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PENNSVALLEY
Lesson 64:
Physical Features of South Asia
The highest and largest mountains in the world, the Himalayas, dominate South Asia’s northern
border. Other mountain ranges, such as the KarakoramRange, are located here.Themajor rivers of
the region have their sources in thesemountains. Three of the largest rivers are the Indus, Ganges,
andBrahmaputra.TheGangesRiver is aholy river formillions of peoplewho follow theHindu religion.
It is felt that the sins of the followers arewashed away by itswaters.
Plains created by the rivers are another major landform. The mouths of the Ganges and Indus
Rivers have created large deltas.Most of Bangladesh is a delta.
The large river basin of the Ganges River separates the Himalaya Mountains from the Deccan
Plateau in India. Highlands border both sides of the plateau. They are known as theWestern Ghats
andEasternGhats.
Many low level places inSouthAsiaare subjected to flooding from storms, knownas cyclones, and
summermonsoonwinds.Monsoonsareseasonal winds that bring rain to IndiaandBangladeshduring
the summer.Moist winds blow from the sea toward land during the summer monsoons.
Too much rain means flooding; too little rain means famine. It is a very delicate weather pattern.
Similarly, drywinds blow from land to the sea during thewinter monsoons.
ACTIVITY:
Let’s learn more about the main physical features of South Asia. Use your classroom atlas and the
regional map on page 124 to complete labelingParts A andB.Trace the rivers with blue.
Part A – LabelingWater Forms
Part B – LabelingLandforms
Rivers
Highlands andMountains
B=BrahmaputraRiver
HimalayaMountains =E/F/G/H, 1/2
Ga =GangesRiver
KarakoramRange =D,1
I = IndusRiver
Mt. Everest =G,2
Go =Godivari River
DeccanPlateau =D/E, 3
WesternGhats =D, 4
OtherWater Forms
EasternGhats =E/F,4
ArabianSea =B/C, 3/4
Bay of Bengal = F/G, 4
Plains andDeltas
IndianOcean =E/F, 6
GRP =Ganges River Plain
GD =GangesDelta
IRP = IndusRiver Plain
Desert
TharDesert
(alsocalled theGreat IndianDesert) =D,2
South Asia
