Physical Geography of Southwest Asia

Southwest Asia Countries- Iraq, Iran, Syria, Israel Called “Middle East” Where 3 continents meet- Africa, Asia, Europe

Peninsulas & Plateaus Peninsula- piece of land linked to larger land mass mostly surrounded by water. Arabian Peninsula- borders Red Sea, Arabian Sea & Persian Gulf Rub-al-Khali largest desert, covers most of peninsula Anatolian Peninsula- called Asia Minor, located in Turkey, bordered by Black Sea & Mediterranean Sea

Peninsulas & Plateaus Plateau- high area of uplifted, then eroded land Plateau of Iran- bordered by Persian Gulf & Caspian Sea

Deserts, Mountains & Rivers Mountains prevent rain from reaching inland Rivers- major freshwater sources Tigris & Euphrates River- flow from Anatolian peninsula to Persian Gulf Jordan River- flows to Dead Sea Dead Sea- lies between Jordan & Israel, lowest body of water on Earth- 1, 300 feet below sea level

Water Arid region People are crowded in coastal areas Oasis- fertile or green spot in desert where water comes to the surface Ancient Techniques- 2,500 years ago in Iran, developed qanats Qanats- underground water supply system Iran & Afghanistan still use qanats

Modern Techniques 1950’s – Israel builds system of canals, pipelines & tunnels Purpose- carry water from Jordan River & Sea of Galilee to Negev Desert Project causes tension between Syria & Jordan Fear that Israel will use too much water Water & oil – main resources

Modern Techniques Turkey- Tigris & Euphrates River begin on Anatolian Peninsula Building system of dams- create hydroelectric power & divert water to farmlands Tension between Syria & Iraq Fear –Turkey may use too much water

Earthquakes Southwest Asia- where several plates meet Turkey-more than 17,000 people killed Iran 26,000 people killed