□NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 8 What Makes South Asia a Region? Like a giant pointed tooth, South Asia juts out of the Asian continent and into the salty waters of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal. Towering mountains separate this region from the rest of Asia.The greatest of these are the mountains of the Himalaya, which include Mount Everest—the tallest peak on Earth. South of the Himalaya, the land descends to fertile lowlands that are watered by the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ganges River systems. South Asia's southern tip is outlined by the Eastern and Western Ghats, ranges of low mountains that frame an arid tableland called the Deccan Plateau. From snowy highlands to sun-scorched deserts, South Asia has a variety of climate zones.The climate is greatly affected by monsoons—seasonal winds that bring cycles of wet and dry weather to the region. □ Bright bridles and nose rings adorn a camel in theThar, or Great Indian, Desert. Straddling northwestern India and eastern Pakistan, the desert lies beyond the reach of heavy monsoon rains. Camels are a traditional means of transportation in this arid part of South Asia. 556 Unit 8 □NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ^ 0 Water swirls down a street in Delhi during India's wet monsoon season. Each year as summer approaches, wind patterns shift and moist air from the Indian Ocean sweeps over the subcontinent. Once the rains begin, they may continue for 60 days or more. B Whitewashed walls echo the brilliance of snow-covered peaks in Namche Bazaar, a Sherpa village in Nepal. Sherpas are a people who live mainly among the mountains of the Himalaya, where they have won fame as guides on climbing expeditions. □ Up to their knees in green shoots, a farmer and his cow pause in a paddy in Bangladesh.The rich soil of the Ganges River delta spreads across much of Bangladesh, helping to make this tiny country one of the world's leading producers of rice. , ~ U n i t 8 557 CONTENTS Population Giant Over the centuries, the fertile floodplains of the Indus and Ganges Rivers have attracted many immigrants and invaders to South Asia, giving the region great diversity in peoples, languages, customs, and religious beliefs. Hinduism and Buddhism both originated in South Asia, whereas Islam arrived from the west.The British brought colonial rule, which lasted for nearly two centuries. The region won its independence in the mid-1900s, but not without political, religious, and economic upheaval. South Asia remains culturally rich, but its burgeoning population—over one billion in India alone—struggles with a low standard of living. Subsistence farming and labor-intensive traditional industries form the basis of the region's economy. □ Red powder coats the face of an Indian boy during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival celebrates the birth of Ganesh, an elephant-headed Hindu god. Hinduism is the most widespread religion in South Asia today. 558 Unit 8 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IETY B Filled to overflowing, a gaily painted city bus takes on passengers in a crowded street in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. With a population of about 134 million, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world—and also one of the poorest and least developed. B Mirrored in still water, theTaj Mahal stands serenely outside the city of Agra, in northern India.TheTaj Mahal was built in the 1600s by a Muslim ruler as a tomb for his favorite wife. Constructed of white marble, the building is decorated with verses from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. □ Tender tea leaves are plucked by hand on a plantation in Sri Lanka, formerly called Ceylon. A legacy of British colonial rule, plantations produce much of the famous Ceylon tea that is a major product of this island nation. Sri Lanka gained its independence from Britain in 1948. 4 CONTENTS South Asia 560 Unit 8 < Elevation Profile □NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY POLITICAL 2. What rivers join to form the Ganges River delta? MAP Study Which capital city in South Asia do you think has the highest elevation? South Asia Per sq. km Per sq. mi. Over 100 □ Over 250 50-100 □ 125-250 25-50 □ 60-125 1-25 ■ 2-60 Under 1 □ Under 2 Uninhabited I I Uninhabited Cities (Statistics reflect metropolitan areas.) ■ Over 5,000,000 □ 2,000,000-5,000,000 © 1,000,000-2,000,000 • 250,000-1,000,000 o Under 250,000 0 mi. I-1 (Calcutta) Bay of Bengal 400 -r1—i-1-1 400 t Andaman ^ Islands i' Ind. • Lambert Azimuthal Equal-Area projection ^^^^ o JafTn a Colombo© ilSfDIÄlSf odtÄlsf Nicobar t Islands t Ind. 562 Unit 8 □NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY Land Use I I Commercial farming I I Subsistence farming I I Nomadic herding □ Hunting and gathering □ Forests D Manufacturing and trade □ Commercial fishing □ Little or no activity <] (rx?pTP-rrg ii 1 . What is the predominant land use in South Asia? 2. In which areas of South Asia is population density the highest? 