Unit 7: South Asia

Physical Geography of India

Landforms South Asia is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalaya, Karakoram Range, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. India occupies most of the subcontinent, a large landmass that is part of a continent but still distinct from it. The Gangetic Plain, the world’s longest alluvial plain, an area of fertile soil deposited by floodwaters, is India’s most densely populated area.

Water Systems Three major river systems, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Indus, flow from sources high in the Himalaya through the northern part of the subcontinent. The Ganges is a sacred river to the Hindus, and many major cities are located on its shores. The Indus flows mostly through Pakistan and is an important source of irrigation and a major transportation route.

Climates, Biomes, and Resources India’s shape, proximity to the Equator, and the influence of the Indian Ocean affect its climate. The monsoon winds cause rainfall and temperatures to fluctuate, or ebb and flow, creating wet and dry seasons. Cyclones, storms with heavy rains and high winds, are the most common natural hazards in South Asia. Tsunamis, huge sea waves caused by undersea earthquakes, also threaten the region and can destroy villages and kill thousands.

Physical Geography of Pakistan and Bangladesh

Landforms Bangladesh is almost entirely low and flat, while Pakistan has large areas of low, flat plains as well as high mountains. The high mountains of Pakistan are generally impassable, but the Khyber Pass in the Hindu Kush range has been the traditional gateway for armies to enter South Asia. The mountainous northern and western regions of Pakistan are prone to highly destructive earthquakes.

Water Systems The most important river in South Asia, the Ganges, draws water from a 400,000-square-mile basin and provides an important source of hydroelectric power, as do the Indus and the Brahmaputra Rivers. Depressions in Bangladesh form freshwater wetlands that maintain fish life and provide support for agriculture. Coastal regions in both countries are prone to flooding from monsoons, cyclones, and tsunamis.

Climates, Biomes, and Resources Seasonal monsoons create three distinct seasons: hot, hot and wet, and cool. The tropical wet climate of Bangladesh is home to rare and endangered fish, birds, and plant species. Pakistan has a much drier climate than Bangladesh and has far less vegetation. Rivers provide for basic human and economic needs. Both countries have few natural resources.

Physical Geography of Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal & Sri Lanka

Landforms Their locations on the fringe of South Asia means their physical and human geography have been influenced by the South Asian core. Nepal and Bhutan each have four geographic zones, with few people living in the rugged mountain areas. Sri Lanka has two regions, a mountain range in the Central Highlands and a plain the covers most of the island. Maldives is a scattered collection of 1,200 islands grouped into thirteen atolls with barrier reefs.

Water Systems Nepal’s fast-flowing rivers feed into the Ganges and have great potential, or ability to be developed, as a source of hydroelectric power. Bhutan’s rivers supply the Brahmaputra. Sri Lanka’s Mahaweli features many spectacular waterfalls and helps irrigate fields. Maldives has underground aquifers, water-bearing layers of porous rock, that supply water. The Indian Ocean surrounds Maldives and Sri Lanka and offers both benefits and dangers

Climates, Biomes, and Resources Monsoons affect the climates of all four countries. Nepal and Bhutan each have four climate zones due in part to large variations in elevation. Maldives has a humid tropical climate. Sri Lanka has a humid tropical climate in the lowlands and a cooler climate in the highlands. Bhutan has been successful in making use of, or exploiting, its hydroelectric power. Sri Lanka has many mineral resources.