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Asia: Location, Political Divisions and Physical Features - Questions & Answers

A. Fill in the blanks.

1. Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, while the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth.

2. The wettest places on Earth are Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, India.

3. The Suez Canal separates Asia from Africa.

4. The Himalayas run into Myanmar as the Arakan Yoma.

5. The Tarim Basin is a depression that lies between the Tian Shan in the north and the Kunlun to the south.

6. The Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers make up the plains of Indochina.

7. The Ob, Yenisey and Lena rivers drain into the Arctic Ocean.

B. Tick the sentences that are true. Correct the others.

1. Most of Asia lies in the Northern and Western hemispheres.

False. Most of Asia lies in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres.

2. The Equator is the only major latitude that passes through Asia.

False. The Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and the Arctic Circle are the major latitudes that pass through Asia.

3. The Bering Strait separates Asia from Europe.

False. The Bering Strait separates Asia from North America. (The Ural Mountains and Ural River separate Asia from Europe).

4. The Himalayas radiate from the Armenian Knot.

False. The Himalayas radiate from the Pamir Knot.

5. Singapore and Hong Kong are islands.

True.

C. Multiple choice questions.

1. This is one of the least densely populated regions in the world:

a) Indochina

b) the Deccan Plateau

c) Mongolia

d) Tibet

Answer: c) Mongolia

2. This is a landlocked country:

a) India

b) Japan

c) Mongolia

d) Sri Lanka

Answer: c) Mongolia

3. The Yangtze River flows into the:

a) Arctic Ocean

b) Pacific Ocean

c) Indian Ocean

d) Mediterranean Sea

Answer: b) Pacific Ocean

4. This is the largest lake in the world:

a) Caspian Sea

b) Lake Baikal

c) Lake Superior

d) Dead Sea

Answer: a) Caspian Sea

5. The Anatolian Plateau is located in:

a) Iran

b) Turkey

c) Tibet

d) India

Answer: b) Turkey

D. Match the columns.

1. Pamir Knot — (a) Highest plateau

2. Gobi — (b) Cold desert

3. Mesopotamia — (c) Tigris and Euphrates

4. Ural Mountains — (d) Boundary between Asia and Europe

5. Sunda Islands — (e) Indonesia

Answer:

1. (a), 2. (b), 3. (c), 4. (d), 5. (e)

E. Answer in brief.

1. What is a "knot"? Name the two knots found in Asia.

A "knot" is a central upland region from which several mountain ranges radiate or converge. The two major knots found in Asia are the Pamir Knot and the Armenian Knot.

2. Mention the water bodies that surround the continent of Asia.

Asia is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Pacific Ocean in the east, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Caspian Sea to the west.

3. Define a peninsula. Name the three large peninsulas in Southern Asia.

A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. The three large peninsulas in Southern Asia are the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Peninsula (Deccan), and the Indochina Peninsula.

4. What are the "Northern Lowlands"?

The Northern Lowlands are a vast, triangular plain in northern Asia, extending from the Ural Mountains in the west to the Bering Strait in the east. They include the West Siberian Plain and the Turan Plain.

F. Give reasons.

1. Asia is called a "continent of contrasts".

Asia is called a continent of contrasts because it contains the world's highest peaks (Mt. Everest) and lowest depressions (Dead Sea), extremely hot places (Ahwaz) and the coldest inhabited places (Siberia), as well as the wettest regions (Mawsynram) alongside vast, arid deserts.

2. The rivers of Northern Asia are not suitable for navigation during winter.

The rivers of Northern Asia, such as the Ob, Yenisey, and Lena, flow through the sub-arctic and arctic regions. During winter, these rivers freeze completely, making them unsuitable for navigation.

3. The Mesopotamian Plain is one of the most fertile regions.

The Mesopotamian Plain is very fertile because it is formed by the rich alluvial deposits brought down by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers over thousands of years.

G. Answer in detail.

1. Describe the Central Highlands of Asia.

The Central Highlands consist of a series of high mountain ranges and plateaus that radiate from the Pamir Knot. These include the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Tian Shan. This region contains some of the highest peaks in the world and serves as the source for many major Asian rivers. Between these mountain ranges lie high plateaus like the Plateau of Tibet, often called the "Roof of the World."

2. Explain the features of the Great River Valleys of Asia.

The Great River Valleys are formed by large perennial rivers. Key features include: (a) They are composed of thick layers of fertile alluvium, making them ideal for agriculture. (b) They are the most densely populated areas of the continent. (c) Major valleys include the Tigris-Euphrates (Mesopotamia), the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and the basins of the Yangtze and Huang He rivers.

H. Map work.

On an outline map of Asia, mark and label the following:

  1. Himalayas and Ural Mountains
  2. Plateau of Tibet and Deccan Plateau
  3. Gobi Desert
  4. Rivers: Ganga, Yangtze, and Ob
  5. Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal

(This is a practical activity to be completed on a physical map of Asia following the geographical locations described in the chapter.)

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Multiple Choice Questions - Test your understanding with these MCQs. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer.

