Physical Geography of South Asia
South Asia is located on the southern part of the Asian continent. A wall of mountains separates the region from the rest of Asia. This natural boundary influences the climate and vegetation of the region. South Asia has a diverse physical landscape with many different landforms. The mountainous areas of the region are sparsely populated. Most people live near the various rivers, seas, and oceans in the region. You will explore the physical geography of South Asia during this topic.
Essential Question
- What are the major physical and environmental features of South Asia?
Warm-Up
Water pollution is a severe problem in South Asia. Many people do not have safe water to drink. They also lack proper sanitation, like sewers, to get rid of dirty water. In Bangladesh, much of the water contains arsenic, which is poisonous. 500,000 infants in South and Southeast Asia die from contaminated water every year. Polluted water can also cause cancer and other long term health risks. Growing populations and climate change are increasing the scarcity of clean water in South Asia.
In the video, Water Pressures: Students in India, from eMediaVASM, a group of American students visits Rajasthan, India. Take a moment to journey with these students as they experience what life is like for the villagers of Rajasthan. Then, think about answers to the following questions:
- How do the students react to their time in the village?
- What resources are most important to the Indian villagers?
- How does the availability of resources in the village, like water, differ from those available to you?
- What can South Asians do to improve water quality?