1. Human-Environment Interaction in SWA

2. The Fertile Crescent, named for
its shape, was the home of
several ancient culture hearths
like Egypt & Mesopotamia.

3. Mesopotamia: the specific part of the Fertile Crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

4. Arable Land
Only 5%-10% of land is arable

5. Agriculture Agricultural Areas of the region include:
Tigris and Euphrates river valley
Areas of Mediterranean climate
Areas with irrigation

6. Drip Irrigation
The large photo shows drip irrigation. The small image shows traditional sprinkler irrigation. In Drip Irrigation, water drips out of small hoses running along the ground near crops. How would Drip Irrigation limit evaporation, thus saving precious water in the region?

7. Fossil Water An ‘aquifer’ that can’t be replenished
Why is fossil water not a long term solution to the lack of water in the region?

8. Ataturk Dam: a dam in Turkey on the Euphrates River
How many countries share the Euphrates River? How could a dam on a river flowing through multiple countries lead to conflict?

9. Salinization: evaporated water leaves behind salts that poison the soil

10. Desalinization
Desalinization is a process by which salt is removed from sea water.
Desalinization is a possible solution to water shortage in SWA and other arid regions.
Desalinization is very expensive and requires a high level of technology for success.
Most countries in SWA lack the resources for desalinization.