The Land ; Climate & Vegetation Chapter 23Chapter 23 Section 1 & 2Section 1 & 2

Landforms The South Asia region is considered a Subcontinent because it is a large distinct landmass connected to a larger continent (Asia). What divides South Asia from the Asian continent are the Himalayan Mountains. The South Asia region is considered a Subcontinent because it is a large distinct landmass connected to a larger continent (Asia). What divides South Asia from the Asian continent are the Himalayan Mountains. The Himalayan mountains were created when the Indian subcontinent collided with the Asian continent. The result of the 2 land masses colliding forced land upward. The Himalayan mountains were created when the Indian subcontinent collided with the Asian continent. The result of the 2 land masses colliding forced land upward.

Continental Drift India Land mass’ path as it collides with the Asian continent. The Himalayan mountains were created as a result of this collision. It is still moving.

Northern Landforms The Himalayan Mountains extends about 1,500 miles long, and are hundreds of miles wide. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 29,028 feet is located within the Himalaya’s. The Himalayan Mountains extends about 1,500 miles long, and are hundreds of miles wide. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 29,028 feet is located within the Himalaya’s. Due to the rough mountainous terrain that stretches for hundreds of miles, it is almost impossible to cross from the Asian continent to the Indian subcontinent. This natural boundary kept invaders out for hundreds of years. Due to the rough mountainous terrain that stretches for hundreds of miles, it is almost impossible to cross from the Asian continent to the Indian subcontinent. This natural boundary kept invaders out for hundreds of years. The Kyber Pass, is one of the few narrow paths that allows people to travel through mountain range. The Kyber Pass, is one of the few narrow paths that allows people to travel through mountain range.

Central & Southern Landforms The Himalayan mountain range is not the only significant mountain range on the Indian Sub continent. The Vindhya Range and the Satpura range divide the country of India into 2 distinct regions, with differing cultures and religions on either side. The Himalayan mountain range is not the only significant mountain range on the Indian Sub continent. The Vindhya Range and the Satpura range divide the country of India into 2 distinct regions, with differing cultures and religions on either side. The Deccan Plateau, once covered in lava now has rich black soil. In the center of the plateau, vegetation is lush and green thanks to heavy amounts of rain. The Deccan Plateau, once covered in lava now has rich black soil. In the center of the plateau, vegetation is lush and green thanks to heavy amounts of rain. Sri Lanka, is an island that broke away from the original Indian landmass. Sri Lanka, is an island that broke away from the original Indian landmass.

Water Systems 3 major rivers flow in this region. They all get their water from snowcapped peaks within the Himalayan mountains. Water, on its way down from the mountain collects fertile soil and deposits it on the flood plain. 3 major rivers flow in this region. They all get their water from snowcapped peaks within the Himalayan mountains. Water, on its way down from the mountain collects fertile soil and deposits it on the flood plain. Ganges River – Most important river in the region, named after Hindu god Ganga. It flows heavily year round even in the dry season. Ganges River – Most important river in the region, named after Hindu god Ganga. It flows heavily year round even in the dry season. Brahmaputra River – Flows through India, then south through Bangladesh. Creates a delta when it joins the Ganges, before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Navigable. Brahmaputra River – Flows through India, then south through Bangladesh. Creates a delta when it joins the Ganges, before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Navigable. Indus River – Flows through Pakistan into the Arabia sea, providing water for apple and peach orchards along the way. Main source of water for early civilizations. (similar to Egypt & Mesopotamia) Indus River – Flows through Pakistan into the Arabia sea, providing water for apple and peach orchards along the way. Main source of water for early civilizations. (similar to Egypt & Mesopotamia)

Natural Resources Water is an extremely important natural resource. Rivers provide, drinking water, alluvial soil (nutrient rich), transportation, and hydroelectricity. Food in form of fish and other marine life is also possible thanks to these massive rivers. Water is an extremely important natural resource. Rivers provide, drinking water, alluvial soil (nutrient rich), transportation, and hydroelectricity. Food in form of fish and other marine life is also possible thanks to these massive rivers. These rivers flow through numerous nations, many of these countries work together for the mutual benefit. These rivers flow through numerous nations, many of these countries work together for the mutual benefit. India – Iron Ore & Mica (rock used in electrical equipment) India – Iron Ore & Mica (rock used in electrical equipment) Sri Lanka – Graphite & precious stones Sri Lanka – Graphite & precious stones Pakistan – Natural Gas Pakistan – Natural Gas

Climate *******Beginning of Chapter 23 Section 2******* *******Beginning of Chapter 23 Section 2******* Tropical – Most of the land in South Asia is south of the tropic of cancer, creating a lush tropical landscape. Rain forest are also prevalent in this region. Some swamps are also in the region. Tropical – Most of the land in South Asia is south of the tropic of cancer, creating a lush tropical landscape. Rain forest are also prevalent in this region. Some swamps are also in the region. Midaltitude & Highlands – the coldest part of the region lies along the northern edge of the region. Snow is present year round. Midaltitude & Highlands – the coldest part of the region lies along the northern edge of the region. Snow is present year round. At the highest elevations, very little vegetation exist. At some lower elevations, conifers and hardwood trees are abundant. At the highest elevations, very little vegetation exist. At some lower elevations, conifers and hardwood trees are abundant.

Seasonal Weather Patterns Much of South Asia experiences 3 distinct seasons. Much of South Asia experiences 3 distinct seasons. Hot – February to June Hot – February to June Wet – June to September Wet – June to September Cool – October to February Cool – October to February