Physical Geography of China and Mongolia

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1 East Asia

2 China and Mongolia

3 Physical Geography of China and Mongolia

4 Physical Geography of China Landforms China can be divided into two parts: the mountains and plateaus of the west, and the plains and hills of the east. The east contains the majority of the population, as the land is conducive to farming. The mountainous barriers of the west kept China isolated for millennia. The Gobi desert, in north-central China, is the source of frequent dust storms in the region. The Himalaya separate China from South Asia.

6 Physical Geography of China Water Systems The Plateau of Tibet is the source of China s major rivers that flow eastward toward the Pacific Ocean. The Huang He (Yellow River) is filled with loess, a fine, nutrient-rich topsoil that makes the North China Plain ideal for farming. The Chang Jiang (Yangtze River) is a major transportation route and home to the Three Gorges Dam. The Xi (Pearl River) serves rapidly developing areas in China, like the port of Guangzhou.

8 Physical Geography of China Climates, Biomes, and Resources Climates are extremely diverse, ranging from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north. The monsoons, or seasonal winds, direct the weather patterns of China. Typhoons, large violent storms, threaten the region between August and late October. China has a wealth of mineral resources and vast petroleum reserves. Not only the world s top producer of rice, China leads in farm output of many crops.

10 Physical Geography of China Stop and Jot: Answer the following questions on a sheet of paper. Will turn in at end of class. 1. Where do most people live in China(N,S,E,W)? Why? 2. What major river is used for both transportation and hydroelectric power? (3 Gorges Dam) 3. What does China have vast reserves of (resource)?

12 Human Geography of China

13 Human Geography of China History and Government Dynasties, or ruling families, were believed to rule under the Mandate of Heaven, or approval from the gods. Confucius (Kongfuzi), China s most famous teacher and philosopher, founded an ideology based on discipline and proper moral conduct. Daoism is still practiced today and stresses harmony with nature and simple living. The Communists took power in China in 1949, but Taiwan and Mongolia are more democratic.

15 Human Geography of China History and Government Stop and Jot: 1. What is another name for Ruling Families? 2. What religion encourages harmony with nature and simple living?

16 Human Geography of China Population Patterns The Ethnic Han Chinese comprise 92 percent of the population of China and speak Mandarin. 90 percent of China s population lives on onesixth of the land. Mongolia s population is primarily ethnic Mongolian and has a low population density. Urban migration is rapidly increasing in China. China s one-child policy has reduced the growth rate but also causes problems.

18 Human Geography of China Population Patterns Stop and Jot: 3. What ethnic group are most Chinese people? What language do they speak? 4. What policy has slowed population growth in China?

19 Human Geography of China Society and Culture Today The government has promoted efforts to increase literacy across all social strata. The government exerts power over religious and personal freedoms. China s rich artistic heritage of poetry, porcelain, and opera are experiencing a resurgence. The family is the most important social unit. The one-child rule, along with the preference for boys, has resulted in the death of many female infants through purposeful neglect.

21 Human Geography of China Society and Culture Today Stop and Jot: 5. What controls religious and personal freedoms in China? 6. What is the most important social unit in China?

22 Human Geography of China Economic Activities China s large agricultural workforce produces the most rice, wheat, and tea worldwide. China is the world s largest exporter and uses its undervalued Yuan to keep export prices down. Human rights issues are a troubling concern, as those who speak out are treated harshly. Former British colony Hong Kong is in a Special Economic Zone, meaning it welcomes foreign investment with minimal governmental interference.

24 Human Geography of China Economic Activities Stop and Jot: 7. What is China the world s largest producer of? 8. What human rights are being threatened in China?

25 People and their Environment: China

26 People and Their Environment: China Managing Resources Meeting the demand for more electric power has become a pressing issue and has led to the creation of the Three Gorges Dam. The dam has endangered many plants and animals, and caused some to go extinct. China burns fossil fuels as its primary source of power, resulting in massive pollution. China has plans to build nuclear power plants in the future.

