geography Flashcards
(24 cards)
Why is the region around the Pacific Ocean called the ‘Ring of Fire’?
Because volcanoes erupt so often on the rim of land and the islands surrounding the Pacific.
Which parts of Asia are volcanic, and what natural phenomena are common there?
Much of South and East Asia is volcanic, with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions being common.
How were the Himalayas formed?
The Himalayas were formed by massive Earth movements that pushed the land upwards.
Describe the Gobi Desert’s climate and landscape.
The Gobi Desert has hot summers, cold winters, and a landscape of bare rock and shifting sands.
What has happened to the Aral Sea?
Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, it is now just 20% of its original size due to water being used for irrigation.
What percentage of the world’s population lives in Asia?
Over 60% of the world’s population lives in Asia.
What environmental issue does China face?
China has 7 of the 10 most polluted cities in the world.
What is China’s role in global clothing exports?
China is the world’s largest exporter of clothing, with 15% of the global market share.
When is India expected to become the world’s most populous country?
By 2036.
Where does over half of the world’s oil come from?
Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
Where are the Himalayas located in India?
The Himalayas lie to the north of India.
Describe the geography south of the Himalayas.
South of the Himalayas is the wide, flat valley floor and the huge delta of the river Ganges.
What is much of the rest of India’s geography like?
Much of India is a plateau, which rises behind Mumbai and Goa as the Western Ghats.
What is the general climate of India?
Most of India has a monsoon climate with high temperatures throughout the year.
How does rainfall vary across India?
Rainfall varies widely: The Thar Desert in the northwest is dry. Kerala in the south is wet enough for tropical rainforests to grow.
Where do most people in India live?
Many people still live in villages, but there is increasing migration to large cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi.
How is India’s wealth distributed?
There is a stark contrast between urban skyscrapers and luxury flats, and poor housing in chawls (Mumbai) and bustees (Kolkata).
How are the Earth’s plates involved in India’s geography?
The Earth’s crust is divided into plates that float on molten magma. India’s plate moved north and collided with Asia.
What was the result of the collision between the Indian and Asian plates?
The collision caused the formation of the Himalayas, which are still growing as India continues moving northward.
How do plate movements in India cause earthquakes?
Uneven movement and sudden shifts of the plates lead to earthquakes, which can cause loss of life and property damage.
What was India’s population in 2012?
India’s population reached 1.27 billion.
Why is India’s population growing?
Due to a high birthrate.
What is India’s demographic contrast?
India has a relatively small elderly population (over 65 years old) and a low life expectancy of 69 years.
What is a population pyramid?
A bar graph that shows: The percentage or number of people in different age groups. The balance between males and females in a population.
