Download Physical Geog E SE Asia

Physical Geography of East
and Southeast Asia
China, Mongolia, & Taiwan
• China is the 3rd 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Physical Features of Japan & the
Koreas
Japan
Koreas
Physical Features of Japan & the
Koreas
Japan
Koreas
• Four major islands
• Many small
•Japanese Alps, Mt. Fuji
islands
•Coastal plains –
densely populated
•Volcanoes
•Forests
•Mountains
•Coastal
plains
• Peninsula
• Hills and low
mountains
• Yalu and Tumen
Rivers
Japan & the Koreas
• The Asian monsoon
system also affects the
climate of Japan and the
Koreas.
• Some areas receive 4060 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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