Question 1What percentage of the Earth's land surface does Asia occupy?

Correct Answer: 30%

Question 2Which continent is the largest in terms of both size and population?

Correct Answer: Asia

Question 3Which point in Asia is the lowest on the surface of the Earth?

Correct Answer: Dead Sea

Question 4What is the highest peak in the world, located in Asia?

Correct Answer: Mt Everest

Question 5Which place in Siberia is known as one of the coldest places on Earth?

Correct Answer: Oymyakon

Question 6Which two places in Meghalaya, India, are the wettest places on Earth?

Correct Answer: Mawsynram and Cherrapunji

Question 7Which region in Asia has a population density of 1,000 persons/sq km?

Correct Answer: Indo-Gangetic Plain

Question 8Which country has one of the least densely populated regions with just 2 persons/sq km?

Correct Answer: Mongolia

Question 9Most of Asia is situated in which hemisphere?

Correct Answer: Northern Hemisphere

Question 10Which line of latitude does NOT pass through Asia?

Correct Answer: Tropic of Capricorn

Question 11Which strait separates Asia from North America?

Correct Answer: Bering Strait

Question 12What man-made structure separates Asia from Africa?

Correct Answer: Suez Canal

Question 13Which ocean lies to the north of Asia?

Correct Answer: Arctic Ocean

Question 14Which ocean lies to the east of Asia?

Correct Answer: Pacific Ocean

Question 15Which ocean lies to the south of Asia?

Correct Answer: Indian Ocean

Question 16Which mountains form part of the boundary separating Asia from Europe?

Correct Answer: Ural Mountains

Question 17Why does the International Date Line curve as it passes through the Bering Strait?

Correct Answer: To avoid splitting Russia into two dates

Question 18As of 2017, how many countries did the UN recognize in Asia?

Correct Answer: 48

Question 19Which of these is recognized as a dependency by the UN?

Correct Answer: Taiwan

Question 20Which region was referred to as the 'Middle East' by Europeans?

Correct Answer: West Asia

Question 21Which region was referred to as the 'Far East' by Europeans?

Correct Answer: East Asia

Question 22Which country is part of South Asia?

Correct Answer: India

Question 23Which country is part of Southeast Asia?

Correct Answer: Vietnam

Question 24Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are part of which regional division?

Correct Answer: Central Asia

Question 25Northern Asia primarily includes which region?

Correct Answer: Siberia

Question 26What is the shape of the Siberian Plain?

Correct Answer: Triangular

Question 27Which is the largest continuous plain in the world?

Correct Answer: Siberian Plain

Question 28Which three rivers drain the Siberian Lowlands?

Correct Answer: Ob, Yenisey, Lena

Question 29Into which ocean do the Ob, Yenisey, and Lena rivers flow?

Correct Answer: Arctic Ocean

Question 30Why do the Siberian rivers form marshes and swamps?

Correct Answer: Their mouths remain frozen in spring

Question 31Where is the Turan Plain located?

Correct Answer: South of the Ural Mountains

Question 32Which two deserts are found in the Turan Plain?

Correct Answer: Karakum and Kyzylkum

Question 33Into which water body do the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers flow?

Correct Answer: Aral Sea

Question 34What is a 'knot' in physical geography?

Correct Answer: An elevated region where mountain ranges radiate from

Question 35Which are the two main mountain knots in Asia?

Correct Answer: Pamir Knot and Armenian Knot

Question 36The Pamir Knot is primarily located in which country?

Correct Answer: Tajikistan

Question 37Which is the highest plateau in the world, known as the 'roof of the world'?

Correct Answer: Plateau of Tibet

Question 38The Plateau of Tibet lies between which two mountain ranges?

Correct Answer: Himalayas and Kunlun Mountains

Question 39Which is the second highest peak in the world?

Correct Answer: Mt Godwin Austen (K2)

Question 40In which mountain range is K2 located?

Correct Answer: Karakoram Range

Question 41The Himalayas continue into Myanmar as which range?

Correct Answer: Arakan Yoma

Question 42Which mountain range separates South Asia from Central Asia, running southwest from the Pamir Knot?

Correct Answer: Hindu Kush

Question 43The Elburz Mountains are located in which country?

Correct Answer: Iran

Question 44Which mountain range runs along the borders of Iran, Iraq, and southern Turkey?

Correct Answer: Zagros Range

Question 45The Plateau of Anatolia lies between which two mountain ranges?

Correct Answer: Pontic and Taurus

Question 46Where is the Plateau of Anatolia located?

Correct Answer: Turkey

Question 47The Tarim Basin lies between which two mountain ranges?

Correct Answer: Tian Shan and Kunlun

Question 48Which desert lies east of the Tarim Basin?

Correct Answer: Gobi Desert

Question 49Which of the following is NOT one of the three major southern plateaus of Asia?

Correct Answer: Plateau of Tibet

Question 50What type of rocks primarily make up the Plateaus of the South?

Correct Answer: Old hard metamorphic rocks
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True or False Questions - Determine whether each statement is true or false. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer.

