The Physical Geography of North Africa Southwest and

The Physical Geography of North Africa, Southwest, and Central Asia Chapter 17, Section 1: The Land

Important Vocabulary • Kum: dune-covered deserts; Southwest Asia. • Alluvial Soil: a rich soil made up of sand mud deposited by moving water. Nile River. • Wadi: a streambed that remains dry until a heavy rain. Arid regions. • Phosphate: a chemical used in fertilizers.

Physical Map of the Region(s) North Africa Southwest and Central Asia

Mountains • Tectonic activity has shaped the landscape. • Atlas Mountains: across Morocco and Algeria. • In Southwest Asia: Hejaz and Asir ranges. • Pontic and Taurus Mountains in Turkey.

Coastal Plains, Seas, and Peninsulas • The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. • Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba flank in the Sinai Peninsula. • Mediterranean, Black, and Aegean Seas surround the Anatolia Peninsula. • Landlocked water bodies: Dead, Caspian, and Aral Seas.

Major Rivers • Nile is world’s longest river. • Aswan High Dam provides water for agriculture and hydroelectric power. • Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Ancient Mesopotamia. Fertile farm lands. • Rainstorms create wadis in arid North Africa and Southwest Asia.

Natural Resources • Over 60% of the world’s oil reserves, and 50% of natural gas. • Vast mineral resources – sulfur, sulphate, manganese, gold, chromium, lead, iron, copper, and zinc.

The Physical Geography of North Africa, Southwest, and Central Asia Chapter 17, Section 2: Climate and Vegetation

Important Vocabulary • Oasis: a place in the desert where underground water surfaces. • Pastoralism: the raising and grazing of livestock. Way of life for those who live in a steppe climate. • Cereal: food grains such as barley, oats, and wheat. Grown without irrigation.

Water and Climate • Desert covers almost 50% of the region. • Sahara is world’s largest desert. • Extreme weather: cold to mild winters and long, hot summers. • Steppe climate region: semi-arid, some trees and grasses.

Mid-Latitude Regions • Mid-latitude weather: cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. • High exports of citrus, olives, fruits, and grapes. • Favorable weather increases tourism. • Coastal and highland areas receive the most rain.