1. Chapter 24 Physical Geography of South Asia The Land Where Continents Collided
Objective: Assess key features of South Asia’s physical geography, climate/vegetation, & human- environment interaction

2. Chapter 24 Section 1 Landforms & Resources
Vocabulary: Himalaya Mountains, Subcontinent, Alluvial Plain, Archipelago, & Atoll
Objective: Describe the subcontinent of South Asia

3. Mountains & Plateaus
South Asia is a subcontinent – a large landmass that is smaller than a continent
Mountains & water surround the region cutting it off from the rest of Asia
During continental drift, the subcontinent collided with Asia pushing the land upward creating mountain ranges
The Himalaya Mountains are ft high & stretch 1500 miles
Mt. Everest is the world’s tallest peak
In the northeast are the Karakoram Mountains with the 2nd largest peak K2

4. Rivers, Deltas, & Plains
The Indus & Ganges are two of the greatest river systems in South Asia
These rivers play a key role in supporting life in South Asia
When the rivers overflow their banks, they deposit rich soil on alluvial plains (rich farmlands)
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is also the most heavily populated part of South Asia

5. Offshore Islands
Sri Lanka & the Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka is a large tropical island with great natural beauty
Maldives comprise an archipelago (group of islands)
They are consider atoll islands (ring-like coral island or string of small islands surrounding a lagoon)

6. Natural Resources
The subcontinent coasts a wide variety of natural resources that support human life
South Asia relies heavily on soil & water resources to provide food through farming & fishing
Water also provides a means of transportation & power
Forest products are another important resource in South Asia
South Asia is abundant in coal & iron ore & other metals

7. Chapter 24 Section 2 Climate & Vegetation
Vocabulary: Monsoon & Cyclone
Objective: Examine climate zones & weather patterns

8. Climate – Wet & Dry, Hot & Cold
South Asia has 6 climate zones & must adapt to widely varying conditions
South Asia as a whole is affected by monsoons (seasonal winds)
October – February: dry winds blow across South Asia from the northeast
June – September: moist air blows in from the southwest across South Asia
The most extreme weather pattern of South Asia is the cyclone (violent storms with fierce winds & heavy rains)

9. Vegetation: Desert to Rain Forest
Vegetation ranges from desert shrub & temperate grasslands to dense forests in the wettest areas
The most forested parts of South Asia lie within the tropical wet zone
Deforestation is a problem everywhere
Cutting down forests has caused soil erosion, flooding, climate changes, & lost of wildlife habitats

10. Chapter 24 Section 3 Human-Environment Interaction
Vocabulary: Hinduism, Ganges River, Storm Surge, & Estuary
Objective: Learn about the relationship between Hindus & the Ganges

11. Living Along the Ganges
Hinduism is the religion of most Indians
To Hindus, the Ganges River is not only an important water resource, but it is also a sacred river
The Ganges is a sacred river that brings life to its people
Along the river 350 million people live
However, the Ganges has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world
Millions of gallons of raw sewage & industrial waster flow into the river everyday

12. Controlling the Feni River
The Feni river flows through a low-lying coastal plain that borders the Bay of Bengal before it reaches the sea
Cyclones bring high waters called storm surges
Bangladesh has the largest estuary (dam) in South Asia to deal with the Feni river