Statement 1Asia is the largest continent in the world in terms of both size and population.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 2Asia occupies almost 50% of the land on the Earth's surface.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 3Both the highest peak and the lowest point on the Earth's surface are situated in Asia.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 4The Dead Sea is the highest point on the surface of the Earth.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 5Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in India are among the wettest places on Earth.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 6The Indo-Gangetic Plain has a very low population density.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 7Mongolia has a population density of just 2 persons per square km.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 8Asia is situated almost entirely in the Southern Hemisphere.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 9The Equator passes through the islands of Indonesia.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 10The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Asia.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 11The Arctic Circle passes through the northern part of Asia.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 12The International Date Line curves as it passes through the Bering Strait to avoid splitting Russia's time zones.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 13To the west, Asia is separated from Europe by the Rocky Mountains.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 14The Suez Canal separates Asia from Africa.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 15The Bering Strait separates Asia from North America.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 16According to the UN (2017), there are 48 countries in Asia.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 17Russia is counted as part of Asia by the United Nations.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 18Europeans referred to West Asia as the 'Middle East'.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 19Europeans used to call South Asia the 'Far East'.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 20Central Asia includes countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 21The Great Siberian Plain is the largest continuous plain in the world.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 22The Siberian Plain is roughly circular in shape.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 23The rivers Ob, Yenisey, and Lena flow northwards into the Arctic Ocean.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 24The mouths of the Siberian rivers remain frozen during the winter months.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 25The Turan Plain lies to the north of the Ural Mountains.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 26The Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts are located in the Turan Plain.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 27The Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers flow into the Caspian Sea.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 28The Pamir Knot is located mostly in Tajikistan.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 29The Himalayas radiate from the Armenian Knot.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 30Mt Everest is the highest peak in the world.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 31K2 (Mt Godwin Austen) is located in the Himalayan Range.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 32The Plateau of Tibet lies between the Himalayas and the Kunlun Mountains.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 33The Plateau of Tibet is known as the 'roof of the world'.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 34The Tian Shan Mountains stretch westwards from the Armenian Knot.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 35The Hindu Kush Range separates South Asia from Central Asia.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 36The Elburz Mountains run along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 37The Zagros Range is the largest mountain range in China.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 38The Plateau of Anatolia lies between the Pontic and Taurus Mountains.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 39The Tarim Basin is a depression located south of the Himalayas.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 40The Gobi Desert lies to the east of the Tarim Basin.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 41The Plateaus of the South are made up of young, soft sedimentary rocks.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 42The Arabian Plateau is steep in the west and slopes towards the east.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 43The Deccan Plateau lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats of India.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 44The northwestern part of the Deccan Plateau is volcanic in nature.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 45The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau is located in southwest India.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 46The Yangtze and Huang He rivers originate from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 47River valleys in Asia are some of the most densely populated regions of the world.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 48The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow into the Red Sea.

Correct Answer: False

Statement 49The Indus Plain is spread over northwest India and Pakistan.

Correct Answer: True

Statement 50The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia.

Correct Answer: True
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Fill in the Blanks - Complete the sentences by filling in the missing words. Click "Show Answer" to check your response.

Question 1Asia occupies almost ______ of the land on the Earth's surface.

Correct Answer: 30%

Question 2Asia is the largest continent in the world in terms of both size and ______.

Correct Answer: population

Question 3The lowest point on the surface of the Earth, situated in Asia, is the ______.

Correct Answer: Dead Sea

Question 4The highest peak in the world, located in the Himalayas, is ______.

Correct Answer: Mt Everest

Question 5Oymyakon, one of the coldest places on Earth, is located in ______.

Correct Answer: Siberia

Question 6The wettest places on Earth, Mawsynram and Cherrapunji, are located in the state of ______ in India.

Correct Answer: Meghalaya

Question 7The ______ Plain has a population density of 1,000 persons per square km.

Correct Answer: Indo-Gangetic

Question 8______ is one of the least densely populated countries with just 2 persons per square km.

Correct Answer: Mongolia

Question 9Asia is situated almost entirely in the ______ Hemisphere.

Correct Answer: Northern

Question 10The three important lines of latitude passing through Asia are the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, and the ______.

Correct Answer: Arctic Circle

Question 11The International Date Line curves as it passes through the ______ to avoid splitting Russia's time zones.

Correct Answer: Bering Strait

Question 12To the north of Asia lies the ______ Ocean.

Correct Answer: Arctic

Question 13To the east of Asia lies the ______ Ocean.

Correct Answer: Pacific

Question 14To the south of Asia lies the ______ Ocean.

Correct Answer: Indian

Question 15The ______ Mountains form part of the boundary separating Asia from Europe.

Correct Answer: Ural

Question 16The ______ Canal separates Asia from Africa.

Correct Answer: Suez

Question 17According to the UN, as of 2017, there were ______ countries in Asia.

Correct Answer: 48

Question 18Europeans referred to West Asia as the ______ because it was midway to the east of Europe.

