Physical Characteristics

Learning Target #1I can describe the major physical characteristics of the Middle East and I can assess the degree to which they have influenced the development of the region.

Sahara Desert

Sahara DesertLargest desert in the worldExtends 3.5 million sq. miles—an area equal to roughly 8% of the world’s land areaTemperatures can reach more than 130oFAverage rainfall is less than 10 inches per yearExpanding in a process known as desertification

The Sahara Desert in Illizi, Algeria

A sandstorm moves across the Atlantic Ocean

A sandstorm moves towards a U.S. Army base

A sandstorm moves towards a U.S. Army base

Sahara DesertMost people living in the Sahara are nomadsSpecifically called Bedouins, meaning “desert dweller”Typically herd animals such as camels, sheep, & goatsLive in tentsRely on extended families *Farming & village life does occur in oases

Farming in Libyan oases using fossil water

Nile River

Nile RiverLongest river in the world—4,184 milesFlows from south (Lake Victoria) to north (Mediterranean Sea)Ancient Egyptians depended upon the annual flooding of the Nile for their farming, etc.Even today, 95% of Egyptians live within 12 miles of the Nile

Women carrying water from the Nile River Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/55228353@N00/3301489736/

Sailing on the Nile Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/77456049@N00/38982868/

The Nile River in Cairo, Egypt

Tigris & Euphrates Rivers

Tigris & Euphrates RiversFormed the boundaries of Mesopotamia—the birthplace of civilizationAncient Babylon was built on the Euphrates RiverModern Baghdad is built on the Tigris River

Tigris River from above Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10190604@N06/2274210607/

The Euphrates River in Iraq Photo Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Euphrates_River-Iraq.jpg

The Dead Sea

Dead SeaLocated 1,385 feet below sea levelNo rivers drain out—water only leaves through evaporationOne of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth—about 33%Almost 9 times saltier than the oceanCalled “Dead” because no fish can live in itRapidly shrinking

The Dead Sea, Israel

Tourist floating on the Dead Sea, Israel Photo Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dead_sea_newspaper.jpg