Download Patterns of South Asia

Patterns of South Asia
Unit 10, Lesson 1
Physical Processes: Actions of nature that can change the environment
Physical Features: Things such as landforms, bodies of water, etc.
Population Density: Average number of people living in a square mile or square kilometer
Economic Activities: Production and distribution of goods and services at all levels (jobs, etc.)
Settlement Patterns: Spatial distribution and arrangement of human habitations, including rural and urban
centers
Natural Resources: Material in the natural environment that people value and use to satisfy needs
Sustainable Development: Pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the
environment
I.
II.
Background Information
a. South Asia is a subcontinent of Asia. The physical geography of the region is due largely in part to
plate tectonics. At one time, South Asia was connected to Africa. The underlying plate broke
apart from Africa and drifted northeast, slamming into the Eurasian plate. This collision created
the Himalayas. This is an example of continental-continental convergence. The Himalayas are
the tallest mountains in the world and contain the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The
mountain range also includes the Hindu Kush and Karakoram Mountains.
b. South Asia is a peninsula surrounded by major bodies of water including the Arabian Sea, Bay of
Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. Two island nations include the Maldives and Sri Lanka. India is the
largest country in the region and the second most populous country in the world. India is
comprised of a large plateau called the Deccan Plateau. It contains river valleys, hills, and
uplands. Rich soil is located in the central area of the plateau. The Western and Eastern Ghats
are two hills that flank the plateau. The Ghats are barriers to transportation and rainfall. Beyond
the Ghats are densely populated coastal plains.
c. Other notable features of the region include its rivers and plains. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is an
area of dense population in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan and contains major urban centers
including Delhi, Calcutta, and Dhaka. Important rivers in the region include the Brahmaputra, the
Ganges, and Indus. These rivers begin in the Himalayas and flow into either the Arabian Sea or
Bay of Bengal. Along these rivers’ alluvial plains lie great population concentrations.
d. The most important economic activity of the region is agriculture. The land contains many
different type of soil and produces many types of crops. The climate zones range from arctic in
the mountains to desert in west. Climate is greatly influenced by the monsoon. The monsoon is a
seasonal wind that brings rain in the summer time (wet season) and less moisture in the winter
time (dry season).
e. South Asia faces many concerns in the area of sustainability including overcrowding, meeting the
demands for water, the effects of climate change, and air pollution.
f. South Asia is made up of the countries of Nepal, India, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
Bhutan, and Pakistan.
Notable Features
a. Ganges River: Located in northern India and flows from the Himalayas eastward to the Bay of
Bengal. Calcutta (city) is a major population center. There is high population density along the
river and its delta region due to water accessibility and fertile lands. Water provides irrigation for
agriculture. The Ganges has been considered a sacred river in Hinduism for thousands of years.
Millions of Hindus perform religious rituals such as purification rites and the disposal of the
deceased in the river. Because of these activities, the Ganges River has become one of the most
polluted rivers in the world.
b. Himalayas: Located along the countries of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. They are the
southern boundary of the Plateau of Tibet and are the tallest mountains in the world. The
Himalayas include remote landlocked villages. The lack of mobility and trade routes decrease
III.
the amount of settlement in the region. These mountains in northern India made it easy to make
a natural border between India and other countries.
c. Indus River Valley: Located in Pakistan and includes the Indus River that flows from the Himalayas
to the Arabian Sea through the valley. Karachi is a major port city located here. The Indus River
Valley consists of large population centers, fertile soils, and rich alluvial plains.
d. MOST LARGE CITIES ARE LOCATED IN SOUTHWEST AND NORTHEAST INDIA.
Physical Processes of South Asia
a. The Himalayas: The geographic formations in Northern India are a result of tectonic forces. The
Himalayas are the mountain range that forms part of the northern border of the region. They
were created due to convergence of tectonic plates. South Asia used to be a part of eastern
Africa, and as the continents separated there was a collision of tectonic plates causing the
formation of the Himalayas. The Himalayas contain the highest peaks in the world. They also
contain lakes and glaciers. The height of the range affects climate and forms a barrier for the
monsoon winds. The Himalayas are sacred peaks for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Three
major rivers begin in the Himalayas: Brahmaputra, Indus, and Ganges. The countries of Nepal and
Bhutan are landlocked and this makes them different from other South Asian countries.
b. Climate: Variations in climate of the region are due in part to elevation. The monsoon creates a
wet and dry season.
c. Mainland and Islands: The Maldives and Sri Lanka are island nations. India, Pakistan, and
Bangladesh are located on the Asian continent with coastlines along the Indian Ocean. India is a
large peninsula. Bhutan and Nepal are landlocked nations between India and China. Long rivers,
plains, hills, plateaus, and mountains are found on the mainland.
d. Population Density in South Asia: The region is one of the most populated areas on the planet.
Roughly one-quarter of the world lives in the region. The average population density is seven
times the world average. Environmental consequences of population growth include polluted air,
deforestation, and unsanitary water.
EOC: What strains will large populations place on the physical environment?
IV.
Agriculture: Most people in the region are involved in agriculture. The region has a large amount of
arable land (land that can be farmed). Eighty percent of South Asia’s poor live in rural areas.
Agricultural and rural development is key to reducing poverty and creating conditions for sustainable
growth.