8 South Asia COUNTRY PROFILES COUNTRY * AND CAPITAL FLAG AND POPULATION LANGUAGE AND DENSITY LANDMASS MAJOR EXPORT MAJOR IMPORT CURRENCY GOVERNMENT 133,500,000 2,401 per sq.mi. 927 per sq. km 55,598 sq.mi. 143,998 sq. km Clothing Machinery Taka Republic 900,000 50 per sq.mi. 19 per sq. km 18,147 sq.mi. 47,001 sq.km Cardamom Fuels Ngultrum Constitutional Monarchy 1,033,000,000 814 per sq.mi. 314 per sq. km 1,269,340 sq.mi. 3,287,606 sq.km Gems & Jewelry Crude Oil Rupee Federal Republic 300,000 2,495 per sq.mi. 963 per sq. km 116 sq.mi. 300 sq.km Fish Machinery Maldivian Rufiyaa Republic 23,500,000 413 per sq.mi. 159 per sq.km 56,826 sq.mi. 147,179 sq.km Clothing Petroleum Products Nepalese Rupee Constitutional Monarchy 145,000,000 472 per sq.mi. 182 per sq.km 307,375 sq.mi. 796,101 sq.km Cotton Petroleum Pakistan Rupee Federal Republic 25,332 sq.mi. 65,610 sq.km Textiles Machinery Sri Lanka Rupee Republic FOR AN ONLINE UPDATE OFTHIS INFORMATION, VISIT GEQGRAPHY.GLENCQE.COM AND CLICK ON "TEXTBOOK UPDATES.' CLICK HERE ► Boarding school students in Nepalganj, Nepal, study a computer. CONTENTS GLOBAL CONNECTION SOUTH ASIA AND THE UNITED STATES TEXTILES ▲ Freshly printed fabric drying in Jodhpur, India There are few things more comfortable than a pair of well-worn blue jeans. Denim—that soft, strong cotton fabric with the rich blue color—has become an integral part of modern life. But "indigo-dyed" textiles are nothing new—they were being produced in India many centuries ago. In fact, the word indigo comes from the name "India"! South Asia has been a world center of textile production for thousands of years. As long ago as 2700 people in the Indus River valley were cultivating cotton plants and weaving cotton fibers into cloth. Ancient Indian artisans elevated spinning and weaving to art forms.They were among the first in the world to master techniques for dyeing cotton and other types of fabric. Using extracts from more than 300 different native plants, along with other natural substances, the artisans created beautiful, brilliant fabric dyes. The dark blue dye known as indigo, for example, came from the indigo plant. Indian textile makers pioneered another important technique—makin 566 Unit 8 ▲ Colorful dyes for sale on a street stand in Bangalore, India permanent, or "colorfast," so they would not wash out.The colorfastness of Indian fabrics, combined with their vivid colors and intricate woven' and printed patterns, made these fabrics highly prized in Europe, Asia, and other regions. By the 1700s, India was the greatest exporter of textiles the world had ever known. In England, printed Indian fabrics known as calico and chintz became wildly popular for both fashions and furnishings. Eventually, such fabrics made their way to the American colonies. So precious were these imported textiles that scraps of calico and 1chintz were saved and made into patchwork quilts—a thrifty gesture that would eventually become an American craft tradition. Fabrics and patterns that originated in South Asia are now made in other places. However, India is still one of the world's leading producers of cotton, and the textile industry remains India's most important industry. India's eastern neighbor, Bangladesh, also has a thriving garment industry. Check the labels in your cotton clothes—chances are some were made in South Asian countries. ■4 Indian woman spinning cotton thread Unit 8 567 SECTIO Guide to Reading Consider What You Know Mount Everest in the Himalaya is the world's highest peak. You may often read or hear reports of climbers on Mount Everest and the difficulties they face. What features of high mountain ranges do you think contribute to the climbers' hardships? Read to Find Out • What landforms exist in South Asia? • What are the three great river systems on which life in South Asia depends? • How do the peoples of South Asia use the region's natural resources? Terms to Know • subcontinent • alluvial plain • mica Places to Locate • Himalaya • Ganges Plain • Vindhya Range • Deccan Plateau • Indus River Brahmaputra River • Ganges River Buddhist monastery in Bhutan The Land I NATIONAL I GEOGRAPHIC A Geographic Uiew India by Train The valleys and these hillsides [in the north of India] are open to the distant plains, and so the traveler on the toy train has a view that seems almost unnatural, it is so dramatic. At Sonada it is like standing at the heights of a gigantic outdoor amphitheater and looking down and seeing the plains and the rivers, roads and crops printed upon it and flattened by the yellow heat. —Paul Theroux, "By Rail Across the Indian Subcontinent," National Geographic, June 1984 Novelist Paul Theroux described the varied and dramatic landscapes he saw while traveling South Asia by train. In this section you will explore the physical geography of South Asia— its majestic mountains, mighty rivers, and fertile plains. A Separate Land The seven countries that make up South Asia are separated from the rest of Asia by mountains. As a result, South Asia is called a nt, a large, distinct landmass that is joined to a continent. In geologic terms South Asia contains some of the oldest and some of the youngest landforms on Earth. Most of South Asia forms a peninsula of about 1.7 million square miles (4.4 million sq. km) touched by three bodies of water—the Arabian Sea to the west, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. The region also includes many small islands and the large island country of Sri Lanka, which lies off India's southern tip. Chapter 23 569 CONTENTS A Land of Great Variety South Asia reveals a varied landscape. In the far north, some of the world's highest mountain ranges raise sharp, icy peaks above terraced foothills, high desert plateaus, and rich valleys. The older southern lands include eroded mountains and flat plateaus. The Himalaya According to the theory of continental drift, about 60 million years ago the Indian subcontinent was part of the same large landmass as Africa. After the subcontinent broke away, it collided with the southern edge of Asia. The force of this collision thrust up new mountain ranges, the Himalaya. These ranges spread more than 1,000 miles (1,609 km) across the northern edge of the peninsula and are hundreds of miles wide. Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, rises to 29,035 feet (8,850 m) above sea level in the Himalaya. A teenager describes climbing in the Himalaya: ^... I'm standing alone- on* a>pcrtion* of the- suutmit.... On, i/ery clear days like-this, some- jrom Everest have- claimed to see- the- curvature- of the- earth; others say they can see- the- Indian Ocean, hundreds of wUes away.... [I]t makes me-jeel i/ery small.... Mark Phetzer, Within Reach: My Everest Story, 1998 South Asia is about half the size of the continental United States. Other Northern Landforms The Himalaya meet the Karakoram Mountains in the northernmost part of South Asia. Farther west, the Hindu Kush range completes the chain. Together, they create a high wall of mountains between the subcontinent and the rest of Asia. In the past, invaders from the north could only enter the region through a few narrow crossing places, such as the famous Khyber Pass between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Himalaya also protected Nepal and Bhutan from outside influence until the 1900s. At the foot of the Himalaya ranges, wide fertile plains are watered by the region's great rivers—the Indus, the Ganges (GAN»jeez), and the Brahmaputra. One-tenth of the world's people live in this crowded northern area referred to as the Ganges Plain (or Indo-Gangetic Plain). In the northeast of India lies the Chota Nogpur Plateau, a high tableland of forests. Culture Central Landforms The collision between the Indian subcontinent and Asia also pushed up a mountain range in central India. Not as tall as the Himalaya, the Vindhya Range divides India into northern and southern regions. This physical division separates the two distinct cultures that have developed in India. The cuisine, architecture, and religious practices of the peoples of northern and southern India differ markedly, as you will read in the next chapter. Southern Landforms The southern regions of South Asia contrast with those of the north. At the base of the subcontinent, two chains of eroded mountains—the Eastern Fierce winds blow Ruddhist prayer flags in Nepal. I NATIONAL I GEOGRAPHIC MAP STUDY South Asia: Physical-Political Mt. Ever ist National boundary Mountain peak MALDIVES ~Cfiota~Nagpur Plateau Bay of Bengal Andaman ji Vslands f LANKA Nicobar o Islands y Geography Skills for Life 1. Interpreting Maps What ranges extend along the coast of southern India? 2. Applying Geography Skills Why does most of South Asia's population live on the northern plains? Find NGS online map resources @ www.nationalgeographic.com/maps 3 / 7v D / A 7v o C Ii A \J Ghats and Western Ghats—form a triangle of rugged hills. Between them lies the Deccan Plateau. This plateau was part of the landmass from which the subcontinent broke away and is hundreds of millions of years old. Once covered with lava, the Deccan Plateau today has rich, black soil. The Western Ghats, however, prevent yearly rainy winds from reaching the plateau, leaving it arid, or extremely dry. The Karnataka Plateau south of the Deccan Plateau receives these rains instead, so hills there are lush and green. Spices growing on plantations in this area scent the air, and wild elephants move through the foliage of the plateau's dense rain forests. Sri Lanka (sree LAHN'kuh) is a teardrop-shaped island that broke away from the original Indian landmass. Maldives (MAWL»deevz), the southernmost country in South Asia, is a chain of tiny coral atolls and volcanic outcroppings. Although Maldives covers 38,000 square miles (98,420 sq. km) of ocean, its land area totals only 115 square miles (298 sq. km). 4 CONTENTS Major River Systems Rivers are the key to life in South Asia. From sources high in the Himalaya, three major river systems—the Indus, the Brahmaputra, and the Ganges—fan out across the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. All three rivers carry fertile soil from mountain slopes onto their floodplains as the rivers swell with seasonal rains. Indus and Brahmaputra Rivers The Indus River flows mainly through Pakistan, watering orchards of peaches and apples before emptying into the Arabian Sea. It also serves as an important transportation route. Historically, the Indus River valley is known as the cradle of ancient India, which, with Mesopotamia and Egypt, was one of the world's earliest civilizations. The Brahmaputra River flows east through the Himalaya and then west into India and Bangladesh. There it joins the Ganges—to form a delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra is a major inland waterway. Ships can navigate the river from the the Bay of Bengal as far inland as Dibrugarh in the Indian state of Assam, about 800 miles (about 1,290 km) from the sea. The Brahma- putra also provides Bangladesh with 50 percent of its power through hydroelectricity. Ganges River The Ganges River flows east from the Himalaya. It is the most important river of South Asia, drawing waters from a basin covering about 400,000 square miles (about 1 million sq. km). Fed by water from snowcapped peaks, the Ganges retains its size throughout the year, even during the hot, dry season from April to June. During the summer monsoon period, heavy rains can cause devastating floods along the Ganges. Named for the Hindu goddess Ganga, the Ganges is revered by Hindus, who consider its waters to be sacred. The land area through which the Ganges flows is known as the Ganges Plain. Almost all of the plain has been cleared