Asia Physical Features Flashcards

Major Mountain Ranges and Plateaus

• Himalayas: The highest mountain range globally, defining the border between India and Tibet.
• Mt. Everest: Reigns as the highest point on Earth, standing at 29,032 feet (8,848 meters).
• Plateau of Tibet: Known as the 'Roof of the World', it's the largest plateau worldwide situated between the Himalayas and the Kunlun Mountain Range.
• Deccan Plateau: A prominent plateau covering much of central and southern India, characterized by its volcanic rock.

Rivers of Asia

• Ganges River: Renowned for its fertility, this river is crucial for farming and sustains a dense population.
• Indus River: Essential for agriculture, particularly in Pakistan, it supports the country's food production.
• Chang Jiang River (Yangtze River): Spanning 3,915 miles, it's the longest river in China and third longest in the world, pivotal for inland water transport.
• Tigris and Euphrates Rivers: They originate in Turkey, traverse through Syria and Iraq, and are historically significant as they create the region known as Mesopotamia.

Deserts and Plains

• Gobi Desert: Not a traditional sandy desert; rather, it consists mainly of bare rock and covers parts of Mongolia and China.
• Rub 'al Khali (Empty Quarter): The largest sand desert in the world, located on the Arabian Peninsula.
• Indo-Gangetic Plain: Spans approximately 1,500 miles beneath the Himalayas, with half of India's population residing in this region.

Important Water Bodies

• Bay of Bengal: The world's largest bay, serving as a critical port for Bangladesh and India.
• Lake Baikal: The deepest lake on Earth located in southern Russia, contains 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater.
• Caspian Sea: The largest lake globally at 143,630 square miles, it is saline and forms a landlocked area between Europe and Asia.
• Persian Gulf: A shallow and salty gulf bordered by several SW Asian countries, crucial for its vast oil reserves.

Mountain Features and Geographic Divisions

• Tien Shan: Located northeast of the Hindu Kush, known as the Celestial Mountains.
• Ural Mountains: Among the oldest mountain ranges, they work as a natural border between Europe and Asia in Russia.
• Iranian Plateau: A vast region including peaks and deserts located across Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• West Siberian Plain: One of the largest continuous flatlands in the world, situated in Central Russia.

General Context of Asia

• Asia: The largest continent by both area and population, comprising diverse geography, cultures, and resources.

Test your knowledge of the physical features of Asia with these flashcards. From the towering Himalayas to the fertile Ganges River, learn about key geographical landmarks and their significance. Perfect for geography enthusiasts and students alike!