Chapter 5 Section 1 Learning Target 7.3

Learning Target 7.3 I can identify the physical location and features and the climate of the Arabian Peninsula, its relationship to surrounding bodies of land and water including Northern Africa, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Nile River.

Arab Life Life in the Desert Life in Towns Bedouin traveled from oasis to oasis. Merchants built towns near oases and trade routes. In order to survive, Bedouins lived in tribes led by sheikhs. Merchants traveled in caravans for protection. Tribes fought with each other over land and water. Makkah (Mecca) was an important religious center.

Arabian Peninsula Dry plains and deserts Oases provide water Summer temps = 122o F Oases provide water Mountains and valleys in the southwest Enough rain for juniper and olive trees to grow The peninsula was protected by long distances from other empires and a severe climate. Trade brought some outside ideas.

The Arabian Peninsula

DESERTS Summer temperatures often rise above 120o Farenheit. Winter and nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.

Annual rainfall is no more than 3 -4 inches. Droughts can last years Annual rainfall is no more than 3 -4 inches. Droughts can last years. Rare storms can be violent and can cause flash floods. Powerful winds can cause blinding sandstorms. Winds create tall sand dunes. Precipitation in Louisiana Jan 5.87in. Feb 5.47in. Mar 5.24in. Apr 5.02in. May 4.62in. Jun 6.83in. Jul 6.20in. Aug 6.15in. Sept 5.55in. Oct 3.05in. Nov 5.09in. Dec 5.07in. b7

Adaptations Ways that humans adapt or adjust to their environment How do you adapt to the heat and humidity during the summer? b5

Bedouins wore loose-fitting long gowns and cotton headdresses to protect against dust, heat, and flies.

NOMADS A person who moves from place to place, often in search of water and vegetation Arab nomads are called Bedouins. Bedouins migrated through the desert raising sheep, goats, and camels. They set up tents when they found a place for their herds to eat and drink.

Caravan A group of people traveling together for mutual protection, often with pack animals, such as camels B6,8

OASES Areas in the desert where fresh water seeps to the surface as a spring or waterhole. Plant life can grow at an oases. Oases

Oasis dwellers grew fruits, such as dates Nomads traveled from oasis to oasis in search of food and water. Some nomads became sedentary (permanently settled in one place) and grew crops at the oasis. They dug wells to get water from below the surface of the land. Oasis dwellers grew fruits, such as dates and peaches, and grains to make bread.

A number of towns grew at oases, and they evolved into trading centers. Farmers bartered (traded) their crops for the goods that nomads brought from other regions. Merchants became an important part of town life.

Coastal Plain The air is damp and moist on the plains, and rain falls regularly. Farming is possible along the coast, and farming communities thrive.

Mountains The Arabian peninsula has several mountain ranges that receive 20 inches of rain per year and has a cool climate. Mountain dwellers adapt by building terraces into the mountain side. These flat strips of ground on the hillside allow for the growing of crops.

Learning Target 7.3 Complete this activity on the BACK of page 7.3 in your learning target notebook. In one or more well-written paragraphs, DESCRIBE the physical features and climate of the Arabian Peninsula. Be sure to include information about the deserts, oases, coastal plains, and mountains. b4