Section 1 Natural Environments

Transcription

1 Section 1 Natural Environments India- Key physical features & River systems: Landforms- Subcontinent- Large land mass smaller than a continent Gangetic Plain alluvial plain Deccan peninsular plateau, bordered by the Ghats (eastern and western ranges) Most of the area is rugged, making it not easily accessible to heavy populations Ganges- Holy River (most polluted in the world) Hindus have used the river for purification rites, disposal of the dead, waste runoff Brahmaputra- joins the Ganges in Bangladesh 1

2 India Perimeter- Key Physical features Himilayas- Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan Formed from the Lithosphere through Tectonic forces By Obduction In the North housing has to be reconstructed to withstand shifting plate tectonics The mountains form a natural boundary between India and other countries Nepal and Bhutan are the only two countries of the area that are landlocked Mountain regions-karakoram Range, Mt. Everest, Kashmir Valley Tropical environments- Bangladesh (Giant delta) Sri Lanka-a lone Island in the south, The Maldives (1200 islands) 2

3 Climate: India- Summer monsoons bring heavy rainfall, while winter monsoons bring dry weather. Sometimes the monsoons bring too much of a good thing- Ex: located along major river systems where silting has created low lying areas that flood easily during spring snowmelt and monsoon rains. Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan has highland climate Humid Tropical Weather- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives 3

4 History Harappan civilization emerged in Indus Valley. By 1500 B.C. Aryans had arrived- Brought in Hindu belief system. Mughals ruled from 1500s to 1700s. Muslims who tolerated other belief systems/build Taj Mahal Europeans colonized area after the 1700 s (Great Britain controls until independence) Early 1900 s -Mahatma Gandhi- Great Soul father of nonviolent protest. (Died by assassination 1948) 4

5 Cultural Characteristics- Religion Hinduism the main faith, followed by around 80 percent of the population (Pantheon of gods) Based on the Concepts of Karma and Reincarnation Goals in Life dharma: Following the laws moksha: Liberation from the cycle of samsara Samsara- cycle of reincarnation Reincarnation depends on deeds and determines caste 5

6 Cultural Characteristics- Religion Caste System- outlawed in 1947 but still practiced. Your deeds determine your caste Brahmans (priests and scholars) the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) the Vaisyas (merchants, farmers, and traders) the Sudras (laborers, including artisans, servants, and serfs) dalits (Hindi for oppressed ones or untouchables ). 6

7 Cultural Characteristics- Religion Buddhism 563 BC (Siddhartha Gautama)- a prince from N. India disenchanted with life. Discovers the Four Noble Truths Life Is Suffering Suffering result of Ignorance and attachment Can overcome by forfeiting attachments forfeit attachments by the Eight fold Path right view, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. Karma- reincarnation into good or bad form of life One can live a perfect life and escape the cycle of reincarnation to reach the state of nirvana (one with all life forms) 7

8 Cultural Characteristics- Religion Other Religions- Christianity some 20 million followers Islam largest minority religion (majority in Pakistan) Sikhism Founded by Guru Nanak Dev combines Muslim and Hindu beliefs Belief in one God, Believe in reincarnation and Karma One of the largest religions in the world Jainism strict moral code based on preserving life three major religions Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka; Islam in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives 8

9 Economic Characteristics- Large part of the population still agricultural based due to lack of resources, which has limited employment opportunities. Leads world in production of tea, sesame, and peanuts Mumbai- Large movie industry many cottage industries (small scale, operates out of home) weaving, crafts large-scale production textiles, jute products, steel, rattans, and bamboo research and development towards rural areas in the increased use of a renewable resource for sustainable development high-tech computer industry in Bangalore 9

10 Economic Characteristics- Literacy rate for women have increased since 1951 creating more opportunities Many people looking for opportunities are moving to cities in the northeast and southwest ex- New Delhi, Bangalore Agrarian based agricultural economies like Bangladesh have to adapt to the Delta that dominates the country due to Monsoons. Some countries like India have massive trade imbalances (more imports VS exports) due to the needs of the massive population; or the Maldives due to lack of arable land for food. 10

11 Challenges Cultural change will have to take place due to environment- Housing design due to tectonic forces in the north and housing design in the south to withstand flooding Drought tolerant grasses and grains in central India The region of Kashmir a source of conflict among nations of South Asia due to its people are predominantly Islamic, though controlled by India. Consequences of rapid population growth Pollution, deforestation, unsanitary water, species extinction 11

12 Challenges 400 species of Snakes (snake bite capital of the World (Cobra, Russell's Viper) Oil Imports to meet energy demands ethnic conflicts Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs Tsunami threat- early warning and contingency plans 12