Correct Answer: Middle East

Question 19Europeans used to call East Asia the ______.

Correct Answer: Far East

Question 20Central Asia includes countries like Kazakhstan and ______.

Correct Answer: Uzbekistan

Question 21The Northern Lowlands of Asia consist largely of the ______ Plain.

Correct Answer: Siberian

Question 22The Siberian Plain is roughly ______ in shape.

Correct Answer: triangular

Question 23The Ob, Yenisey, and Lena rivers drain into the ______ Ocean.

Correct Answer: Arctic

Question 24During winter, the mouths of the Siberian rivers remain ______.

Correct Answer: frozen

Question 25The Turan Plain includes two deserts: the Karakum and the ______.

Correct Answer: Kyzylkum

Question 26The Turan Plain is drained by the Syr Darya and ______ rivers.

Correct Answer: Amu Darya

Question 27The Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers flow into the ______ Sea.

Correct Answer: Aral

Question 28The Central Mountain Mass is a mosaic of young ______ mountain ranges.

Correct Answer: fold

Question 29Mountain ranges in Asia radiate from central points known as ______.

Correct Answer: knots

Question 30The two main mountain knots in Asia are the Pamir Knot and the ______ Knot.

Correct Answer: Armenian

Question 31The Pamir Knot lies mostly in the country of ______.

Correct Answer: Tajikistan

Question 32Plateaus that lie between two mountain ranges are called ______ plateaus.

Correct Answer: intermontane

Question 33The ______ are the southernmost ranges radiating from the Pamir Knot.

Correct Answer: Himalayas

Question 34The Himalayas continue into Myanmar as the ______.

Correct Answer: Arakan Yoma

Question 35Mt Godwin Austen is also known as ______.

Correct Answer: K2

Question 36The ______ Range runs north of the Himalayas.

Correct Answer: Karakoram

Question 37The Plateau of Tibet lies between the Himalayas and the ______ Mountains.

Correct Answer: Kunlun

Question 38The Plateau of Tibet is known as the ______ of the world.

Correct Answer: roof

Question 39The Tian Shan Mountains stretch eastwards from the ______ Knot.

Correct Answer: Pamir

Question 40The ______ Range runs southwestwards from the Pamir Knot, separating South Asia from Central Asia.

Correct Answer: Hindu Kush

Question 41The Elburz Mountains run along the southern coast of the ______ Sea.

Correct Answer: Caspian

Question 42The Zagros Range extends along the borders of Iran, Iraq, and southern ______.

Correct Answer: Turkey

Question 43The Plateau of Iran lies between the Elburz and ______ mountains.

Correct Answer: Zagros

Question 44The Plateau of Anatolia lies between the Pontic and ______ Mountains.

Correct Answer: Taurus

Question 45The Tarim Basin lies between the Tian Shan and the ______.

Correct Answer: Kunlun

Question 46East of the Tarim Basin lies the ______ Desert.

Correct Answer: Gobi

Question 47The three major southern plateaus are the Plateau of Arabia, the Deccan Plateau, and the Plateau of ______.

Correct Answer: Indochina

Question 48The southern plateaus are made up of old, hard ______ rocks.

Correct Answer: metamorphic

Question 49The Arabian Plateau is steep in the west and slopes towards the ______.

Correct Answer: east

Question 50The largest desert of Asia, the ______ Desert, lies on the Arabian Plateau.

Correct Answer: Arabian
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Short Answer Questions - Practice concise answers to these questions. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the response.
Question 1

What percentage of Earth's land surface does Asia occupy?

Answer:
30%
Question 2

Which is the largest continent in the world?

Answer:
Asia
Question 3

What is the highest peak in the world?

Answer:
Mt Everest
Question 4

What is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth?

Answer:
Dead Sea
Question 5

Which Siberian town is one of the coldest places on Earth?

Answer:
Oymyakon
Question 6

Which Indian state contains the wettest places on Earth?

Answer:
Meghalaya
Question 7

What is the most densely populated region in Asia?

Answer:
Indo-Gangetic Plain
Question 8

Which country has the lowest population density in Asia?

Answer:
Mongolia
Question 9

Which hemisphere is Asia primarily located in?

Answer:
Northern Hemisphere
Question 10

Which strait separates Asia from North America?

Answer:
Bering Strait
Question 11

Which canal separates Asia from Africa?

Answer:
Suez Canal
Question 12

Which ocean lies to the north of Asia?

Answer:
Arctic Ocean
Question 13

Which ocean lies to the east of Asia?

Answer:
Pacific Ocean
Question 14

Which ocean lies to the south of Asia?

Answer:
Indian Ocean
Question 15

Which mountain range separates Asia from Europe?

Answer:
Ural Mountains
Question 16

How many countries were in Asia as of 2017?

Answer:
48
Question 17

What region did Europeans call the 'Middle East'?

Answer:
West Asia
Question 18

What region did Europeans call the 'Far East'?

Answer:
East Asia
Question 19

What is the capital of Afghanistan?

Answer:
Kabul
Question 20

What is the capital of China?

