Physical Geography of Southwest Asia

Southwest Asia

Countries- Iraq, Iran, Syria, IsraelCalled “Middle East”Where 3 continents meet- Africa, Asia, Europe

Peninsulas & Plateaus

Peninsula- piece of land linked to larger land mass mostly surrounded by water.Arabian Peninsula- borders Red Sea, Arabian Sea & Persian GulfRub-al-Khali largest desert, covers most of peninsulaAnatolian Peninsula- called Asia Minor, located in Turkey, bordered by Black Sea & Mediterranean Sea

Peninsulas & Plateaus

Plateau- high area of uplifted, then eroded landPlateau of Iran- bordered by Persian Gulf & Caspian Sea

Deserts, Mountains & Rivers

Mountains prevent rain from reaching inlandRivers- major freshwater sourcesTigris & Euphrates River- flow from Anatolian peninsula to Persian GulfJordan River- flows to Dead Sea Dead Sea- lies between Jordan & Israel, lowest body of water on Earth- 1, 300 feet below sea level

WaterArid regionPeople are crowded in coastal areasOasis- fertile or green spot in desert where water comes to the surfaceAncient Techniques- 2,500 years ago in Iran, developed qanatsQanats- underground water supply systemIran & Afghanistan still use qanats

Modern Techniques1950’s – Israel builds system of canals, pipelines & tunnelsPurpose- carry water from Jordan River & Sea of Galilee to Negev DesertProject causes tension between Syria & JordanFear that Israel will use too much waterWater & oil – main resources

Modern TechniquesTurkey- Tigris & Euphrates River begin on Anatolian PeninsulaBuilding system of dams- create hydroelectric power & divert water to farmlandsTension between Syria & IraqFear –Turkey may use too much water

Earthquakes

Southwest Asia- where several plates meet1999- Turkey-more than 17,000 people killed2003- Iran26,000 people killed