1. Physical Geography of East and Southeast Asia

2. China, Mongolia, & Taiwan China is the 3 rd largest country in the world (about the size of the contiguous U.S.) Mountains cover more than 40% of China Between the mountains are large plateaus and basins –The Plateau of Tibet is the world’s highest plateau

3. China, Mongolia, & Taiwan Plains and river valleys are the most densely populated areas of China Yellow River is the most famous, also known as “China’s Sorrow” North of China is the landlocked country of Mongolia. Much of the country is desert or grassland. South of China is Taiwan, an island which is threatened by earthquakes.

4. China, Mongolia, & Taiwan The Asian monsoon system influences climates in China. –Cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers SE China and Taiwan have a humid subtropical climate Plateau of Tibet has a cold and dry climate Mongolia’s interior location and high elevation cause it to have extreme temps.

5. China, Mongolia, & Taiwan China has a huge number of plant and animal species. It also has many energy and mineral resources. –China is the world’s leading producer of coal, lead, tin, and tungsten

6. China, Mongolia, & Taiwan Hydropower is a major energy resource in China. China is building the world’s largest dam, the Three Gorges Dam, in a effort to reduce pollution. The dam is controversial because it will disrupt ecosystems and farmland and historical sites will be lost.

7. China, Mongolia, & Taiwan Only about 10% of China is arable –Paddy fields along the Chang River, loess deposits in northern China –Peanuts, rice, sugarcane, and other crops are grown in China China also has rich fishing resources China also produces more silk than any other country

8. Physical Features of Japan & the Koreas JapanKoreas

9. Physical Features of Japan & the Koreas JapanKoreas Four major islands Japanese Alps, Mt. Fuji Coastal plains – densely populated Volcanoes Peninsula Hills and low mountains Yalu and Tumen Rivers Many small islands Forests Mountains Coastal plains

10. Japan & the Koreas The Asian monsoon system also affects the climate of Japan and the Koreas. Some areas receive 40- 60 in. of rain per year and typhoons occasionally strike. Japan spans almost the same latitudes as the eastern U.S. so the climates are very similar.

11. Japan & the Koreas Mineral and energy resources are limited in Japan so the country relies heavily on oil and coal imports. Nuclear and hydropower plants have helped both Japan and the Koreas depend less on oil. More than 65% of Japan is forested. Japan and the Koreas depend heavily on the seas.

12. Southeast Asia Northern SE Asia: mountain ranges fan out from the Himalayas and Plateau of Tibet Central region: plains and low plateaus River valleys and deltas make up the third landform region. These areas support intensive agriculture and dense populations. The Mekong River along the border of Thailand

13. Southeast Asia Island SE Asia is made up of more than 20,000 islands The region’s larger islands have high mountains This region has been shaped by tectonic processes –Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common here

14. Southeast Asia Mainland and island SE Asia have tropical or subtropical climates. –These include tropical humid and tropical wet and dry climates. Typhoons often occur in the islands, especially in the Philippines. These climates support a vast number of plants and animals. –Indonesia has about 10% of the world’s remaining rainforests.

15. Southeast Asia Timber is a major natural resource of SE Asia. –Deforestation is a problem –Thailand has set up national parks to help slow deforestation. Many minerals, fossil fuels, and gems are found in SE Asia Thailand has natural gas, Myanmar has oil, and Vietnam has coal Brunei and Indonesia have both natural gas and oil