1. South Asia
Unit 8

2. South Asia
Physical Geography

3. A Separate Land
The subcontinent of South Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by mountains and forms a distinct landmass.
South Asia is touched by three bodies of water—
the Arabian Sea
the Indian Ocean
the Bay of Bengal
The region has varied landforms and climate regions dominated by monsoons

5. A Land of Great Variety The Himalaya Other Northern Landforms
The tallest mountains of the world are in the north
Caused by tectonic collision
Other Northern Landforms
Karakoram Mts.
Hindu Kush
Indo-Gangetic Plains
Central Landforms
Vindhya Range
Southern Landforms
Eastern & Western Ghats
Deccan Plateau
Karnataka Plateau
Islands lie off the tip of India
maldives

7. Three major river systems exist in the sub-continent
Brahmaputra-
flows east through the Himalaya
And then west where it meets with the Indus
Indus-
Flows through Pakistan
Meets with the Brahmaputra and then empties into the Indian Ocean
Ganges-
Flows east from the Himalaya
Most important river in India
World’s longest alluvial plain
Rivers in the region are the key to life in the region, providing alluvial soil, drinking water, transportation, and hydroelectric power

10. Natural Resources
Although the region has petroleum reserves, South Asia relies on other energy sources and imported oil.
Not enough infa-structure to pull resources out of the earth
Other resources include mica, graphite, and timber.

11. South Asia Climate

13. South Asia’s Climates Tropical & Subtropical Climates
Most of South Asia has tropical and subtropical climates with diverse vegetation, including rain forests and savannas.
Highland Climates
Little vegetation can survive in the higher altitudes of the highlands,
while in more temperate zones trees flourish.
Dry Climates
Dry climates are found along the lower Indus River and on the Deccan Plateau

15. Monsoons
Seasonal winds called monsoons determine the three seasons of the regions.
Areas outside the path of the monsoons receive little or no rainfall.
The rains of the monsoons and other violent storms can cause flooding.