of grasslands and forests to make way for crops, such as rice, sesame, sugarcane, jute, and beans. As India's most agriculturally productive area, the Ganges Plain is the world's longest all plain, an area of fertile soil deposited by river flood waters. The Ganges Plain also is India's most densely populated area. Skills for Life Waterfalls in Nepal Twin waterfalls in the Annapuma region of Nepal cut through the sheer rock face of a Himalayan peak. Human-Environment Interaction How might waterfalls benefit Nepal's economy? Natural Resources South Asia has a variety of natural resources. Dependent on these resources for their livelihood, South Asia's large populations and the fragile nature of some of their environments are ongoing challenges. Water The rivers of South Asia provide alluvial soil, drinking water, transportation, and hydroelectric power to the region's large, growing population. They also provide fish for local use and export. Water resource management challenges South Asia because rivers cross national boundaries. Still, countries in the region sometimes work together on various projects. For example, India funded the Chhukha Hydel hydroelectric project in Bhutan. In return, India receives some of the energy generated there. Countries in the region also build dams to provide hydroelectric power and to open up new farmlands by ensuring consistent levels of water for irrigation. Mountainous Nepal, with its many waterfalls, has the potential for creating large amounts of hydroelectricity. Such massive projects, however, often have drawbacks as well as benefits. Dam projects in India meet with resistance when they threaten to flood existing settlements. In Pakistan one of the largest dams in the world, the Tarbela Dam, will soon be unusable, choked with built-up silt from the Indus River. Energy Resources Petroleum reserves are known to lie along India's northwest coast, near the Ganges Delta, and in northern Pakistan. Offshore exploration in the Arabian Sea may eventually yield oil. Overall, though, South Asia depends on imported oil. --- GEOGSUPHy \Jnltne &-- Student Web Activity Visit the Glencoe World Geography Web site at and click on Student Web Activities—Chapter 23 for an activity on the formation of the Himalaya and attempts to reach the summit of Mount Everest. CONTENTS Chapter 23 573 Natural gas fields are found in southern Pakistan, in India's Ganges Delta, and in Bangladesh. India has a major uranium deposit north of the Eastern Ghats. Most South Asians, however, rely on energy from hydroelectricity fuel wood, and coal. Minerals South Asia's mineral resources are rich, diverse, and widespread. India is a leading exporter of iron ore, and supplies 90 percent of the world's mica, a layered rock used in making electrical equipment. Deposits of manganese, chromite, and gypsum still await development. Nepal produces mica and small amounts of copper. Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest producers of graphite, the material used for the "lead" in pencils. Sri Lanka's other major mineral resources include sapphires, rubies, and about 40 other varieties of precious and semiprecious stones. Skills Timber Plantation In Bhutan, 90 percent of the workforce makes its living in agriculture and forestry. Human-Environment Interaction How does overcutting impact the environment? Timber Timber is important to South Asia. The forests of Nepal and Bhutan contain conifers, including silver fir, and hardwoods such as oak, magnolia, beech, and birch. Severe overcutting threatens Nepal's timber, however, and could result in massive soil ^TAKS Practice SECTION erosion. To preserve the fragile Himalayan environment, the government of Nepal is implementing conservation plans. Timber resources also include India's prized sandalwood. Rain forests in southwest India yield sal and teak woods for export. To protect its rain forests, Sri Lanka since 1977 has banned timber exports. ASSESSMENT Checking for Understanding 1. Define subcontinent, alluvial plain, mica. 2. Main Ideas On a table like the one below show examples of the physical features and natural resources of South Asia. Country Physical Features Natural Resources Critical Thinking 3. Making Comparisons How does the landscape of the Himalaya differ from that of the Deccan Plateau? How do these differences affect people's lives? 4. Identifying Cause and Effect Why are population densities so high on the Ganges Plain? 5. Problem Solving How would you address the problem of overcutting trees in Nepal? How does your solution affect the timber industry? 574 (ii) Unit 8 CONTENTS Analyzing Maps 6. Region Study the physical-political map on page 571. What areas of South Asia would you expect to be most agriculturally productive? Why? Applying Geography 7. Managing Resources Think about the physical geography of South Asia. Create a sketch map highlighting potential sites of conflict over water management among the countries of South Asia. SECTIO Guide to Reading Consider What You Know The countries of South Asia often are affected by natural disasters of some kind. For example, in 1998 Bangladesh suffered the effects of a terrible flood. What problems can flooding cause? Read to Find Out • What are the five major climate regions of South Asia? • How do seasonal weather patterns present challenges to the region's economy? • How do elevation and rainfall affect South Asia's vegetation? Terms to Know • monsoon • cyclone Places to Locate • Bay of Bengal • Great Indian Desert Climate and Vegetation _ "I NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC A Geographic