The video lesson is devoted to the topic "Natural resources of foreign Asia". From the lesson, you will learn about the natural resource potential of Foreign Asia, get acquainted with the main resources that are rich in various parts of Asia. The teacher will tell you about the Asian leading countries in terms of the provision of various types of resources.

Theme: Overseas Asia

Lesson: Natural resources of foreign Asia

The provision of foreign Asia with resources is determined, first of all, by the variety of relief, location, nature and climate.

The area is extremely homogeneous in terms of tectonic structure and topography: within its boundaries, the greatest amplitude of heights on earth (more than 9000 m) is noted, both ancient Precambrian platforms and areas of young Cenozoic folding, grandiose mountainous countries and vast plains are located here. As a result, the mineral resources of foreign Asia are very diverse.

The main pools of coal, iron and manganese ores, and non-metallic minerals are concentrated within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. Within the Alpine-Himalayan and Pacific fold belts, ores predominate, including a copper belt along the Pacific coast. But the main wealth of the region, which also determines its role in the international geographical division of labor, is oil and gas. Oil and gas reserves have been explored in most countries of Southwest Asia (Mesopotamian trough of the earth's crust). The main deposits are located in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, large oil and gas fields have been explored in the countries of the Malay Archipelago. Indonesia and Malaysia stand out especially in terms of reserves. The countries of Central Asia are also rich in oil and gas (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).

The largest salt reserves are in the Dead Sea. There are large reserves of sulfur and non-ferrous metals in the Iranian Highlands. In general, Asia is one of the main regions of the world in terms of mineral reserves.

Countries with the largest reserves and diversity of minerals:

3. Indonesia.

5. Kazakhstan.

6. Turkey.

7. Saudi Arabia.

The agro-climatic resources of Asia are heterogeneous. Vast massifs of mountainous countries, deserts and semi-deserts are hardly suitable for economic activity, with the exception of animal husbandry; the provision of arable land is low and continues to decline (as the population grows and soil erosion increases). But on the plains of the east and south, quite favorable conditions for agriculture are created. Asia contains 70% of the world's irrigated land.

The countries of East and Southeast Asia, as well as some regions of South Asia, have the largest reserves of water resources. At the same time, water resources are sorely lacking in the countries of the Persian Gulf.

Rice. 2. Desalination plant in Israel ()

In terms of general indicators, China, India, and Indonesia are provided with soil resources to the greatest extent.

The largest reserves of forest resources: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, India.

Rice. 3. Rainforests in Malaysia ()

Homework

Topic 7, Item 1

1. What are the features of the placement of mineral resources in foreign Asia?

2. Give examples of foreign Asian countries and their characteristic resources.

Bibliography

Main

1. Geography. A basic level of. 10-11 cells: Textbook for educational institutions / A.P. Kuznetsov, E.V. Kim. - 3rd ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, 2012. - 367 p.

2. Economic and social geography of the world: Proc. for 10 cells. educational institutions / V.P. Maksakovskiy. - 13th ed. - M .: Education, JSC "Moscow textbooks", 2005. - 400 p.

3. Atlas with a set of contour maps for grade 10. Economic and social geography of the world. - Omsk: Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Omsk Cartographic Factory", 2012. - 76 p.

Additional

1. Economic and social geography of Russia: Textbook for universities / Ed. prof. A.T. Khrushchev. - M.: Bustard, 2001. - 672 p.: ill., cart.: tsv. incl.

Encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books and statistical collections

1. Geography: a guide for high school students and university applicants. - 2nd ed., corrected. and dorab. - M.: AST-PRESS SCHOOL, 2008. - 656 p.

Literature for preparing for the GIA and the Unified State Examination

1. Thematic control in geography. Economic and social geography of the world. Grade 10 / E.M. Ambartsumova. - M.: Intellect-Centre, 2009. - 80 p.

2. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2010. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Astrel, 2010. - 221 p.

3. The optimal bank of tasks for preparing students. Unified State Exam 2012. Geography: Textbook / Comp. EM. Ambartsumova, S.E. Dyukov. - M.: Intellect-Centre, 2012. - 256 p.

4. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2010. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2010. - 223 p.

5. Geography. Diagnostic work in the format of the Unified State Examination 2011. - M .: MTSNMO, 2011. - 72 p.

6. USE 2010. Geography. Collection of tasks / Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Eksmo, 2009. - 272 p.

7. Tests in geography: Grade 10: to the textbook by V.P. Maksakovskiy “Economic and social geography of the world. Grade 10 / E.V. Baranchikov. - 2nd ed., stereotype. - M.: Publishing house "Exam", 2009. - 94 p.

8. Study guide for geography. Tests and practical tasks in geography / I.A. Rodionov. - M.: Moscow Lyceum, 1996. - 48 p.

9. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2009. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2009. - 250 p.

