PHY - Central & Southwest Asia [LESSON]
Central & Southwest Asia
*This region is often referred to as “The Middle East.” However, to avoid a Eurocentric view of the world, the Georgia Standards of Excellence and therefore this course will refer to the region as Central & Southwest Asia.
Guide Point 🧭
Central & Southwest Asia
Physical and Political maps of Central and Southwest Asia
Physical Features
Physical Features | Practice Activity
Click the begin button to take off on the physical features tour of Central and Southwest Asia.
Middle East Map | Practice Activity
Click the features to explore the map.
Additional Physical Features
Our exploration doesn't end here. Central and Southwest Asia have additional significant features. The Hindu Kush Mountain range, stretching from Afghanistan to Pakistan, has served as both a barrier and a bridge for diverse cultures, boasting the world’s second highest peak, Mt. Goodwin Austen, more commonly referred to as “K2.” The Aral Sea, though diminished considerably due to man-made environmental changes, has historical importance as a once-thriving water body. The Arabian Peninsula is the world’s largest and is home to several Muslim holy cities: Mecca & Medina. These features contribute to the complexity of the region's geography.
Climate
As we journey through Central and Southwest Asia, there is strikingly much less climatic variation. A highlands climate is present in the Zagros and Anatolia Plateau in Türkiye. Mediterranean conditions are present near that body of water. However, outside of that, the arid and semi-arid climates dominate the region. Much of this region has a hot arid climate, with high temperatures and scarce rainfall, having a significant influence on human settlement patterns there.
Natural Resources
Fuel & Energy
Central and Southwest Asia play a primary role in the global energy landscape. The region is home to abundant oil and natural gas reserves, particularly around the Persian Gulf. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran are key players in the extraction and export of these valuable resources. The energy resources of the region have far-reaching geopolitical implications, including the influence of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Additionally, the Caspian Sea region is also rich in oil and natural gas, contributing to the economy of countries like Kazakhstan.
Agriculture
Despite arid conditions in some areas, agriculture thrives in the fertile valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The historical practice of irrigation has sustained crops like wheat and barley. Along the coast of the Persian Gulf, traditional date palm cultivation has been a vital part of the agricultural landscape. The adaptation to arid conditions showcases the resilience of agricultural practices in the region.
Mineral Resources
Central and Southwest Asia boast significant mineral wealth. The Zagros Mountains and the Hindu Kush are known for their mineral deposits, including copper and precious stones. The extraction and management of these minerals have played a pivotal role in the economic development of the region.
Reflection
As we conclude our virtual exploration of Central and Southwest Asia, take a moment to reflect on the intricate interplay between physical geography and human civilization. What new things did you learn? What things did you already know? The physical features and climates together create the conditions for human settlement patterns in this region. Our virtual journey is merely the start. I encourage you to learn more about this region on your own. Until our next adventure, khodā hāfez and farewell, fellow travelers!
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