WG.11 b - Physical and Environmental Features of South and Southeast Asia

The student will analyze the characteristics of the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions by 

b) describing major physical and environmental features.

There are varying physical features that distinguish the mainland from the islands of the South Asian and Southeast Asian regions. 

The region lies between the tropics, with temperatures that are generally warm. 

Major physical and environmental features 

• Influence of mountains on population, settlements, movement, and climate 
• Mountains 
• Himalayas 
• Western and Eastern Ghats 
• Hindu Kush 
• Varied climatic regions, ranging from low- to middle-latitude climates 
• Natural hazards: Flooding, typhoons, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis 
• Influence of wind and water (rivers, seas, ocean currents, and monsoons) on agriculture, trade, and transportation 
• Bodies of water 
• Arabian Sea 
• Indian Ocean 
• Bay of Bengal 
• Ganges River 
• Indus River 
• Brahmaputra River 
• Mekong River 
• Straits of Malacca 
• Abundant arable land