28 People and Their Environment: China Managing Resources Stop and Jot: 1. Why was the Three Gorges Dam built? 2. What has led to massive air pollution in China?

29 People and Their Environment: China Human Impact Globalization now exerts a greater influence on Chinese life than it ever has before. Suppressed before the late 1970s, the loosening of government control has resulted in the rise of regional identities. The Guangdong region where Hong Kong is located is the main gateway for foreign influence. Power in East Asia has shifted to China, worrying its neighbors and others worldwide.

31 People and Their Environment: China Human Impact Stop and Jot: 3. What worries China s neighbors? 4. What has happened to governmental control since the late 1970s? What has this led to?

32 People and Their Environment: China Addressing the Issues Economic growth has created great benefits, but also severe environmental problems. Urban areas are plagued by severe pollution. Clean water is a problem, with 70 percent of China s lakes and rivers polluted. Pollution has made cancer the leading killer in China. The overwhelming focus on economic growth has led national and local governments to ignore protective regulation.

34 People and Their Environment: China Addressing the Issues Stop and Jot: 3. How has economic growth not been a good thing? 4. What percentage of China s lakes and rivers are polluted?

35 Japan

36 Physical Geography of Japan

37 Physical Geography of Japan Landforms Although there are 6,800 islands in its archipelago, a group or chain of islands, Japan consists of four main islands: Hokkaidō, Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū. Most Japanese live along the coastal lowlands. Japan s location in the Ring of Fire results in volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. When earthquakes occur, a major tsunami, or huge wave, can form, causing massive property damage and many casualties.

39 Physical Geography of Japan Landforms STOP AND JOT: 1. Where do most Japanese live? Why? 2. What is an Archipelago?

40 Physical Geography of Japan Water Systems Japan has short, swift rivers that flow from the mountains and plunge over cliffs, often as stunning waterfalls. Japanese rivers cross alluvial plains before emptying into the sea. Increasing demand for water by industry and agriculture remains a challenge. Many of Japan s coastal lakes were formed when river valleys became dammed by silt or sandbars.

42 Physical Geography of Japan Water Systems STOP AND JOT: 3. What resource is at risk because of increased agriculture and industry? 4. What caused coastal lakes to develop?

43 Physical Geography of Japan Climates, Biomes, and Resources Overall, Japan has a mild climate with abundant rainfall. The northern latitudes experience a humid continental climate, while further south is a humid, subtropical climate. Most of Japan is forested, and large land mammals and birds still thrive in isolated mountain regions. As an island nation, Japan relies heavily on the sea for food, but is also a leading rice producer.

45 Physical Geography of Japan Climates, Biomes, and Resources STOP AND JOT: 5. What do most people rely on for food? 6. How has isolation impacted the plant and wildlife in Japan?

46 Human Geography of Japan

47 Human Geography of Japan History and Government China and Korea influenced early Japan. In the 1100s, warring armies brought about the shogunate, with samurai, or professional warriors, supporting the shogun s rule. Japan remained isolated until the 1800s. During the Meiji Restoration, society, government, and the economy rapidly modernized. After its defeat in World War II, Japan emerged as a democracy and global economic power.

49 Human Geography of Japan History and Government STOP AND JOT: 1. Who were the Samurai? Who were the Shogun? 2. During what period did Japan rapidly modernize?

50 Human Geography of Japan Population Patterns 99 percent of Japanese belong to the same ethnic group. Most Japanese live along the coasts or in valleys or plains. Urban populations are high, with approximately 80 percent of the population living in urban areas. Extreme urbanization affects all aspects of Japanese life, including architecture, housing, transportation, and daily activities.

52 Human Geography of Japan Population Patterns STOP AND JOT: 3. What percentage of Japanese people belong to the same ethnic group? 4. How has rapid urbanization affected Japanese culture?

53 Human Geography of Japan Society and Culture Today The written form of the Japanese language is partly derived from Chinese, and has also incorporated English words. Shinto, Japan s predominant religion, emphasizes reverence for nature. Though Japan enjoys the longest life expectancy in the world, it is coupled with a low birthrate, straining health and social services. Women are still expected to attend to household tasks, but more are entering the workforce.

