SW Asia Physical Map Flashcards

Water Bodies

• Arabian/Persian Gulf: A significant body of water located between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, crucial for trade and oil transport.
• Gulf of Aden: Situated between Yemen and Somalia, it connects to the Arabian Sea and is a vital maritime passage.
• Aegean Sea: Located between Greece and Turkey, this sea is dotted with numerous islands and has historical significance in ancient Greek culture.
• Arabian Sea: Bordered by India, Oman, Iran, and the Arabian Peninsula, known for its strategic shipping routes.
• Black Sea: A large inland sea bordered by multiple countries, including Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania, historically important for trade.
• Caspian Sea: The world’s largest enclosed inland body of water, bordered by five countries including Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
• Dead Sea: The saltiest water body, lying between Jordan and Israel, famous for its mineral-rich waters and low elevation.
• Mediterranean Sea: Connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, this sea is a major route for trade and cultural exchange.
• Red Sea: Positioned between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it is known for its rich marine biodiversity.
• Sea of Marmara: A small sea in Turkey that connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea via the Bosporus Strait and the Dardanelles.
• Bosporus Strait: A narrow strait in Turkey, dividing Europe and Asia, and a crucial waterway for maritime trade.
• The Dardanelles: A significant waterway in Turkey, connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
• Strait of Hormuz: A strategically vital strait, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply is transported.

Rivers

• Tigris River: Flows through Iraq and is one of the two major rivers in Mesopotamia, supporting ancient civilizations.
• Euphrates River: The other principal river in Mesopotamia, it also traverses Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, vital for agriculture.
• Jordan River: A historically and religiously significant river, forming a boundary between Israel and Jordan.
• Sea of Galilee: A freshwater lake in northern Israel, associated with various biblical events.

Geographical Features

• Arabian Peninsula: A large peninsula in Southwest Asia, surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf.
• Sinai Peninsula: A triangular landform in Egypt, acting as a land bridge between Africa and Asia.
• Elburz Mountains: A mountain range in northern Iran, home to the highest peak, Mount Damavand.
• Kopet-Dag Mountains: Located in northern Iran along the Turkmenistan border, these mountains are rich in biodiversity.
• Pontic Mountains: Running parallel to the Black Sea coast in Turkey, contributing to the region's rugged terrain.
• Taurus Mountains: Stretching across southern Turkey, these mountains influence regional climate and agriculture.
• Zagros Mountains: A major mountain range in southern Iran, forming a significant geological and cultural barrier.
• Hindu Kush Mountains: A vast mountain range in eastern Afghanistan, stretching towards Pakistan and China, known for its difficult terrain.
• Great Salt Desert: An expansive desert in Iran characterized by vast salt flats and arid conditions.
• Syrian Desert: A large desert covering parts of Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, noted for its extreme conditions.
• Rub' al-Khali (Empty Quarter): One of the largest sand deserts in the world, located in the Arabian Peninsula.
• An Nafūd Desert: A large desert in northwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its sand dunes and harsh climate.
• Negev Desert: Located in southern Israel, it presents a unique ecosystem and archeological significance.

Plateaus

• Mesopotamia: An ancient region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as the "Cradle of Civilization."
• Plateau of Anatolia: A high plateau in central Turkey, significant for agriculture and ancient settlements.
• Plateau of Iran: Located adjacent to the Great Salt Desert, this plateau influences regional climate and culture.

Test your knowledge of the physical geography of Southwest Asia with these flashcards. Each card highlights a significant body of water found in the region, helping you to learn and memorize their locations and importance. Perfect for students or anyone interested in Middle Eastern geography.