Answer:
Beijing
Question 21

What is the capital of India?

Answer:
New Delhi
Question 22

What is the capital of Indonesia?

Answer:
Jakarta
Question 23

What is the capital of Iran?

Answer:
Tehran
Question 24

What is the capital of Iraq?

Answer:
Baghdad
Question 25

What is the capital of Japan?

Answer:
Tokyo
Question 26

What is the capital of South Korea?

Answer:
Seoul
Question 27

What is the capital of Thailand?

Answer:
Bangkok
Question 28

What is the capital of Turkey?

Answer:
Ankara
Question 29

What is the capital of Vietnam?

Answer:
Hanoi
Question 30

What is the largest continuous plain in the world?

Answer:
Siberian Plain
Question 31

What is the shape of the Siberian Plain?

Answer:
Triangular
Question 32

Name one of the three rivers draining the Siberian Plain.

Answer:
Ob
Question 33

Which ocean do the Siberian rivers flow into?

Answer:
Arctic Ocean
Question 34

What happens to the mouths of Siberian rivers in winter?

Answer:
They freeze
Question 35

Which plain lies south of the Urals?

Answer:
Turan Plain
Question 36

Name one desert found in the Turan Plain.

Answer:
Karakum
Question 37

Which sea do the Syr Darya and Amu Darya flow into?

Answer:
Aral Sea
Question 38

What term refers to a central point from which mountain ranges radiate?

Answer:
Knot
Question 39

Name the mountain knot located in Tajikistan.

Answer:
Pamir Knot
Question 40

Name the mountain knot in Turkey.

Answer:
Armenian Knot
Question 41

What are plateaus between two mountain ranges called?

Answer:
Intermontane plateaus
Question 42

Which mountain range is the southernmost from the Pamir Knot?

Answer:
Himalayas
Question 43

What is the name of the Himalayan extension in Myanmar?

Answer:
Arakan Yoma
Question 44

What is the second highest peak in the world?

Answer:
K2
Question 45

In which range is K2 located?

Answer:
Karakoram Range
Question 46

Which plateau is known as the 'roof of the world'?

Answer:
Plateau of Tibet
Question 47

Which range runs southwest from the Pamir Knot?

Answer:
Hindu Kush
Question 48

Which mountains run along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea?

Answer:
Elburz Mountains
Question 49

Which represents the largest mountain range in the Iran/Iraq/Turkey border region?

Answer:
Zagros Range
Question 50

Which plateau lies between the Pontic and Taurus mountains?

Answer:
Plateau of Anatolia
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Long Answer Questions - Practice detailed answers to these comprehensive questions. Click "Show Answer" to reveal the response.
Question 1

Why is Asia often described as a 'continent of contrasts'? Provide detailed reasons to support this description.

Answer:
Asia is described as a continent of contrasts because of its extreme geographical and climatic diversity. Firstly, it contains both the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest at 8,850 meters, and the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. Secondly, it features immense climatic variations, ranging from some of the coldest places on Earth like Oymyakon in Siberia to some of the hottest places like the deserts of West Asia. Thirdly, rainfall distribution is highly uneven; it houses the wettest places on Earth, Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in India, while also containing vast, arid deserts like the Gobi and Thar. Finally, it displays extreme population density contrasts, containing the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain with 1,000 persons per sq km, as well as sparsely populated regions like Mongolia with only 2 persons per sq km.
Question 2

Describe the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the Asian continent.

Answer:
The mainland of Asia extends from latitudes 77 degrees 43 minutes North to 1 degree 16 minutes North. However, when the islands of Indonesia are included, the southern boundary stretches to 10 degrees 50 minutes South. Longitudinally, Asia stretches from Cape Baba in Turkey at 26 degrees 4 minutes East to Cape Dezhnyov in Russia at 169 degrees 40 minutes West. Because the 180-degree longitude passes through the Far Eastern region of Russia, a small portion of Asia lies in the Western Hemisphere, though it is primarily in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Question 3

Explain the geographical location of Asia in relation to the major oceans and continents surrounding it.

Answer:
Asia is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. To the west, it is separated from Europe by a rough line formed by the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains, the Black Sea, and the Red Sea. The Suez Canal separates Asia from Africa, while the Bering Strait separates it from North America in the northeast.
Question 4

List and describe the six major regional divisions of Asia.

Answer:
To facilitate study, Asia is divided into six regions: 1. South Asia, which includes India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. 2. West Asia, often called the Middle East, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Israel. 3. Southeast Asia, which includes nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. 4. East Asia, formerly known as the Far East, comprising China, Mongolia, Japan, and Korea. 5. Northern Asia, which consists of Siberia and the Far Eastern region of Russia. 6. Central Asia, which includes former Soviet republics like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Question 5

What are the five major physical divisions of Asia based on relief?

Answer:
Asia is divided into five main physical regions based on relief: 1. The Northern Lowlands. 2. The Central Mountain Mass. 3. The Plateaus of the South. 4. The River Valleys. 5. The Island Groups.
Question 6

Write a detailed note on the Northern Lowlands of Asia, including the Siberian Plain.

