Physical Geography of SE Asia

Physical Geography of Southeast Asia

*and a little bit about East Asia too

7.2.1 PR Places and Regions in Asia

7.2.2 ER Environment and Resources in Asia

Southeast Asia is located...

• south of China and east of India

• between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

• mostly in the tropical zone (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn)

Physical Features of Southeast Asia

• The mainland countries of SE Asia are on the Indochina Peninsula.

• An archipelago is an island chain. Indonesia and the Philippines are archipelagos in Southeast Asia.

• Major islands in the archipelagos include Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Timor in Indonesia, and Luzon and Mindanao in the Philippines.

Major Bodies of Water in SE Asia

• The Mekong is a major river.

• The Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean lie to the west of SE Asia.

• The South China Sea lies between Indochina and the Philippines.

• The Pacific Ocean lies to the east.

• The Strait of Malacca is the main shipping channel between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Biomes of SE Asia (Climate/Vegetation)

• Because most of SE Asia is located in the tropics, it is mostly tropical rainforest that is hot and humid or wet most of the year.

• Most rainfall comes from the monsoon season in the summer months from April to September.

• The monsoons allow rice and tea to be grown in this region.

Natural Resources of East and SE Asia

• Japan is poor in natural resources and exports technology to get the resources it needs (oil, etc.)

• China is very rich in natural resources, including many minerals such as coal.

• SE Asia is rich in rubber and minerals like tin, lead, etc.

• The Strait of Malacca is a very important shipping channel.

Agriculture in East and Southeast Asia

• Rice farming began in China in ancient times and spread to Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. Tea is also a major crop.

• In flat lands, rice is grown in flooded fields called paddies.

• In hilly areas, like much of SE Asia, terraces, like steps, are cut into the hillside to grow rice.

Major cities in SE Asia

• A megacity is a city with a population of over 10 million. There are three in Southeast Asia.

• Jakarta, Indonesia (34 million)

• Manila, Philippines (23 million)

• Bangkok,Thailand (14 million)

• Singapore (not a megacity - independent city-state)

SE Asian nations on island archipelagos:

• *Malaysia (on island of Borneo)

• Singapore

• Brunei

• Indonesia

• East Timor

• Philippines

SE Asian nations on Indochina peninsula:

• Myanmar

• Thailand

• Laos

• Cambodia

• Vietnam

• *Malaysia (on the peninsula)

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of country of the Philippines?

• 10

• 11

• 8

• 9

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of country of Indonesia?

• 6

• 7

• 8

• 9

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of country of Malaysia?

• 6

• 7

• 8

• 9

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of country of Brunei?

• 6

• 7

• 8

• 9

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of city-state of Singapore?

• 2

• 4

• 6

• 7

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of the country of Cambodia?

• 2

• 4

• 6

• 8

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of the country of Thailand?

• 2

• 4

• 6

• 8

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of the country of Vietnam?

• 1

• 3

• 5

• 7

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of the country of Laos?

• 1

• 3

• 5

• 7

Multiple Choice

Which number correctly identifies the location of the country of Myanmar or Burma?

• 1

• 3

• 5

• 7

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Southeast Asia. Which number correctly identifies the Mekong River?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Southeast Asia. Which number correctly identifies the Strait of Malacca?

• 1

• 2

• 4

• 5

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Southeast Asia. Which number correctly identifies the island of Borneo?

• 2

• 4

• 5

• 6

Multiple Choice

This is a map of Southeast Asia. What is the name of the peninsula located at number 3?

• Indochina

• Korea

• Arabia

• Anatolia

Multiple Choice

What does it mean that most of Southeast Asia is located in the tropical zone?

• It is located near the North Pole

• It is located between the tropics and the polar regions

• It is located near the Equator

• It is located near the South Pole

Multiple Select

What two oceans border Southeast Asia to the west and to the east? Choose all that apply.

• Indian Ocean

• Atlantic Ocean

• Arctic Ocean

• Pacific Ocean

Multiple Select

What two large countries border Southeast Asia to the north and to the west? Choose all that apply.

• Saudi Arabia

• China

• Kazakhstan

• India

• Japan

Multiple Choice

Which answer best explains why the climate of Southeast Asia is more hot and humid than the climate of East Asia?

• SE Asia is in the temperate zone, while East Asia is in the tropical zone.

• SE Asia is in the tropical zone, while East Asia is in the temperate zone.

• SE Asia has a large coastline, while most of East Asia is landlocked.

• East Asia gets much less rain because of the rain shadow effect.

Multiple Choice

How does monsoon season impact Southeast Asia?

• It causes the summer to be warm and dry.

• It makes the climate hot and arid.

• It provides a lot of rain for agriculture.

• It causes very little vegetation to grow.

Multiple Select

What are the major food crops of Southeast Asia? Check all that apply.

• millet

• tea

• rice

• dates

Multiple Choice

What form of agriculture practiced in parts of Southeast Asia is being shown in this picture?

• rice paddy

• tea plantation

• desert oasis

• rice terrace

Multiple Choice

Each of these is statements is a true fact about the rubber tree. Which best explains why rubber is a major export from Southeast Asia?

• The rubber tree can grow 100-130 feet tall.

• The rubber tree can live up to 100 years.

• The milky white sap, called latex, is used to make rubber.

• The rubber tree grows best in a tropical environment.

Multiple Choice

Why does Singapore's location give it an advantage in world trade?

• It is located in the tropical zone.

• It is located on the Strait of Malacca.

• It is a city-state located on an island.

• It is located north of the equator.

Multiple Choice

Which best describes the climate of Southeast Asia?

• Hot and Humid

• Cold and Snowy

Multiple Choice

About how much rain falls in Southeast Asia yearly?

• 10 inches

• 6 inches

• 60 inches

• 20 inches