Uiew The Breath of Life The eagle soared even higher in the updraft as I picked my way along the dark rocks beside the Arabian Sea. The winds shifted with promise, deepening the resonance of the surf, muffling even the crows that cackled and lurched along the seawalls. The water grew choppy, and the black thorns of fishermen's sails scratched the horizon. Surely the time [of the monsoon] was at hand. —Priit}. Vesilind, "Monsoons: Life Breath of Half the World," National Geographic, December 1984 Journalist Priit Vesilind captures in words the tension of waiting for South Asia's seasonal rains. The region, with its hot climates, comes alive when the rain-bearing winds sweep in. South Asia's Climates South Asia's climate and vegetation regions are a study in contrasts. Much of the subcontinent lies south of the Tropic of Cancer and has tropical climates with diverse vegetation. In the north and the west, however, the climate varies widely, from the highlands of the Himalaya to the deserts around the Indus River, where little vegetation grows. Tropical and Subtropical Climates Tropical rain forest climates, with a variety of vegetation, are located along the western coast of India, near the Ganges Delta in Bangladesh, CONTENTS Chapter 23 £ 575 I NATIONAL I GEOGRAPHIC MAP STUDY South Asia: Climate Region 60° E Tropical Mid-Latitude □Tropical rain forest \Z3 Humid subtropical Tropical savanna ,_, . , , , , ,. M □ Highlands (climate DrY varies with elevation) □Steppe Desert - [^Tropical forest [^Temperate grassland I I Desert scrub and desert waste ] Highlands (vegetation varies with elevation) Geography Skills for Life 1. Interpreting Maps Where are tropical rain forest climates located in South Asia? 2. Applying Geography Skills How is vegetation related to climate in the northern part of South Asia? Find NGS online map resources @ www.nationalgeographic.com/maps and in southern Sri Lanka. In the path of seasonal rains from the southwest, South Asia's rain forests absorb great quantities of moisture. The rain forests in western Sri Lanka, in southwest India, and in areas north of the Bay of Bengal have ebony trees, lush vines, and orchids. Tropical coniferous and deciduous trees surround the rain forests near the Western Ghats. In hot, damp Bangladesh, tropical forests of bamboo, mango, and palm trees thrive. The Sundarbans, a swampy area in southwestern Bangladesh, has the world's largest protected mangrove forest. A tropical savanna climate surrounds the central Indian steppe and also is found in eastern Sri Lanka. The grasslands and tropical-moist deciduous forests of the savanna experience wet and dry seasons. In Sri Lanka dry evergreen forests and moist 576 Unit 8 deciduous forests give way to drier grasslands at higher elevations. A band of humid subtropical climate extends across Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the northeastern part of India. Temperate mixed forests stretch across the borders of these countries in this area. Highlands Climates The coldest climate region of South Asia lies along its northern edge. In the Himalayan highlands and Karakoram peaks, snow never disappears. At the highest elevations, little vegetation can survive. Farther down these slopes, however, the climate turns milder and more temperate. In the upper area of this more temperate zone, coniferous and hardwood trees flourish. Grasslands and stands of bamboo cover the lower Himalayan foothills. CONTENTS Dry Climates Along the lower Indus River, a desert climate keeps the land arid and windswept. The Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) lies to the east of the Indus. The vegetation here is desert scrub, low, thorny trees, and grasses. Livestock graze in some areas, and irrigation makes it possible to grow wheat near the Indus River. Much of this area, however, remains wasteland. Surrounding this desert, except on the coast, is a steppe. Few trees grow in this semiarid grassland. In northwestern India annual rainfall averages less than 20 inches (51 cm). Another steppe area runs through the center of the Deccan Plateau between the Eastern and Western Ghats. The Ghats block rainfall here, making the area relatively arid. Dry, deciduous forests cover vast stretches of India's interior. Monsoons Much of South Asia experiences three distinct seasons—hot (from late February to June), wet (from June or July until September), and cool (from DSbk_ gRaph study Comparing Climate Regions: India and the United States New Delhi, India 29° N, 77° E 714 ft (218 m) above sea level =F/°C 100/38 Houston, Texas, U.S. 30° N, 95° W 40 ft (12 m) above sea level 0/-18 0/-18 J FMAMJ JASOND Months Source: National Climatic Data Center and Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center J FMAMJ JASOND Months Skills for Life 1. Interpreting Climographs What is the average December temperature and precipitation in each city? 2. Applying Geography Skills How might climate affect patterns of settlement and population distribution in the northern part of India? In the south central United States? 4 Chapter 23 CONTENTS 577 □ NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAP STUDY South Asia: Monsoons 0 mi. 1 i'i i1 I Two-Point Equidistant projection Monsoons Winter winds ^ Summer winds 0 km 400 Two-Point Equidistant projection Geography Skills for Life The same fields in west central India before (top right) and after (bottom right) the arrival of the monsoon rains reveal a stunning contrast between the dry and wet seasons. 1. Interpreting Maps From what direction do the winter monsoon winds come? What kind of weather do they bring? 