BST Physiography handout Flashcards
What does physiography mean? Where is Bangladesh located?
Physiography is the study of the physical features or characteristics of the land.
What are the main physiographic features in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is a riverine country (with most of the area covered by a network of large and small waterways) situated in South Asia, mostly on the lower plain of the Ganges river. Most of the land in this country was formed by the alluvial soil deposited by these rivers. The physiography in Bangladesh can be separated into: the hilly region, the terraces and the flood plain/delta region.
Describe the physiography in Bangladesh
The hills in the northeast and southeast are part of the hilly region. Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagracchari and Cox’s Bazar are some districts with mountains. There are some hills in Mymensingh and Netrokona. There are also smaller hills in Sylhet like Habiganj and Maulvi Bazar as well as a small hilly range in Cchatak, Sunamganj. These hills are made of shale (a type of rock that forms layers easily), sandstone and clay. The highest peak is Tazindong
Describe the plain land region of Bangladesh
More than 80% of Bangladesh’s total land is the plain land region. This area is a very fertile delta. These plains were formed through a network of large and small water ways. When they overflow in the rainy seasons, and deposit a layer of fertile alluvial soil (for over a thousand years) these plains were formed. In this region, many crops like rice, wheat, maize and various vegetables are grown. In the plain land regions, there are many low lying areas which turn into seasonal reservoirs.
What is a reservoir? What is another name for it? Give two examples
A reservoir is a low lying area that can store water and can be used for cultivation and fishing, depending on the depth of water in that season. For example, in winter, there is little rain and the water level decreases in the reservoir. Reservoirs are also called Haors and Beels. One large reservoir is the Chalan Beel in Rajshahi and Pabna. Another is the Hakaluki Haor in Sylhet.
Describe the old alluvium highlands. Where are they found?
The highlands of old alluvium/terraces are higher than the plains and different areas have different elevations. The soil of these lands is red and gray in colour and also very old, as they were formed during the same times as the Himalayas. These highlands can be found in:
- the Barind region of Rajshahi
- Modhupur tract of Tangail and Mymensingh
- Bhawal in Gazipur
- and Lalmai hills in Comilla
Name of two districts in the south eastern division
Bandarban and Rangamati
