Southwest Asia Unit Flashcards
Define desalinization
The extraction of chemicals from water
Desalinization is often used to convert seawater into fresh water.
What is diffusion?
Movement from one place to another
Diffusion can also refer to the spread of particles, substances, or cultural elements.
What is OPEC?
A group of people that control oil distribution.
OPEC is a group that coordinates oil distribution among member countries.
What is the Sahara Desert?
A piece of land that spreads far and wide
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world.
Define scarcity in the context of water resources
Little to no water
Scarcity can lead to significant challenges for populations and ecosystems.
What is the Suez Canal?
Connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea
The Suez Canal is a crucial waterway for international trade.
What is a supranational organization?
An organization that transcends national boundaries
Examples include the European Union and the United Nations.
Which features are found in North Africa?
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a major mountain range in North Africa.
True or False: Many Southwest Asian countries have abundant oil reserves but lack access to fresh water.
True
This presents significant challenges for water management in the region.
Which three monotheistic religions originate in Southwest Asia?
- Judaism
- Christianity
- Islam
These religions have historical and cultural significance in the region.
Why is Southwest Asia also known as the ‘Middle East’?
Because it is in between Europe, Asia, and Africa
The term ‘Middle East’ reflects its geographic position.
What is the most spoken language in Southwest Asia?
Arabic
Arabic is widely used across several countries in the region.
Describe Southwest Asia’s climate.
Arid: Hot dry summers and cold, wet winters
This climate affects agriculture and water resources.
Persian Gulf
Located on Map as “C”
Arabian SEa
Located on Map as “E”
Strait of Hormuz
Located on Map as “D”
AraBian Peninsula
Located on Map as “B”
Red SeA
Located on Map as “A”
What are some advantages and disadvantages to desalinization?
Removes chemicals but it can still cause sickness
What are two cultural characteristics that Southwest Asia and North Africa have in
Mountains and little water
Which North African physical feature hindered the diffusion (spread) of Islam into southern Africa
Ethiopian Highlands
