.2 billion people, 1/6 the world’s population. India 1.2 billion people, 1/6 the world’s population. Dominated by the Himalayan Mountains and Hindu Kush Mountains which form a natural barrier. Dominated by the Himalayan Mountains and Hindu Kush Mountains which form a natural barrier.

Physical Features 50 million years ago South Asia split from East Africa and collided with Central Asia 50 million years ago South Asia split from East Africa and collided with Central Asia Tectonic plate collisions caused many mountain ranges both large and small. Tectonic plate collisions caused many mountain ranges both large and small.

3 main rivers include the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra which flow from the mountains. 3 main rivers include the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra which flow from the mountains. Rivers provide crucial irrigation. Rivers provide crucial irrigation. Gangetic Plain is one of the most fertile farming regions in the world and has the majority of population. Gangetic Plain is one of the most fertile farming regions in the world and has the majority of population.

River  Fertile Land  Crops  Food  People Why did early people settle where they did?

Resources South Asia relies on soil and water for farming and fishing. South Asia relies on soil and water for farming and fishing. Many types of fish for the world market. Many types of fish for the world market. Waters provide transportation and power. Waters provide transportation and power. Timber and other forest products are another important resource. Timber and other forest products are another important resource.

Deforestation is a severe problem which causes soil erosion, flooding, landslides, and loss of wildlife. Deforestation is a severe problem which causes soil erosion, flooding, landslides, and loss of wildlife. South Asia produces coal, petroleum, natural gas, and uranium. South Asia produces coal, petroleum, natural gas, and uranium. India is the leading producer of mica and iron- ore. India is the leading producer of mica and iron- ore.

6 main climate zones ranging from tropical wet to highlands. 6 main climate zones ranging from tropical wet to highlands. Region affected by monsoons (seasonal winds) Region affected by monsoons (seasonal winds) Monsoons bring heavy rainfalls that are crucial to life, yet are unpredictable. Monsoons bring heavy rainfalls that are crucial to life, yet are unpredictable. Most extreme weather pattern is the cyclone. Most extreme weather pattern is the cyclone.

Cyclone

Plant life varies according to climate and altitude. Plant life varies according to climate and altitude. Most lush area is between India and Bangladesh. Most lush area is between India and Bangladesh. Highland forest in Northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Highland forest in Northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Semiarid areas of Pakistan-Indian border and Deccan Plateau that have desert shrubs and grasses. Semiarid areas of Pakistan-Indian border and Deccan Plateau that have desert shrubs and grasses.

Bangladesh - lush

Nepal – highland forest

Pakistan - semiarid

Bhutan – mountains and forest

India – coast, mountains, plains, and jungle

Human Environment Interaction

The Ganges River is the earthly home of the Hindu goddess Ganga. The Ganges River is the earthly home of the Hindu goddess Ganga. City of Varanasi, along its banks, is considered the holiest city to Hindus. City of Varanasi, along its banks, is considered the holiest city to Hindus. 350 million people live near the Bay of Bengal where the Ganges drains. 350 million people live near the Bay of Bengal where the Ganges drains.

Hindu life is not complete without bathing in the waters. Hindu life is not complete without bathing in the waters. Belief that drinking the water purifies the soul of sins and cures illness. Belief that drinking the water purifies the soul of sins and cures illness. Cremation after death is done along the banks of the Ganges, unless moksha is attained. Cremation after death is done along the banks of the Ganges, unless moksha is attained.

Hindu Goddess, Ganga

Ganges provides water for drinking, farming, transportation, and spirituality. Ganges provides water for drinking, farming, transportation, and spirituality. lined with temples. lined with temples. After intense human use the Ganges is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. After intense human use the Ganges is one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Sacred Ganges River

Millions of gallons of raw sewage and industrial waste flow in daily. Millions of gallons of raw sewage and industrial waste flow in daily. Animal and human corpses are thrown in the river. Animal and human corpses are thrown in the river. Poisoned with toxic chemicals and deadly bacteria. Poisoned with toxic chemicals and deadly bacteria. People can become ill who drink or bathe there. People can become ill who drink or bathe there.

Polluted Ganges River