Answer:
The Northern Lowlands largely consist of the Great Siberian Plain, which is the largest continuous plain in the world. It is triangular in shape, bounded by the Ural Mountains in the west, the Bering Strait in the east, and the Central Mountains in the south. The plain is drained by the Ob, Yenisey, and Lena rivers, which flow northwards into the Arctic Ocean. Additionally, to the south of the Urals lies the Turan Plain, an arid zone containing the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts, drained by the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers.
Question 7

Why do the rivers of the Siberian Plain often cause floods and form swamps?

Answer:
The three major rivers of the Siberian Plain—the Ob, Yenisey, and Lena—flow northwards to drain into the Arctic Ocean. During the severe winter months, their mouths freeze. In the spring, snow on the southern Central Mountains melts, increasing the water flow in these rivers. However, because the river mouths in the north remain blocked by ice, the water overflows the riverbanks, creating vast marshes and swamps across the lowlands.
Question 8

Describe the Central Mountain Mass of Asia and the concept of 'Mountain Knots'.

Answer:
The Central Mountain Mass is the heart of Asia, consisting of a mosaic of mighty young fold mountain ranges and intermontane plateaus. These mountains radiate like spokes of a wheel from central points known as 'knots'. A knot is an elevated plateau-like region from where several mountain chains diverge. The two primary knots in Asia are the Pamir Knot in Tajikistan and the Armenian Knot in the western part of Asian Turkey.
Question 9

Name and describe the mountain ranges radiating from the Pamir Knot.

Answer:
From the Pamir Knot, several ranges radiate: 1. Southeastwards stretch the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Kunlun ranges. The Himalayas are the southernmost, running through Nepal and India. The Karakoram lies north of the Himalayas, and the Kunlun extends along the northern edge of the Tibet Plateau. 2. Northwards and eastwards stretch the Tian Shan mountains. 3. Southwestwards runs the Hindu Kush range, separating South Asia from Central Asia.
Question 10

Describe the Plateau of Tibet. Why is it called the 'Roof of the World'?

Answer:
The Plateau of Tibet is an intermontane plateau located between the Himalayan Range to the south and the Kunlun Mountains to the north. It is referred to as the 'Roof of the World' because it is the highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of over 5,000 meters.
Question 11

Explain the layout of the mountain ranges radiating from the Armenian Knot.

Answer:
The Armenian Knot is a smaller knot located in western Asia. From here, the Pontic Mountains and Taurus Mountains extend westwards, enclosing the Plateau of Anatolia. The Elburz and Zagros mountains converge at this knot from the east, enclosing the Plateau of Iran.
Question 12

What are intermontane plateaus? Give three examples from Asia.

Answer:
Intermontane plateaus are plateaus that are situated between two mountain ranges. In Asia, prominent examples include: 1. The Plateau of Tibet, located between the Himalayas and the Kunlun Mountains. 2. The Plateau of Iran, located between the Elburz and Zagros Mountains. 3. The Plateau of Anatolia, located between the Pontic and Taurus Mountains.
Question 13

Describe the Tarim Basin and its surrounding geographical features.

Answer:
The Tarim Basin is a large depression located between the Tian Shan Mountains in the north and the Kunlun Mountains in the south. It is an arid region that contains the Taklamakan Desert. To the east of this basin lies the Gobi Desert, which is bordered by the Plateau of Mongolia and the Altai Range.
Question 14

Provide a detailed description of the Plateaus of the South.

Answer:
The Plateaus of the South lie south of the Central Mountains and are composed of old, hard metamorphic rocks. They include: 1. The Plateau of Arabia, a steep plateau sloping eastwards, containing the Arabian Desert. 2. The Deccan Plateau in India, located between the Western and Eastern Ghats, which is volcanic in the northwest and slopes eastwards. 3. The Plateau of Indochina, comprising the Shan and Yunnan-Guizhou plateaus, drained by rivers like the Mekong and Salween.
Question 15

Describe the geographical features of the Arabian Plateau.

Answer:
The Arabian Plateau is a large peninsula in southwestern Asia. It is bounded by the Persian Gulf to the northeast, the Gulf of Oman to the east, the Arabian Sea to the southeast, the Gulf of Aden to the south, and the Red Sea to the west. The plateau is steep in the west and slopes gently towards the east. It is largely an arid region and houses the Arabian Desert, the largest desert in Asia.
Question 16

Write a note on the Deccan Plateau's location, formation, and drainage.

Answer:
The Deccan Plateau is located in India, situated between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. Its northwestern part is volcanic in nature, formed by successive lava flows over millions of years. The plateau slopes towards the east, and its major rivers, such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, flow eastwards into the Bay of Bengal. It has a highly dissected and rugged surface due to erosion.
Question 17

Describe the Plateau of Indochina and the rivers associated with it.