55 Human Geography of Japan Society and Culture Today STOP AND JOT: 5. What is Shinto? What does it emphasize? 6. Why is Japan struggling in health and social services even though it has the longest life expectancy?

56 Human Geography of Japan Economic Activities Japan s industrial economy is based on a mixed market system. Lacking ample natural resources, Japan has focused on trade to expand its economy. Japanese companies play an important societal role, with most people expecting to remain at their company until retirement. Due to the fact that Japan restricts imports, it has a trade surplus, because the value of its exports is greater than the value of its imports.

58 Human Geography of Japan Economic Activities STOP AND JOT: 7. Why has Japan had to focus on trade to expand its economy? 8. What is a trade surplus?

59 People and their Environment: Japan

60 People and Their Environment: Japan Managing Resources With a limited supply of fossil fuels, Japan turned to nuclear energy, but a series of accidents has exposed people to dangerous levels of radiation. Japan is grappling with meeting the demand for energy in an affordable, safe manner. Investments in solar power, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal projects have expanded to help address this need.

62 People and Their Environment: Japan Managing Resources STOP AND JOT: 1. Why has Japan had to rely on Nuclear Energy? 2. What other alternatives has Japan invested in to provide cheap renewable energy?

63 People and Their Environment: Japan Human Impact Japan s rapid industrialization also brought about severe and widespread pollution problems. In the 1970s Japan began adopting stricter rules to protect air and water quality, but acidic rain remains a problem. Its reliance on the sea for food has led to the overfishing of many species. Despite an international ban, Japan is the largest consumer of whale meat.

65 People and Their Environment: Japan Human Impact STOP AND JOT: 1. What did rapid industrialization cause in Japan? 2. What still remains a problem due to pollution even though Japan began environmental reform in the 1970s?

66 People and Their Environment: Japan Addressing the Issues Japan is a leader in addressing environmental issues and supporting industries that profit from sustainable growth. Through the Kyoto Protocol, Japan has been working to mitigate the effects of climate change. By encouraging aquaculture and establishing quotas for fishing, Japan is attempting to offset declining fish stocks and promote the growth of fish populations.

67 People and Their Environment: Japan Addressing the Issues STOP AND JOT: 1. What is Japan doing to prevent overfishing? 2. What is Japan doing to address Environmental issues?

68 North and South Korea

69 Physical Geography of North and South Korea

70 Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea Landforms The mountainous Korean Peninsula lies between China and Japan. In 1945 the peninsula was split into the Democratic People s Republic of Korea, or North Korea, and the Republic of Korea, or South Korea. North Korea is the more rugged of the two. Many waterways in the region trace their source to the T aebaek Mountains. Most people live along the lowlands and the coastline in both countries.

72 Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea Landforms STOP AND JOT: 1. In what year did North and South Korea split? 2. Where do most people live on the Korean Peninsula?

73 Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea Water Systems South Korea is home to the Han River, which flows through its capital Seoul, along with the Kŭm and the Naktong Rivers. North Korea s longest river is the Yalu, which forms the border between North Korea and China. Large river valleys are important to farming and settlement in both countries. Water levels in the rivers vary throughout the year.

75 Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea Water Systems STOP AND JOT: 3. What landform is important to farming in both countries? 4. What river flows through Seoul, South Korea?

76 Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea Climates, Biomes, and Resources The Korean Peninsula has a continental climate of cold winters and hot summers. Monsoons bring heavy rains to the peninsula in the summer. Due to deforestation, large predators like tigers and bears are nearly gone from the peninsula. Neither country has much farmland because of the rugged terrain. Rice is the peninsula s most important crop, and both countries rely heavily on fish and seafood.

78 Physical Geography of North Korea and South Korea Climates, Biomes, and Resources STOP AND JOT: 5. How has deforestation impacted both regions wildlife? 6. What is the peninsula s most important crop? What else do they rely on?