2. Applying Geography Skills Describe the impact of the summer monsoon winds on South Asia. Find NGS online map resources @ www.nationalgeographic.com/maps 578 Unit 8 4 CONTENTS October to late February). These periods depend on seasonal winds called During the cool season, dry monsoon winds blow from the north and northeast. In the hot season, warm temperatures heat the air, which rises and triggers a change in wind direction. Moist ocean air then moves in from the south and southwest, bringing monsoon rains. Monsoon Rains The monsoon rains are heaviest in eastern South Asia. When the rains sweep over the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, the Himalaya block them from moving north. As a result, the rains move west to the Ganges Plain, bringing rainfall needed for crops. It is no wonder, then, that people celebrate the monsoon rains, as an Indian writer describes: ^ Kulfv [a, wowtajn shopping] watched with* unbelieving elation as the* approaching smell of rain spiked tke< air like- a,flower, as the- clouds shifted infrom the- east.... Outside-, ske- could hear tke< sound of cheeringfrom tke< bazaar. 'Rain, rain/, rain/, rain/.' And in the- streets, she-watched tke< children Leap Like-frogs, unable- to keep- still in their excitement. Kiran Desai, Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard, 1997 TAKS Practice SECT + ON Economics Natural Disasters Both the high temperatures of the hot season and the heavy rains of the wet season are mixed blessings in South Asia. High temperatures allow farmers to produce crops, including the rice that many in Bangladesh and India depend on, year-round as long as water supplies are good. The extreme heat can result in evaporation and dried-out, nutrient-poor soils, however. The monsoon winds also have benefits and drawbacks. Rainfall waters crops, but areas outside the path of the monsoon, such as the Deccan Plateau and western Pakistan, may receive little or no rainfall during the year. When the people of Bangladesh are planting rice, and those on the Ganges Plain are planting their winter crops, other areas are scorched by drought. Too much rain also can be a problem. In the low-lying delta country of Bangladesh, monsoons may cause flooding that kills people and livestock, leaves thousands homeless, and ruins crops. Another kind of weather catastrophe sometimes strikes South Asia. A cycl e is a storm with high winds and heavy rains. A 1999 cyclone struck Orissa, India, with winds of more than 160 miles per hour (257 km per hour) and waves over 20 feet (6 m) high. The storm killed nearly 10,000 people and caused more than $20 million in damages. ASSESSMENT Checking for Understanding 1. Define monsoon, cyclone. 2. Main Ideas On a chart like the one below, fill in the names of different areas of South Asia, and then write in the type of climate and vegetation found in each area. Location Climate Vegetation Gritical Thinking 3. Analyzing Information Analyze the reaction of South Asia's environment to the monsoons. 4. Decision Making Suppose that you wanted to establish a lumber business in South Asia. Where would you locate it? Why? 5. Comparing and Contrasting Are the effects of the very hot temperatures in much of South Asia more positive or more negative? Explain. Analyzing Maps 6. Region Compare the maps of South Asia's climate and vegetation on page 576. Explain how climate and vegetation are related in the region. Applying Geography 7. Visiting Sri Lanka Think about the attractions of Sri Lanka's climate and vegetation. Write a descriptive paragraph urging people to visit and enjoy Sri Lanka's natural features. ChaDter 2 3 579 ^PTAKS Practice Learning the Skill An elevation profile presents visual information about the elevation of a particular area, route, or landform in a two-dimensional way. The base of an elevation profile is sea level, the point from which land elevation is measured. A vertical scale measures elevation above sea level. Reading an elevation profile is similar to reading a line graph. The vertical scale corresponds to the y-axis. In some elevation profiles, a horizontal scale, corresponding to the x-axis, measures the length of the route, area, or landform in miles or kilometers. The profile, or top edge of the landscape shown, corresponds to the line in a line graph. This line shows elevation at specific points. Some elevation profiles provide information on more than one route, area, or landform, using different colors or patterns to distinguish each profile. Follow these steps to read an elevation profile: • Look at the landscape profile as a whole. This will give you a general sense of the variations in elevation shown. • Find the highest and lowest points. Use the vertical scale to find their elevations. Calculate the approximate difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points. Reading an Elevation Profile ■ f you were planning a long-distance cycling expedition, you might want to check elevations of places along your route. Elevation, the vertical distance above sea level of a place or landform, can be shown in a number of ways. An elevation profile gives you elevation information in a visual form. 580 Unit 8 Elevation Profiles: The Rockies and the Himalaya 8,000 m 0 mi. 200 1 i 1..... • Use your finger to trace the profile. If your finger must jump up and down to follow the profile, the area has dramatic differences in elevation. • If more than one area or land-form is profiled, follow the procedure for each profile. Then use the information to compare the profiled areas. Practicing the Skill Study the elevation profile contrasting the Rocky Mountains with the Himalaya. Then answer these questions. 