Answer:
The Plateau of Indochina consists of the Shan Plateau in Myanmar and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in southwest China. It is a region of old, hard rocks that has been deeply eroded. Important rivers originate or flow through this region, including the Yangtze and Huang He (Yellow River) which start from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, as well as the Mekong, Si Kiang, Irrawaddy, and Salween rivers.
Question 18

Explain the formation and significance of the River Valleys (Northern Plains) of Asia.

Answer:
The River Valleys of Asia are vast plains formed over millions of years by the deposition of fertile alluvium from major rivers. These floodplains are significant because their fertile soil, abundant water supply, and flat terrain suitable for transport facilitated the rise of early civilizations. Today, these river valleys, such as the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the plains of China, are among the most densely populated regions in the world.
Question 19

Identify and describe the major river plains of West and South Asia.

Answer:
In West Asia, the rivers Tigris and Euphrates have built the fertile Mesopotamian plains in Iraq. In South Asia, the Indus and its tributaries formed the Indus Plain in Pakistan and northwest India. Furthermore, the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers created the vast plains covering northern and eastern India and Bangladesh.
Question 20

Describe the major river plains found in East and Southeast Asia.

Answer:
In China (East Asia), the Yangtze and Huang He rivers form extensive and fertile plains; the Yangtze is the longest river in Asia. In Southeast Asia, the Irrawaddy and Salween rivers form plains in Myanmar, while the Chao Phraya and Mekong rivers form the plains of Indochina. Additionally, the Amur River forms the Manchurian Plain in the northeast.
Question 21

Write a comprehensive note on the Island Groups of Asia.

Answer:
Asia has numerous islands to its east and southeast, often forming archipelagoes. Notable groups include the islands of Indonesia (Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali), which lie between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and the Kuril Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean. Other islands include Sri Lanka, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep in the Indian Ocean. Many of these, particularly those in the Pacific like Japan and the Philippines, are peaks of submerged fold or volcanic mountains and are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making them prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Question 22

Classify the drainage systems of Asia into four groups based on where the rivers flow.

Answer:
The rivers of Asia are grouped as follows: 1. Indian Ocean Drainage: Includes the Tigris, Euphrates, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, and Salween. 2. Pacific Ocean Drainage: Includes the Chao Phraya, Mekong, Si Kiang, Yangtze, Huang He, and Amur. 3. Arctic Ocean Drainage: Includes the Ob, Yenisey, and Lena. 4. Inland Drainage: Includes rivers like the Jordan (flowing into the Dead Sea) and the Amu Darya and Syr Darya (flowing into the Aral Sea).
Question 23

Explain the term 'Inland Drainage' with examples from Asia.

Answer:
Inland drainage refers to a river system where the water does not reach the ocean but instead flows into an inland lake or sea, or evaporates. In Asia, a prime example is the Turan Plain region, where the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers flow into the Aral Sea. Another example is the River Jordan, which flows into the Dead Sea.
Question 24

Describe the location and features of the Hindu Kush and Elburz mountains.

Answer:
The Hindu Kush Range runs southwestwards from the Pamir Knot and acts as a barrier separating South Asia from Central Asia. The Elburz (or Alborz) Mountains extend westwards from Central Asia, running for about 900 km along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran.
Question 25

What is the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' and how does it relate to the geography of Asia?

Answer:
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In the geography of Asia, the island groups in the east and southeast, such as Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia, lie along this belt. Consequently, these islands are actually the peaks of submerged volcanic and fold mountains and experience frequent tectonic activity.
Question 26

Narrate the event of the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 and its aftermath.

Answer:
In August 1883, the Indonesian island of Krakatoa, located between Java and Sumatra, experienced one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in history. The eruption sent ash clouds 40 km high, caused massive tsunamis, and emitted noise heard as far away as Australia (6,000 km). The island was destroyed, and over 35,000 people died. Later, in 1927, a new small island named Anak Krakatoa ('Son of Krakatoa') began to emerge at the site.
Question 27

Describe the climatic contrasts regarding temperature found in Asia.

Answer:
Asia exhibits extreme temperature contrasts. It contains some of the coldest inhabited places on Earth, such as Oymyakon in Siberia, where temperatures have dropped to minus 67.7 degrees Celsius. Conversely, it also has some of the hottest places, such as the city of Ahwaz in Iran, where temperatures can touch 54 degrees Celsius. The continent spans all heat zones from the Equator to the Arctic.
Question 28

Why does the International Date Line curve at the Bering Strait?

Answer:
The International Date Line passes through the Bering Strait between Asia (Russia) and North America (USA). It curves in this region to avoid passing through the landmass of the Chukotka Peninsula of Russia. If it were a straight line, a small part of Russia would be on a different calendar day than the rest of the country. The curve ensures that all of Russia remains in the same day.
Question 29

Describe the Turan Plain's physical characteristics and drainage.

Answer:
The Turan Plain lies south of the Ural Mountains and is essentially an arid lowland zone. It contains two major deserts: the Karakum and the Kyzylkum. The region is characterized by inland drainage, being drained by the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers, which flow into the landlocked Aral Sea.
Question 30

List the major deserts of Asia and their approximate locations.

