Chapter 24

Define cyclone. How is a cyclone different from a hurricane or a typhoon?

A cyclone is a violent storm with fierce winds and heavy rain. A cyclone is the same type of storm as a hurried or Typhoon its just called a differently name based on where they occur in the world.

Why do Hindus worship the Ganges river?

Hindus believe the river as a godess and beleive it has healing powers.

Is it a good idea to bathe in and drink directly from the Ganges? Explain why?

No it is not a good idea because this river is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Millions of gallons of raw sewage and industrial waste flow through the Ganges every day and bodies of dead animals and human corpses are thrown in the river.

Define monsoon.

A seasonal wind that blow across South Asia and change direction depending on winter or summer.

How were the Himalayas formed?

About 50 million years ago the land that is South Asia broke off from Africa and drifted north colliding with Central Asia. The collision of two large tectonic plates forced the land upward creating the Himalayas.

What environmental issues can come up as a result of deforestation?

Deforestation can cause soil erosion, flooding, climate changes, and lost wildlife habitats.

Why has deforestation become a problem in South Asia?

Deforestation has become a major problem because india is so heavily populated that they must cut down tress for resources. And they cause many landslides and soil erosion and cause climate change. Causing to break roads and inf structure

Why do monsoon winds change direction?

In the hot season warm temperatures heat the air, which rises and triggers a change in wind direction.

What is the tallest mountain in the world?

Mount Everest

What is the second tallest mountain in the world?

Mt. K2

When does the monsoon bring dry air to South Asia?

October through February.

What do rivers produce for the people of South Asia? What is mica? Why is it important?

Rivers produce fertile soil, water for irrigation, fish, transportation and hydroelectric power. Mica is exported mainly in India and a key material used for electrical equipment. This material is important because its a main material in electrical equipment.

What two island countries are found in South Asia? How do they differ from one another?

Sri Lanka and the Maldives. They differ from each other by the Sri Lanka is one large tropical island while the Maldives are a group of 1200 small islands surrounded by coral reefs and shallow lagoons.

Which of South Asia's major rivers flows mainly through Bangladesh?

The Brahmaputra

Which of South Asia's major rivers flows mainly through India?

The Ganges

What mountain range is found along the northern border of South Asia?

The Himalayas

Which of South Asia's major rivers flows mainly through Pakistan?

The Indus

What causes the Deccan Plateau to be so dry and arid?

This plateau is so dry because two mountain ranges Eastern and Western Ghats seperate the Deccan plateau from the coast. This caused moist winds from reaching the interior causing the plateau to be arid and dry.

What three rivers feed the indo-Gangetic plain?

The Indus, Ganges and the Brahmaputra

Define atoll.

low-lying tops of submerged volcanoes, surrounded by coral reefs and shallow lagoons

When does the monsoon bring moist air to South Asia?

June through September

What is the attitude of the local people regarding the pollution of the Ganges river?

The attitude of many people regarding the pollution is they believe the river is to holy to be harmed by pollution and if there is a problem they believe mother Ganges will fix it.

What is the most heavily populated part of South Asia?

The indo-Ganges plain

Define archipelago.

a group or chain of islands