1. What is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains? About how many feet above sea level does it rise? 2. What is the approximate elevation of the highest peak in the Himalaya? What is the approximate difference in elevation between the highest point in the Rocky Mountains and the highest point in the Himalaya? Which range contains the greater variation in elevation? Which range stretches over a greater distance? What does the elevation profile reveal about the relative elevations of these mountain ranges? Use a map to choose a bicycle route across your state. Identify several key points along your route, and check the elevations for each one. Then create an elevation profile of your route. Note the highest and lowest points on your profile. Where would your bike ride be easiest? Most difficult? The Glencoe Skillbuilder Interactive Workbook, Level 2 provides instruction and practice in key social studies skills. CONTENTS SUMMARY & STUDY GUIDE SECTION 1 e Land (pp. 569-574) Terms to Know • subcontinent • alluvial plain • mica Key Points • The landforms of South Asia include mountains, plateaus, plains, and islands. • South Asia has three great river systems—the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ganges—and the world's longest alluvial plain. • South Asia has few significant oil reserves, but has substantial mineral deposits, including iron ore and mica. Organizing Your Notes Create an outline using the format below to help you organize your notes for this section. South Asia's Land I. A Separate Land II. A Land of Great Variety A. The Himalaya B. Other Northern Landforms SECTION 2 Terms to Know • monsoon • cyclone Climate and Vegetation (PP. 575-579) Key Points • South Asia has highlands, tropical, and desert climates. • The monsoon is a seasonal change in wind direction that brings heavy rainfall to much of South Asia from June to September. • South Asia's vegetation is affected by elevation, rainfall, and human activity. Organizing Your Notes Use a table like the one below to help you organize the notes you took as you read this section. Climate Country Region Vegetation or Area tropical ebony trees, rain forest lush vines, orchids ASSESSMENT & ACTIVITIES Reviewing Key Terms Write the letter of the key term that best matches each definition below. a. subcontinent b. alluvial plain c. mica d. monsoons e. cyclone 2. Comparing and Contrasting What are the advantages and disadvantages of the monsoons to South Asia? 3. Predicting Consequences Using a web diagram like the one below, show the consequences to the people of South Asia of possible weather conditions. Then choose one consequence and describe it in detail. 1. seasonal winds 2. a storm with high winds and heavy rains 3. a layered mineral used to make electrical components 4. a very large, distinct landmass that is part of a continent 5. an area of rich, fertile soil found along a river X_J~ South Asia's Weather Reviewing Facts SECTION 1 1. Why might the region of South Asia be referred to as "a land of great variety"? 2. How have the mountains of the Vindhya Range affected the people of India? 3. Why is the management of water resources important in South Asia? SECTION 2 4. Where can you find a steppe climate region in South Asia? 5. When do the three seasons found in much of South Asia occur, and how would you describe each? 6. What factors enable South Asia's rain forests to thrive? Critical Thinking 1. Identifying Cause and Effect In what way are the Himalaya responsible for the richness of the soil in the northern plains of the Indian subcontinent? I-! NATIONAL Locating Places l_l GEOGRAPHIC South Asia. physical-Political Geography Match the letters on the map with the places and physical features of South Asia. Write your answers on a sheet of paper. 1. Arabian Sea Bay of Bengal 3. Ganges River 4. Deccan Plateau 5. Sri Lanka Himalaya 7. Brahmaputra River 8. Great Indian Desert 9. Pakistan 10. Indus River 0 mi. 1 ■ 1 ■ i1 I 0 km 400 Two-Point Equidistant projection . 582 Unit 8 Using the Regional Atlas Refer to the Regional Atlas on pages 560-563. 1. Location What mountains form the border between East Asia and South Asia? 2. Place Compare the political map with the population density map. Where is the area of lowest average population density along the India-Pakistan border? Thinking Like a Geographer Analyze the effects of physical geographic patterns on population in South Asia. What patterns favor high population density? Low population density? Problem-Solving Activity Contemporary Issues Case Study When natural disasters strike populated areas, their impact is worse in areas of high population density. In a group, research a recent natural disaster in South Asia, such as the 1999 cyclone in Orissa or the 1998 flood in Bangladesh. Find out the causes of the disaster and how it affected the area's population and natural resources. What efforts were taken following the disaster? Then, focusing on one of these efforts, present your group's findings to the class. Geojournal Descriptive Writing Using your GeoJournal, write a description about the ways South Asians have adapted to or modified their environment. Then compare human-environment interaction in South Asia with that in your state and local community. jgj Technology Activity ^sr^ Using an Electronic Spreadsheet Use a spreadsheet program to organize information about elevations in South Asia. List at least six South Asian countries in the left column of a spreadsheet. Use a world atlas to find the highest point in each country. Then list the heights in the second column of the spreadsheet. Use the graphics feature of the program to make a bar graph to compare heights. ^TAKS Test Practice Study the elevation profile. Then choose the best answer for the following multiple-choice questions. If you have trouble answering the questions, use the process of elimination to narrow your choices. 