Today’s Schedule – 5/3/10 CNN Student News 27.1: Physical Geography of China, Mongolia & Taiwan 27.1 Vocabulary East and Southeast Asia Map HW: – Standards of Learning Re-writes – 27.2 Vocab
CHINA
China is the 4 th largest country in the world in terms of land area.
Its natural areas include: Deserts High mountains Long rivers
More than 40% of China is covered by mountains The Himalayas are located in the south west.
North of the Himalayas are three other ranges: Kunlun Shan Tian Shan Altay Shan
The plains and river valleys of eastern China Are the most densely populated.
The major rivers are: Huang (Yellow) Chang (Yangtze) Xi
The Chang river flows through the Red Basin Also known as the Sichuan Basin. This is a very fertile area.
The climate of China can be divided between The dry northwest and the humid southeast.
The eastern third of China Receives the most rain, and southeastern China has a humid subtropical climate.
Western China has a dry highland climate.
Because China is so large and has so many diverse regions Its plant and animal life is also very diverse.
There are wild camels and horses. China also has many unique species, such as the giant panda and the Chinese paddlefish.
China has huge amounts of energy and mineral resources. It is the world’s leading producer of coal, lead, tin, and tungsten.
The widespread use of coal has caused environmental damage.
Hydropower is a major source of energy in China China is currently building the biggest hydroelectric dam in the world.
Three Gorges Dam It is located on the Chang River.
Millions of people will have to be moved for this dam And many historical sites will be lost.
Only about 10% of China is arable. Along the Chang River there are many rice paddy fields.
Rice farming is a form of intensive agriculture. Intensive agriculture uses many people.
China must grow much food to feed its large population, And produces pork, duck, peanuts, rice, citrus fruit, and tea.
China produces much silk, Which is dependant upon cultivating the silkworm, which eats mulberry leaves.
MONGOLIA
North of China lies the landlocked country of Mongolia.
Much of the country is made up of the Mongolian plateau.
A desert called the Gobi extends from northern China into Mongolia Gobi means “waterless place” in Mongolian.
Mongolia experiences extreme temperatures Because of its high elevation and its location inland.
TAIWAN
Southeast of China lies the island of Taiwan.
Eastern Taiwan Has high, steep mountains that rise from the Pacific coast.
Western Taiwan is flatter. The island in located near tectonic fault boundaries, so severe earthquakes often shake the island.
The Asian monsoon influences climates throughout the region.