Geography of South Asia

South Asia 7 Countries India Pakistan Bangladesh Nepal Bhutan Sri Lanka The Maldives

The India Subcontinent Large Triangular Peninsula Northern Boundary - Mountains Separates India from rest of Asia Himalayas Hindu Kush Eastern and Western Ghats Rest of India bordered by water Arabian Sea Indian Ocean Bay of Bengal

-- Himalaya Mts -- Hindu Kush Mountains -- The Ghats Mountians -- Arabian Sea -- Indian Ocean -- Bay of Bengal

Impact of Mountains Block cold air from Central Asia Trap warm, wet air that blows from Indian Ocean Provides the source for India’s three major rivers

3 main Rivers Ganges Indus Brahmaputra Source of water / irrigation Highways for travel and trade

-- Ganges River -- Indus River -- Brahmaputra River

Other Major Landforms Thar Desert Deccan Plateau North / Western Region Covers Area in India and Pakistan Scarce Rainfall Deccan Plateau Southern India High / Flat land Size = 1/2 of South Asia

3 Major Geographic Regions Northern Mountains Rocky / Difficult to live or farm Goats & small livestock Scarce isolated villages Northern (Indo-Gangetic) Plains Fertile Soil / plentiful fresh water “Bread Basket” of India Dense Population Deccan Plateau Inconsistent water source Seasonal crops Moderate population

Northern Mountains Northern Plain Deccan Plateau

Monsoons Seasonal Wind Storms Northern Winds = Cold & Dry Southern Winds = Warm & Wet Impact…three seasons in India 1) September December – cool & dry 2) January April – hot, dry 3) May August – hot, rainy

Monsoon Questions Read the Article and Respond to the following questions using COMPLETE SENTENCES!!! Where is the Metrological Center and What is announced here? 2) Step by step explain the mechanics of how a Monsoon works. 3) What are the two branches of the Monsoon 4) Why do you think the center does not track the winter Monsoon?