The physical geography of Asia is characterized by great diversity, including plateaus, deserts, mountains, rivers, and islands. Some key physical features include: - The Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains, home to the highest peaks in the world such as Mount Everest. - Major rivers like the Yellow River, Yangtze, Ganges, Indus, and Mekong that support agriculture but are also prone to flooding. - Large deserts like the Gobi, Thar, Arabian, and Karakum that cover much of Central Asia. - Volcanic islands throughout Southeast Asia, with active volcanoes like Krakatoa and Mount Mayon.