THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE ARABIAN PENINSULA

CHAPTER 7

THERE ARE 4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTS

1.Deserts2.Oasis3.Coastal Plains4.Mountains

DESCRIPTION OF THE DESERT ENVIRONMENT

Very dry. Extreme

Temperature (hot during the summer months, and below freezing during the winter).

Violent sand

storms (windy), with occasional rain.

Strong winds can change the landscape.

ADAPTIONS FOR LIVING IN THE DESERT People live nomadic lives. They move

from place to place. Use camels for transportation. Wear loose-fitting long clothes for

protection from the sun and sand. Use herd animals (camels, goats, and

sheep) for food, shelter, and clothing. Conduct trade (barter) via camel caravans.

DESCRIPTION OF THE OASIS ENVIRONMENT

Most fertile land in the desert to grow crops, due to water that has been trapped underground and seeping to the surface.

Fresh water allows for plants and trees to grow, which are used for shade. Oases provide life sustaining water and nourishment for animals and humans.

ADAPTIONS FOR LIVING NEAR AN OASIS People are sedentary (permanently

settled). They don’t move!! Settlers dig deep wells to store/save

water. Settlers grow dates, peaches, and

grains. Palm trees have many uses. Towns begin to develop. Conduct trade with nomads.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COASTAL PLAIN ENVIRONMENT

The air is damp. Rains regularly. When it rains, sometimes dry riverbeds

fill with water. Natural harbors along the coast.

ADAPTIONS FOR LIVING ON THE COASTAL PLAIN

Settlers grow grains, fruits, vegetables, and trees for frankincense and myrrh.

Settlers dig wells, build small dams, and construct irrigation systems to save water for personal consumption and farming.

Conduct extensive sea trade with sailors from other parts of the Arabian Peninsula and Europe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT

1,000 to 12,000 feet above sea level in elevation. Moist winds from the Indian ocean keep the

temperature cool. Good rainfall causing dry riverbeds to fill up during

storms. Frost on the ground during winter, and at higher

elevations.

ADAPTIONS FOR LIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS

Settlers use terrace farming to grow crops.

Settlers build small dams, construct irrigation systems for farming and storage of rainwater.

Grow crops of melons, pomegranates, and trees for frankincense and myrrh.

Use ashes and manure for fertilizer.

DECISION TIME….

If you were moving to the Arabian Peninsula, what environment would you want to live in? Why?

Think about it.