79 Human Geography of North and South Korea

80 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea History and Government Greatly influenced by China, Korea adopted the principles of Confucianism, which provided the basis for a complex bureaucracy. Korea became a hermit kingdom, until Japan forced Korea to open its ports in Japan annexed Korea in 1910, creating anti- Japanese sentiment. After World War II, the Soviets set up a government in what became North Korea. Today, North Korea remains isolated, while South Korea is an open, democratic society.

82 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea History and Government STOP AND JOT: 1. Who set up a communist government in North Korea? 2. How has Confucianism impacted Korean government?

83 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea Population Patterns The peninsula is one of the most ethnically homogenous regions in the world, with nearly all inhabitants originating from China and central Asia. North Korea s population is about half of South Korea s. Food shortages and political persecution plague life in North Korea. South Korea s population is mostly urban, and population density is high.

85 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea Population Patterns STOP AND JOT: 3. What issues do Koreans face? 4. Where do most people in South Korea live?

86 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea Society and Culture Today Both nations speak Korean. Despite their shared ethnicity, the two countries have created a cultural divergence, separations of people with regard to beliefs because of differing political systems. With little freedom in North Korea, many things are prohibited, such as religion, and artistic and personal expression. With more opportunities, women in South Korea have become increasingly active in the economy.

88 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea Society and Culture Today STOP AND JOT: 5. What has led to a cultural divergence between the two countries? 6. What differences are there in the way of life between North and South Koreans?

89 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea Economic Activities North Korea has a command economy, where the state plans and controls all economic production. North Korea has a massive food problem, with many citizens facing starvation. South Korea has transformed from one of the poorest nations to a highly industrialized society. High tech manufacturing, along with the service industry, forms much of South Korea s economy. North Korea remains aloof, engaging in limited trade with its partners.

91 Human Geography of North Korea and South Korea Economic Activities STOP AND JOT: 7. What is a command Economy? What has this led to in North Korea? 8. What industry forms much of South Korea s economy?

92 People and their Environment: North and South Korea

93 People and Their Environment: North Korea and South Korea Managing Resources South Korea s economic transformation has created a serious air pollution problem. Sewage and sanitation have not kept up with South Korea s population growth. Untreated sewage is pumped directly into the Pacific Ocean, polluting water and affecting fish supplies. North Korea has polluted its primary river the Taedong, and the coal burned for heat causes air pollution.

95 People and Their Environment: North Korea and South Korea Managing Resources STOP AND JOT: 1. Why is there a serious air pollution problem in South Korea? 2. How has a lack of infrastructure harmed South Korea s water resources?

96 People and Their Environment: North Korea and South Korea Human Impact Deforestation has affected the entire Korean peninsula, reducing the habitats of many animals. The isolation and secrecy of North Korea s government makes monitoring environmental problems there difficult. Concerns have developed over drift-net fishing, the use of huge nets for fishing, because it results in the unintended deaths of many sea mammals like whales and dolphins.

98 People and Their Environment: North Korea and South Korea Human Impact STOP AND JOT: 3. Why is it difficult for outside governments to monitor environmental problems in North Korea? 4. What is Drift-Net Fishing? Why is it a problem?

99 People and Their Environment: North Korea and South Korea Addressing the Issues North Korea has started a reforestation program to help combat some of its environmental issues. Although the North Korean government encourages the use of fertilizer, reports indicate that it is not being fully implemented. South Korea has succeeded in restoring forests to nearly two-thirds of the country. South Korea hopes to expand its green efforts.

100

101 People and Their Environment: North Korea and South Korea Addressing the Issues STOP AND JOT: 5. How has North Korea s and South Korea s efforts in reforestation been successful? Or not successful? 6. How has North Korea attempted to fix its malnutrition problem?

Physical Geography of East Asia

Physical Geography of East Asia Satellite View of China Landforms of China China s Geography China Miles 0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 United States 3 rd largest country in the world. Comparable to the US