1. The Physical Geography of South Asia
Unit 8 – Chapter 23
The Physical Geography of South Asia
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2. I. Section I
The Land
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3. A. A Separate Land
Subcontinent – a large distinct landmass that is joined to a continent
The seven countries in this region are separated from the rest of Asia by mountains
Most of South Asia is a peninsula
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4. B. A Land of Great Variety
The Himalayas
Theory – the force of the collision between the subcontinent & Asia formed these
Mt. Everest – highest peak in the world – located here – 29,035ft. – border of Nepal & China
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5. K2 (Godwin Austin) – 2nd highest peak – 28,250ft. – Pakistan
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6. A Land of Great Variety (cont.)
Other Northern Landforms
Karakoram Mtns., Hindu Kush
In the past, invaders could only enter through the Khyber Pass
Ganges Plain (or Indo-Gangetic Plain)
1/10 of the world’s population lives here!
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7. B. (cont) Central Landforms Southern Landforms
Vindhya Range – also “pushed-up” by the collision
Divides India into northern & southern regions
Southern Landforms
Eastern & Western Ghats – form a triangle
Between them lies the Deccan Plateau
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8. C. Major River Systems Indus & Brahmaputra Rivers
Indus flows mainly through Pakistan
Empties where?
Brahmaputra flows through the Himalayas and then into India & Bangladesh
Joins with the Ganges to form a delta
Where does the Brahmaputra empty?
Brahmaputra – ‘braided’ river
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9. Major River Systems (cont.)
Ganges River
Most important river of this region!
Its waters are considered to be sacred
Ganges Plain is considered the world’s largest alluvial plain – India’s most densely populated area!
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Bathing in the Holy waters of the Ganges

10. D. Natural Resources Water Energy Resources Minerals Timber Rivers
Alluvial soil, drinking water, transportation, hydroelectric power
Dams
In Pakistan, the Tarbela Dam, one of the largest dams in the world, will soon be unusable! (Built up silt from the Indus)
Energy Resources
Petroleum, natural gas, uranium
Minerals
Leading exporter of iron ore
Mica – layered rock used to make electric equipment (90% of world) - India
Sri Lanka – one of the world’s largest producers of graphite
Timber
Very important to this region!
Economy & Soil
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11. II. Section II
Climate &
Vegetation
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Rampur, India

12. A. South Asia’s Climates
Tropical & Subtropical Climates
Tropical Rain Forest & Tropical Savanna
Highlands Climate
Northern edge of region
Dry Climates
Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
Steppe
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13. B. Monsoons Monsoon Rains Natural Disasters Monsoons – Seasonal Winds
Rains needed for crops
Sometimes they cause floods
though!
Natural Disasters
Drought, Floods, Cyclones
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