2011-2012 Geography Project

Mekong RiverYu Qi Xian, Angel

4A(38)

Location starts in the Tibetan Plateau and

the river runs through China's Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

world's 12th-longest river ,2,600 miles.

largest river in Southeast Asia

Map

Background

the heart and soul of mainland Southeast Asia

one of the world’s most diverse fisheries supporter

provider of food, water, transport and many other aspects for local people

The Mekong River is…

Hydrology

Lower Basin1)below the border between Myanmar and Laos2)1,485 miles in length

Sources of channel flow:-Seasonal precipitation caused by monsoon windsClimate-Warm(usually around 23º C to 32º C)

HydrologyUpper Basin1)long, narrow valley comprises roughly 1/4of the total area2)cuts through the mountains and plateaus of China.

Sources of channel flow-From the Ang and Cha streams at local

Natural resourcesmineral resources gold, copper, lead, zinc, phosphate,

potash, oil and gas, coal and gemstone

Non-timber forestimportant source of income for

rural people supply markets with a vast array

of plant and animal products

Natural Resources

Wetlands productive environment for 1)agriculture,2)aquaculture, 3)capture fisheries,4)non-fish aquatic goods,5)tourism revenue

Threats The Mekong River system suffers

from…

a. Deforestation changed runoff patterns increased sedimentation

b. Destroy the ecosystem Lead to extinct of numerous fish

species

Threats

c. Overfishingthe increased use of poisons

d. Pollution Largely untreated urban,

industrial, and agricultural pollution.

Development

Hydropowermeet the growing needs of

energy services focus on overall effectiveness

of projects within a basin-wide perspective.

DevelopmentGiant Dams Ecosystem of the river and a

way of life are threatened by a proposal to construct a massive dam in Laos.

InspectorMekong River Commission

set up in 1995promote and coordinate sustainable

managementdevelopment of water and related

resources for the countries' mutual benefit

Measures

Basin PlanningLower Mekong Basin: economic growth, industrialisation and urbanisation.

Water Quality Managementmaintain good quality water for locals’ daily life

Measures

National Mekong Committeebetter cooperation for maintaining Mekong’s water quality and implement procedure.

Landscapes

Fishermen and farmers are selling their products in the Mekong Market.

Children enjoy swimming in the Mekong River.

A fisherman is fishing in the Mekong.

Landscapes

Reflection

Protect the environment

Personally:-reduce water using -encourage other people-fix the leak pipes

ReflectionProtect the environmentGovernment:-inspect the discharge of industrial pollutes-set up laws to watch over pollution fountainhead-establish international cooperation committee -educate the public

Reference

• http://www.economist.com/node/21542480• http://www.internationalrivers.org/china/lancang-mekong-

river• http://www.bjkp.gov.cn/bjkpzc/tszr/dl/hlhp/124586.shtml• http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/geography/

mekongriver.htm• http://botrakhmerangkor.blogspot.com/2010/08/is-it-end-

for-mekong-giant-catfish.html• http://www.mrcmekong.org/the-mekong-basin/physiography

/• http://adsoftheworld.com/forum/61072• http://waterengnet.com/2011/top-10-ways-to-save-water/• http://www.mrcmekong.org/• Google

THANK YOU!