Asia Geography Review

What are monsoons?

Monsoons are seasonal winds. The winter monsoons blow hot and dry air and the summer monsoons bring rainfall which is both a positive and negative. The rains create fertile land but are also unpredictable and can cause massive destruction with flooding.

Describe the climate in India

India has a range in climates from snow and ice in the north, hot dry plains in the center, and tropical weather along the southern coast. Most people rely on farming or other agricultural work and therefore live along the rivers like the Ganges. The climate is determined by seasonal winds called monsoons.

Describe the climate in China

China also has a variety in climates with nearly every climate type. Most people live the in mild climates where the rivers and farmland are found. The Huang He and the Yangtze are both centers for agriculture and industry.

Describe the climate in Japan

Japan is an island nation and therefore its climate is affected by the ocean currents. The currents from the south bring warm water and the currents from the north bring cool water. The warmer sections are able to rely on farming which the cooler sections rely on fishing. Japan is very mountainous and therefore had to use different farming techniques like terraces and irrigation canals. Japan also has monsoon rains, tropical hurricanes called typhoons, and earthquakes. Japan has to import food as well as fuel for its growing population.

Describe the water pollution issue of the Ganges River

Ganges River known as “Mother Ganges” is an important spiritual place for the Hindu people; yet is being polluted by chemicals from industry and fertilizers as well as human and animal waste. Dead animals and human remains for dumped in the river. Even with all the pollution people still use the water for bathing, cooking, and drinking. The pollution has caused high rates of water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis. India is trying to clean up the river but cannot keep up with the growing population and run-off from industries and farming.

Describe the water pollution issue of the Yangtze River

Yangtze River is China’s longest river supplying water to millions on people in China. Water is pumped out of the river for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use and at the same time millions of gallons of sewage is dumped into the river along with chemicals from agricultural runoff and industrial waste. Because of the pollution many plants and animals are disappearing. The fish are being contaminated and being eaten by the people which is leading to other health issues. China is also trying to combat this problem by building water treatment facilities and encourages cities not to dump their garbage into the river.

Describe India’s issue with air pollution

India has a serious problem with air pollution. The overpopulation, industrial growth, and automobile emissions in urban areas have given India some the worst air pollution the world in. This had led to some of the highest occurrences of respiratory diseases in the world. In the rural areas people use open fires to cook with which sends carbon monoxide, soot, and chemicals into the air. The air inside the home is usually just as bad as the air outside. This form of pollution forms brown clouds (haze pollution) which reduce rainfall and temperatures.

Describe China’s issue with air pollution

China also has the same issues with air pollution as India. They are dealing with overpopulation, industrial growth, automobile emissions, and the burning of coal. Health problems are occurring because of the pollution like respiratory and heart diseases. The pollution is also leading to acid rain which is harmful to plants, animals and buildings.