5,000 m o™. H 0 km 500 500 6,000 m GREAT 4,000 m INDIAN INDUS DESERT GANGES 2,000 m RIVER I PLAIN 1. About how much higher is Mt. Everest than the Indus River? A 2,500 feet B 19,000 feet C 25,000 feet D 1,900 feet Note that the question asks for the difference in height between the two locations. You can arrive at the answer by subtracting. 2. Based on elevation, which locations on the profile would be unsuited for farming? F Ganges Plain G Great Indian Desert H Mt. Everest and the Great Indian Desert J Mt. Everest 3fe^X*^yRead the question carefully. The phrase \ TlP based on elevation is important. The * " Great Indian Desert is unsuited to farming, but not because of its elevation. Once you apply the standard asked for in the question, it is easy to eliminate wrong answers. Chapter 23 583 River and Stream Speed Measuring the speed of a river or stream is the first step in determining the river's flow— the volume of water discharged over a period of time. Flow is calculated by multiplying the velocity, or speed, of a river (measured in feet or meters per second) by the area of the cross section of the river (a cutting made across, measured in square feet or square meters). Further calculations will yield the average flow in cubic feet per second or in gallons per day. Why measure the flow of a river or stream? This information can help water management engineers plan for emergencies such as drought or flooding. Natural flow varies throughout the year, especially in South Asia, where seasonal weather patterns and human interaction with the environment affect the great river systems. ^.Flow calculations help people make effective use of river systems. Materials • Tape measure • Ball of string or twine • 4 wooden dowels or sticks • Several medium-sized oranges or large craft sticks painted in bright colors • Stopwatch • Writing materials Procedures In this activity, you will use a simple method to measure the approximate speed (velocity) at which water moves in a stream. 1. Take all materials to a local stream that is no more than a few yards wide and is relatively free from vegetation and rocks. 2. Set up the measuring marks. Fix a dowel or stick in the ground, and tie one end of the string to it. Then toss the ball of string to a student on the opposite bank of the stream. Have the second student pull the string taut, tie it to another dowel fixed in the ground, and cut the end of the string. This will be Mark 1. 3. Use the tape measure to determine a point 10 feet (3 m) downstream from Mark 1. Insert another dowel at this point, and repeat the process of stringing a line across the stream, parallel to Mark 1. This will be Mark 2. If the stream you are measuring is very shallow or slow-moving, set the two lines only 5 (1.5 m) feet apart. If the stream is very fast, set the two lines 15 (4.6 m) feet apart. CONTENTS , Position an observer at Mark 1. Position another observer with the stopwatch at Mark 2. Have a third student go to a point several feet upstream and toss an orange or a painted craft stick into the water. When the object crosses under the string at Mark 1, the first observer stationed there yells "Go!" and the second observer starts the stopwatch. When the object crosses under the string at Mark 2, the second observer stops the stopwatch. Record the time, in seconds, that it took the object to pass from Mark 1 to Mark 2. Repeat the process several times, recording the elapsed seconds. Calculate the average elapsed time in seconds. Then divide the distance in feet or meters between Mark 1 and Mark 2 by the average elapsed time. The result is the average stream speed, measured in feet or meters per second. Note the weather for the days preceding your measurements. Did it rain, or were the days sunny? Why might this information be important? f Lab Report 1. Did you expect to find a faster or slower average stream speed, or were your findings consistent with what you expected? 8 How much variation in elapsed time did you observe when taking repeated measurements at the same site? 3 If vou were asked to measure the speed of ' a river 100 yards (91 m) wide, how would . I you adapt this activity? 4. Predicting Consequences How might your J I measurement change if 3™*°^°%%. • right half of the stream in the 10-foot (3-m) # span you measured? _* Find Out More Contact a public works department for information on how flow calculations are used in your area (possibilities include environmental management, flood control, recreational use, agricultural irrigation, and urban water resource management). Choose one of these uses to research. Share your findings with the class. Did YouV Know j Scientists have used the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to measure the flow of the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra often has severe floods.The ADCP allows scientists to measure river flow safely and accurately during flood conditions.The ADCP attaches to a boat and is connected to a computer that computes the river's flow, using data about depth, current, and direction. > ^ Flow calculations are used to help design the irrigation systems that make South Asian desert lands able to be farmed. J" Chapter 23 585