Answer:
Major deserts in Asia include: 1. The Gobi Desert, located in Mongolia and China, east of the Tarim Basin. 2. The Taklamakan Desert, located within the Tarim Basin in China. 3. The Arabian Desert, covering most of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. 4. The Thar Desert, located in South Asia (India and Pakistan). 5. The Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts, located in the Turan Plain of Central Asia.
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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
What percentage of the Earth's land surface does Asia occupy?
Answer
Asia occupies almost 30% of the Earth's land surface.
Question
What is the highest point on the surface of the Earth, located in Asia?
Answer
Mt Everest is the highest point on the surface of the Earth.
Question
What is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth, located in Asia?
Answer
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth.
Question
Name two of the wettest places on Earth, both located in Meghalaya, India.
Answer
Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, India.
Question
Where is one of the coldest places on Earth, Oymyakon, located?
Answer
Oymyakon is located in Siberia.
Question
The most densely populated region in Asia is the _____, with a population density of 1,000 persons/sq km.
Answer
Indo-Gangetic Plain
Question
Which country in Asia contains one of the world's least densely populated regions?
Answer
Mongolia, with a population density of just 2 persons/sq km.
Question
What is the latitudinal extent of mainland Asia?
Answer
From 77°43'N to 1°16'N.
Question
What is the longitudinal extent of Asia?
Answer
From Cape Baba in Turkey (26°4'E) to Cape Dezhnyov in Russia (169°40'W).
Question
Name the three important lines of latitude that pass through Asia.
Answer
The Equator, the Tropic of Cancer (23½°N), and the Arctic Circle (66½°N).
Question
Which ocean lies to the north of Asia?
Answer
The Arctic Ocean.
Question
Which ocean lies to the east of Asia?
Answer
The Pacific Ocean.
Question
Which ocean lies to the south of Asia?
Answer
The Indian Ocean.
Question
What geographical features separate Asia from Europe to the west?
Answer
The Ural Mountains, Ural River, Caspian Sea, Caucasus Mountain, Black Sea and Red Sea.
Question
What man-made feature separates Asia from Africa?
Answer
The Suez Canal.
Question
What strait separates Asia from North America?
Answer
The Bering Strait.
Question
Why does the International Date Line curve as it passes through the Bering Strait?
Answer
To avoid a small part of Russia from having a day's difference in time from the rest of the country.
Question
According to the UN (as of 2017), how many countries are in Asia?
Answer
There are 48 countries in Asia.
Question
What is the capital of Afghanistan?
Answer
Kabul
Question
What is the capital of Armenia?
Answer
Yerevan
Question
What is the capital of Azerbaijan?
Answer
Baku
Question
What is the capital of Bahrain?
Answer
Manama
Question
What is the capital of Bangladesh?
Answer
Dhaka
Question
What is the capital of Bhutan?
Answer
Thimphu
Question
What is the capital of Cambodia?
Answer
Phnom Penh
Question
What is the capital of China?
Answer
Beijing
Question
What is the capital of Georgia?
Answer
Tbilisi
Question
What is the capital of India?
Answer
New Delhi
Question
What is the capital of Indonesia?
Answer
Jakarta
Question
What is the capital of Iran?
Answer
Tehran
Question
What is the capital of Iraq?
Answer
Baghdad
Question
What is the capital of Israel?
Answer
Jerusalem
Question
What is the capital of Japan?
Answer
Tokyo
Question
What is the capital of Jordan?
Answer
Amman
Question
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Answer
Astana
Question
What is the capital of Kuwait?
Answer
Kuwait City
Question
What is the capital of Kyrgyzstan?
Answer
Bishkek
Question
What is the capital of Laos?
Answer
Vientiane
Question
What is the capital of Lebanon?
Answer
Beirut
Question
What is the capital of Malaysia?
Answer
Kuala Lumpur
Question
What is the capital of Maldives?
Answer
Male
Question
What is the capital of Mongolia?
Answer
Ulaanbaatar
Question
What is the capital of Myanmar?
Answer
Naypyidaw
Question
What is the capital of Nepal?
Answer
Kathmandu
Question
What is the capital of North Korea?
Answer
Pyongyang
Question
What is the capital of Oman?
Answer
Muscat
Question
What is the capital of Pakistan?
Answer
Islamabad
Question
What is the capital of Palestine?
Answer
Ramallah
Question
What is the capital of the Philippines?
Answer
Manila
Question
What is the capital of Qatar?
Answer
Doha
Question
What is the capital of Russia?
Answer
Moscow
Question
What is the capital of Saudi Arabia?
Answer
Riyadh
Question
What is the capital of Singapore?
Answer
Singapore
Question
What is the capital of South Korea?
Answer
Seoul
Question
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
Answer
Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
Question
What is the capital of Syria?
Answer
Damascus
Question
What is the capital of Tajikistan?
Answer
Dushanbe
Question
What is the capital of Thailand?
Answer
Bangkok
Question
What is the capital of Timor-Leste?
Answer
Dili
Question
What is the capital of Turkey?
Answer
Ankara