The Persian Gulf

1. The Persian Gulf

2. Natural Environments • Countries included here are: • Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. • This region is also referred to as the Middle East.

3. Natural Environments • Tectonic forces have shaped the physical features of this region. • There is a mixture of rugged mountains, upland plateaus, and valleys. • Plate movement has also created narrow gulfs and seas, which are bordered by coastal plains.

4. Natural Environments • There are also frequent earthquakes in the area. • To the north and east of the Arabian Peninsula is a region called Mesopotamia. • This is located mostly in Iraq and is a wide plain through which two great rivers flow.

5. Natural Environments • These two rivers are the Tigris and the Euphrates. • They are exotic rivers, or rivers that begin in humid regions and then flow across dry areas.

6. Climates, Plants, and Animals • Hot and dry climates dominate the region. • Rain comes mostly during the winter due to the westerly winds of the middle latitudes. • The southern interior is mostly uninhabited desert called the Rub’-al-Khali.

7. Climates, Plants, and Animals • The region’s mountains provide water to the valleys below. • An orographic effect produces these more humid climates. • The region’s wettest climate is in Iran in a narrow zone along the southern shore of the Caspian Sea.

8. Climates, Plants, and Animals • The lowlands of Saudi Arabia along the Persian Gulf are among the hottest places in the world. • Because of the subtropical high pressure with clear skies and little shade, the temperatures often climb above 114 degees.

9. Climates, Plants, and Animals • Little rain here, but since it is close to the sea, the humidity is high. • There are mountain regions near here though that people can escape to get away from the heat.

10. Climates, Plants, and Animals • Shrubs and grasses cover the region’s wide dry plains. • Trees are common only in mountain regions and the usually dry streambeds. • The highest plains are grasslands.

11. Climates, Plants, and Animals • In the driest areas the ground is bare rock and sand. • In some areas the soil is so salty plants can’t grow. • Nearly all the region’s plants have adapted to surviving long periods of time with no water.

12. Climates, Plants, and Animals • There are few large animals left in the region due to hunting from humans and competition from other large animals. • Camels, donkeys, lizards, and poisonous snakes are common in the region.

13. Natural Resources • The regions two most important resources are oil and water. • The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers are the main sources of water in Iraq. • Canals lead away from the rivers bringing water to the surrounding areas.

14. Natural Resources • Most farmers depend on rain for agriculture. • Surface water is rare in the desert areas. Only found at an oasis. • Sea water to fresh water?

15. Natural Resources • Oil is the regions most valuable resource. • The oil reserves along the Persian Gulf are the largest in the world. • The region has few other resources though for developing industry.