1. The Middle East
Unit 7

2. Physical Geography of the Middle East
ch. 21

3. The Middle East Physical Geography
The continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia meet in this region, which has been a crossroads for travelers and traders for centuries.
The Mediterranean Sea dominates the region's many seas and peninsulas.
some areas receive plentiful rainfall, water is scarce across much of the region.
Vegetation varies widely depending upon the climate.

4. Seas & Peninsulas The region consists of many seas and peninsulas
North Africa, SW Asia, and Central Asia feature numerous seas and peninsulas.
Mediterranean, Red & Black Sea
Arabian & Sinai Peninsula
The Dead Sea, Caspian Sea, & the Aral Sea are landlocked bodies of saltwater
The Aral Sea, which began to dry up when the Soviet Union diverted river source waters for irrigation

6. Rivers
Rivers flow through fertile valleys that once were the birthplaces of early civilizations.
The Tigris & Euphrates rivers help irrigate farms throughout Syria, Turkey & Iraq
Streambeds
Runoff from infrequent, violent rainstorms
creates temporary streams in North Africa & SW Asia

8. Plains, Plateaus, & Mountains
Coastal Plains
The region is dominated by deserts and mountains,
fertile coastal plains such as those bordering the Mediterranean Sea form rich agricultural areas
Highlands: Several mountain ranges have fertile areas along their slopes
Atlas Mountains- N Africa
Asir Mountains- Arabian Peninsula
Caucasus Mountains-
Desert Highlands of Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan

10. Earthquakes
Three tectonic plates come together in the region, forming mountains and causing earthquakes

12. Natural Resources Oil & Natural Gas Minerals
Major petroleum, natural gas, and Resources
Minerals
mineral deposits have enriched the region.
Building Diverse Economies s
Some countries that suffered economically during times of price fluctuations of these resources are now diversifying their economies.

14. Water Resources Desert Steppe Climate
A desert climate predominates in the region, and the scarcity of water makes it a precious resource
Sahara covers 50% of the region
>10 in of rain/year
Steppe Climate
2nd largest climate region
Semi-arid with light precipitation
Short grasses

16. Climatic Variations Exports & Tourists Rainfall Sign of things to come
Fruit crops are grown in countries with a Mediterranean climate, and food grains are produced in the wetter, colder highlands climates.
Climate attracts tourists
Rainfall
Highland areas receive more rainfall
Support more vegitation
Sign of things to come
desertification