Southwest Asia Physical Map Review

Look at the southern part of Southwest Asia on the maps. The southern interior is called the Rub' al-Khali, or "Empty Quarter" because it is

• a hot, arid, largely uninhabited desert.

• a largely uninhabited forested area.

• a mountainous, sparsely inhabited area.

• an uninhabited area where rivers meet.

What conclusion be drawn based on the information presented in the maps?

• Most of the people in Southwest Asia live near rivers, coastlines, or other water sources.

• The large, flat plains in the southern region of Southwest Asia can support large populations.

• The northern region of Southwest Asia is home only to nomads and small groups.

• The harsh climate in the northern region of Southwest Asia keeps people from settling there.

According to the maps, which of the following BEST describes the major economic activities across most of the arid, or desert, areas of Southwest Asia?

• extensive production of oil, natural gas, and coal

• limited economic activity and nomadic herding

• limited economic activity and subsistence farming

• livestock raising and limited commercial farming

Historically, how did the frequent flooding of the two rivers pictured on the map affect agriculture in the region?

• The rivers provided power sources for inventions like the waterwheel.

• It led to the development of irrigation systems to control the flow of water.

• It caused farmers to create new ways of preparing the soil for planting.

• Farmers began experimenting with terracing their farmlands.

Which country is Saudi Arabia?

Which country is Iraq?

Which two rivers run through the heart of modern-day Iraq and have provided water to the region for thousands of years?

• the Congo and Zambezi Rivers

• the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

• the Nile and Jordan Rivers

• the Indus and Ganges Rivers

Most farmers in Iraq must irrigate their lands through canals from the

• Euphrates and Nile Rivers.

• Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

• Aras and Karun Rivers.

• Jordan and Nile Rivers.

What factor allowed Baghdad, Iraq, to become one of the biggest cities in Southwest Asia?

• Iraq is a politically stable country.

• It is located near two major rivers.

• The climate of Iraq is good for farming.

• It is home to a large port on the Persian Gulf.

Which mountain range forms a natural barrier between the Iranian Plateau and the Mesopotamian Plain?

• Zagros Mountains

• Himalayas

• Andes

• Rocky Mountains