China has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, deserts, plains, and rivers. Mountains cover one-third of the country and include the high-altitude Plateau of Tibet. Deserts like the Taklamakan and Gobi are very hot and dry. Plains along the coast are fertile and home to most of China's large population. Major rivers include the Yellow River, known as "China's Sorrow" due to its destructive flooding, and the Yangtze River, where a massive new dam is being constructed to control floods. Climate varies widely due to geography but is influenced by monsoons along coastal areas.

1. Chapter 23 Section 1 China

2. China Capital: Beijing Population: 1,313,973,713 Environmental Issues: air pollution, water shortages Natural Resources: coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas

3. People’s Republic of China Covers – 3,600,930 square miles 4th largest country in the world (behind Canada, Russia, United States)

5. Mountains

6. Geography Features Mountains Cover 1/3 of China Can be found in western China and along the southern border with Nepal Has the largest plateau in the world

7. The Plateau of Tibet Called the “Roof of the World” Averages above 13,000 feet above sea level Has shrubs and grasses cover the country side Home to Pandas and other rare animals

8. Deserts Taklmakan Isolated area of China that has some of the highest temperatures in the world Sandstorms may last several days and create large sand dunes Gobi Found in Northeastern China Made up of rock and gravel instead of sand There are extreme temperature ranges in this region

9. Plains and Highlands Plains can be found along the coast of the North and South China’s Seas Fertile fields Home to 90% of China’s population

10. Rivers

11. Huang He River Also know as the Yellow River Chinese call this river “China’s Sorrow” because the flooding of this river has cost thousands of people their lives and has caused a lot of property damage.

12. Chang Jiang River To help Control flooding – China has begun construction of the largest dam in the world. Called the Three Gorges Dam Will provide electricity for industries Xi River Found in southern China

13. Climates Similar to the United States Has a wide variety of climate areas Location, elevation, and wind currents affect climate Monsoons greatly affect climate Monsoons create typhoons in coastal areas.