Download Understanding the Physical Features Activity SW Asia

Understanding the Physical Features and the Natural Resources in Southwest Asia and
North Africa.
Read the following article:
Southwest Asia and North Africa contain several important peninsulas. The largest of these peninsulas is the
Arabian Peninsula, which is bordered by the Red Sea to the west and the Persian Gulf to the east. To the south
are the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. This large, arid peninsula is divided into the countries of Yemen,
Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The densely populated island country of
Bahrain is located off the coast in the Persian Gulf. A large part of the peninsula is covered by a desert called
the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter).
The region's second major peninsula is Anatolia, which is the site of Turkey. This peninsula is bordered by the
Black Sea to the north and the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea to the south. At the northwestern corner of
the peninsula, a narrow waterway connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. This waterway is
comprised of two straits named the Bosporus and the Dardanelles and the small Sea of Marmara. The small
part of Turkey separated from Anatolia by these waterways is actually located in Europe, while the rest of the
country is in Asia.
The Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt is one of the smaller peninsulas in the region. Because this narrow
strip of land connects Africa with Asia, the Sinai has been a vital crossroads throughout history. It allowed
travelers from Asia, Africa, and even Europe to exchange goods and ideas. Due to the lack of precipitation,
only about 200,000 people live on the Sinai. Most of the inhabitants are nomadic herders known as Bedouins.
This region has several major bodies of water, including the Aegean Sea, Arabian Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea,
Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden, the Sea of Marmara, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Although it is relatively small, the Dead Sea is one of the world's most unique bodies of water. It is located on
the border between Israel and Jordan. Its shoreline is about 1,300 feet below sea level, making it the lowest
area of land on Earth. It is also the world's saltiest body of water, more than nine times saltier than the oceans.
It is fed primarily by the Jordan River and has no outlets. The lack of rivers flowing from the sea and high rates
of evaporation caused by the area's high temperatures account for the Dead Sea's high salt content.
Besides containing large quantities of sodium chloride (salt), the Dead Sea contains magnesium chloride,
calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and several other minerals. Due to this heavy concentration of minerals,
only microscopic organisms can survive in the Dead Sea. Fish placed in these salty waters die within a few
days. Despite a lack of aquatic life, the sea's many minerals make it valuable economically. Substantial
amounts of minerals are obtained from the waters of the Dead Sea.
There are several mountain ranges in North Africa and Southwest Asia. In North Africa, the Atlas Mountains
stretch across northern Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The Ahaggar Mountains are found in southern Algeria.
In Southwest Asia, southern Turkey is home to the Taurus Mountains. The most extensive range in Iran is the
Zagros Mountains. The Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. The Hindu Kush
in Afghanistan contains some of the highest mountains in that region.
Even though most areas of North Africa and Southwest Asia region receive little precipitation, this region is
home to three of the world's great rivers. The Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates rivers provide water for irrigation,
hydroelectric power, transportation, and many other human uses, but they also played important roles in the
historical development of ancient kingdoms in the region.
The Nile, the world's longest river, flows northward before reaching the Mediterranean Sea at the Nile Delta.
Although the Nile River Valley accounts for only about 3 percent of Egypt's land area, it is home to more than
90 percent of the country's population. The river was so important to ancient Egyptians that they built a
calendar around its annual flooding. Today, the annual Nile floods have been controlled by the construction of
the Aswan High Dam.
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow from their sources in Turkey southeastward before reaching the Persian
Gulf. These rivers were at the heart of a rich agricultural region called the Fertile Crescent that was home to
several ancient kingdoms. The waters in these rivers are still valued by the countries through which they flow.
In fact, Turkey's plan to build several dams is opposed by countries downstream because they are concerned the
amount of water reaching them will be drastically reduced.
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Minimum 3 sentences each!
1. In your opinion, what are the most important physical features in this region? Defend your position.
2. What is the connection between the river systems in this region and the evolution of early civilizations?
3. Analyze this article. What are some natural resource issues that continue to be problematic in this
region or will be problematic in the future? How would you solve these problems?
Name: ______________________________
Period: ____________
Real-Life Applications & Problem Solving
Analyzing the Physical Features and Natural Resources in Southwest Asia and North Africa
Your job as an economic geographer:
Assume the role of an economic geographer. You study the relationships between various environmental and
human factors in economic activities. Currently you are working as a consultant to the governments of countries
in North Africa and Southwest Asia. They have hired you to analyze the economic geography of the region in
order to find ways in which it can be improved. To accomplish this task, you will first create an ideal plan for
the region. Your ideal plan will include a map of where you think economic facilities, such as manufacturing
centers, major cities, airports, and others, ought to be located according to the available natural resources in the
region. The map below shows the locations of these natural resources. Using your knowledge of the physical
geography and resources of this region, indicate with symbols where you believe the following economic
facilities should be located: major cities, manufacturing centers, agricultural regions, and transportation
networks (major airports, railroad lines, highways, and seaports). Be sure to use the key at the bottom of the
map, create the symbols and use the colors that you want to use.
Complete your Map Assignment
Now that you have placed the economic facilities on the map, answer the following questions in detail to
receive full credit:
1. How did you decide where to locate the various economic elements? Identify the factors you considered
when choosing the location for each of the following:
Major cities:
Manufacturing centers:
Agricultural regions:
Transportation networks:
2. What additional information would have helped you decide where to locate economic facilities? Be specific.
3. Look at the Economic Activity Maps of North Africa and Southwest Asia in your textbook. Compare the
actual locations of economic resources in the region with the ideal locations that you indicated on your map.
How do they compare? In the space below, summarize your findings. Be detailed in your findings.
4. You probably have determined that many economic facilities are not ideally located. What factors might
account for this situation? (Think about new discoveries and changes in this region after many of the cities
were already built)
5. How might government and business officials in the area use the information you provided?
6. What difficulties might be involved in relocating economic resources?
Name: ______________________________________
Create your own Cities and Economic facilities on this map
Key - (Create your own symbols, Use colors)
Major Cities
Manufacturing Centers
Agricultural Regions
1.
Oil/Gas
Forests
2.
Mining
Agriculture (crops)
3.
Fish
Mining
4.
Transportation Networks
5.
Highways
Railroads
Airports
Seaports