Martin - 9.2 Climate of Southwest Asia

Pakistan

Bangladesh

Nepal

Sri Lanka

Using the map, match the South Asian country to the correct climate zone. Tropical Dry Temperate Polar

Warm Up

You can submit blank!

Climate of South Asia

Let's get started

Picture yourself outside on a warm summer day, feeling the sun's heat on your face, when suddenly, you see a few dark clouds gathering in the sky. Within minutes, those few clouds have turned into many, and the sky becomes completely grey. Then, like a giant faucet turning on, raindrops start to fall gently, and before you know it, the gentle rain turns into a downpour that lasts for months on end! How would this type of weather affect your life?

Poll

Monsoons

In South Asia, the monsoon is a significant weather phenomenon that impacts millions. Huge clouds gather in the sky, ready to bring rain. Monsoons are seasonal winds that deliver a vast amount of rain to the region. Watch the video on monsoons below to learn why they are vital for the environment.

Himalayan wildlife like snow leopards, yaks, and the goat-like tahr are adapted to survive harsh conditions with thick fur and skills for rugged terrain.

Polar Climate Zone

At the highest elevations in the world, the Himalayas are home to some of the coldest climates in South Asia, where snow and ice reign supreme. The peaks are so high that they reach into the skies where airplanes fly.

+ info

Polar Region

Polar winters are long and harsh, while summers are cool, averaging 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Only the hardiest plants and animals survive here, and few people endure the frigid conditions.

Did you know that...In Genially you will find more than 1,000 templates ready for you to introduce your content and customize them, which will help you tell your stories.

Think About It!

Chat or Mic: What are some challenges people living in the polar region face?

Climate Zones

Continental VS Temperate

Continental

• hot & cold winters
• significant temp differences between seasons
• northern regions, like parts of northern India and Pakistan
• impacts agriculture & daily life

vs

Temperate

• hot summers & mild winters
• opportunities for many different animal and plant species to thrive
• Climate is due to the Himalayan Mtns. blocking the cold winds from Central Asia

A camel tourist group stopped in the Thar Desert

Thar Desert

Dry Climate Zones

In the northwest, you encounter another world altogether—the Thar Desert. This vast area experiences an arid climate, meaning it is dry and receives very little rain. Days can be scorching hot, averaging over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while nights might see the temperatures tumble down closer to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite cool.

+ info

If you venture further south, you reach a place that is warm all year round. The tropical regions are hot and often humid, which might make you feel sweaty quite quickly. People living here are used to the rain falling regularly, keeping the land lush and green.

If you venture further south, you reach a place that is warm all year round. The tropical regions are hot and often humid, which might make you feel sweaty quite quickly. People living here are used to the rain falling regularly, keeping the land lush and green.

Tropical Climate Zone

The tropical zone in central and southern India has hot temperatures year-round, with a dry season from October to May and a wet monsoon from June to September, bringing essential rain for crops.

Tsunamis

Cyclones

Flooding

The high temperatures of the hot season in South Asia and the heavy rains that come with the monsoons are a mixed blessing for the region. Unfortunately, these weather and climate patterns often lead to natural disasters.

Droughts

Natural Disasters

Wrap up:South Asia’s climate is incredibly varied, containing all five Köppen climate zones. It also plays a huge part in shaping the lives of its inhabitants, from what they grow as crops to the kinds of houses they build.

Exit Ticket

Which climate zone you would like to visit in South Asia? Chat/Mic

They depend on high-altitude agriculture like barley and potatoes, and rely on livestock such as yaks for transport, milk, and wool. The harsh climate creates isolated, close-knit communities due to challenging travel and communication.

Use Zoom Tools to stamp an area that is in the DRY Climate Zone on the map.

Too much rain can also cause issues for South Asia. In the low areas of Bangladesh, monsoons can cause devastating flooding. Flooding is very common in South Asia because of the yearly monsoons. Impacts of floods include the deaths of people and livestock living in the region, leaving thousands of people homeless and ruining crops.

Tectonic plate movement in the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean creates tsunamis in the region. In December 2004, a tsunami struck parts of South Asia. In Sri Lanka, many fishing villages were destroyed, and more than 30,000 people were killed. The large amounts of saltwater that are deposited on land during tsunamis have also impacted the freshwater used for agriculture and drinking.

The extreme heat in South Asia causes rapid water evaporation and low rainfall, leading to droughts. This results in crop failures and water shortages. The image shows families collecting water from a truck during the 2024 water crisis in India.

During the monsoon season, the skies open up and bring heavy rains that water the crops and fill the rivers in this region. The monsoons also create large deciduous forests in the temperate climate zones. These forests support a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and many bird species.

Use this side of the card to define Concept 2 and highlight its differences with Concept 1. Compare briefly.

Monsoon: Seasonal Winds Cyclone: are storms or wind systems that rotate around a low atmospheric pressure. Tahr: a goat-like mammal that lives on cliffs and mountain slopes

Concept 2

Learners can:

• describe monsoons and their geographical impact on the region

• identify the different climate zones present in South Asia

Vocabulary: cyclone, monsoon, tahr

Cyclones, similar to hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, are also a natural hazard in South Asia. They create high winds and heavy rains and can have harmful impacts on the region. People can be greatly injured or even killed by these storms. Cyclones can also ruin crops and forests, and destroy bridges and power lines.

This desert’s climate challenges the people and animals living there to find water and shade to keep cool under the intense sun. However, people have adapted by developing irrigation systems and growing drought-resistant crops, like millet, cumin, and mustard seeds.

This is pearl millet, a type of grain that can grow in dry conditions with poor soil.

Starting around June, these winds come from the Indian Ocean, heavy with moisture, and pour down upon countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. These intense rains can last until September, and they transform the landscape. Rivers rise, fields grow lush and green, and farmers eagerly await this season to plant their crops. It is a time of growth and prosperity.