10. Unified state exam 2009. Geography. Universal materials for the preparation of students / FIPI - M .: Intellect-Center, 2009. - 240 p.

11. Geography. Answers on questions. Oral exam, theory and practice / V.P. Bondarev. - M.: Publishing house "Exam", 2003. - 160 p.

12. USE 2010. Geography: thematic training tasks / O.V. Chicherina, Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Eksmo, 2009. - 144 p.

13. USE 2012. Geography: Standard exam options: 31 options / Ed. V.V. Barabanova. - M.: National Education, 2011. - 288 p.

14. USE 2011. Geography: Standard exam options: 31 options / Ed. V.V. Barabanova. - M.: National Education, 2010. - 280 p.

Materials on the Internet

1. Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements ( ).

2. Federal portal Russian Education ().

Central Asia is one of the dynamically developing regions of the world, which occupies an important geopolitical position, has a significant human and fairly high aggregate economic potential, natural and industrial resources.

Central Asia (CA), covers inland Asia within the People's Republic of China and the Mongolian People's Republic. The total area is about 6 million square meters. km. Most of the territory is an area of ​​internal runoff. Semi-deserts and deserts predominate, a significant part of the territory is mountains and intermountain valleys.

On the territory of the region of different climatic zones with a wide variety of natural conditions, there are Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, which, according to the UN criteria, are classified as developing countries. Occupying the seventh place in the world in terms of area (of which Kazakhstan, which occupies 2.7 million square kilometers, is among the top nine largest countries in the world), the Central Asian countries have significant land resources, in terms of arable land (Kazakhstan - 19.4 million hectares, Uzbekistan - 4, Kyrgyzstan - 1.4, Tajikistan - 0.9) can become a self-sufficient and developed region. The region is currently characterized by a high birth rate, the population is expected to increase to 70 million people in the near future.

Table 1. - Population of the countries of Central Asia (million people)

and occupied territory

							Area, thousand sq. km
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
*CIA data.* According to CIS experts, the population of Turkmenistan in 2005-2006 was five million people.

All the states of the region are currently undergoing a period of political and economic transformations that have a strong influence on the situation within countries and on international relations, both within the region and with states outside it. The group of factors contributing to the formation of a more independent energy policy of the Central Asian countries includes optimistic forecasts of the socio-economic situation in the region, primarily in Kazakhstan.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are considered the poorest countries in the region: according to the latest data, about 50% of the population lives below the poverty line in each of the countries. The systemic crisis, characterized by a deep recession in all sectors of the economy, has a great negative impact in the republics. In these countries, the problem of economic sector recession is exacerbated by low gross domestic product (GDP) growth, high inflation rates, 24.5% and 20.4%, respectively. At the same time, more than 90% of all food wheat and flour, as well as about 40% of oil products, Tajikistan imports from Kazakhstan.

The controllability of the national economy of Uzbekistan, based on the real sector, and, accordingly, weak interaction with speculative capital allowed Uzbekistan as a whole to avoid the most negative manifestations of the global financial crisis. However, a crisis arose in the consumer market, expressed in a reduction in effective consumer demand. In Turkmenistan, the main economic events include the denomination of the national currency in 2009, which was caused by the need to improve the efficiency of money circulation in the country's economy.

The level of projected prices for products and oil prices by 2010, the population of Central Asia can count on an increase in income per capita by only 50-100 dollars due to new discovered deposits. However, this level is insufficient for the financial needs of society, since the population of the region spends on average 70% of their income on food 2 .

Table 2 - Growth rates of the national economy 1

Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan

The issues of security with energy resources are paramount for each country of any country, according to the level of its development and potential opportunities, one can assess the economic power of states. Central Asia is one of the most energy-rich regions in the world. There is an objective indicator, the self-sufficiency ratio (CSR), determined by the ratio of produced energy resources to those consumed. If CSR< 1, страна импортирует энергоресурсы, если КСО >1, then the trade balance is dominated by exports. Some countries export one type of energy resources, import another, but CSR takes into account the final result. An analysis of the dynamics of self-sufficiency in energy resources of the Central Asian countries showed that only Kazakhstan (2), Turkmenistan (3.31) and Uzbekistan (1.1) are energy independent. Self-sufficiency of other republics, especially Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan is still insufficiently low.

Table 3 - Resource potential of the energy sector of the Central Asian countries 1

	Oil (million tons)	Gas (billion cubic meters)	Gas * (billion cubic meters)	Coal (billion tons)			Hydropower resources (billion kWh/year)
Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Total for CA
Place in the world
* - Reserves, according to official bodies of countries, national companies

Organic fuel plays the leading role in the production and consumption of fuel and energy resources (FER) in the region. The countries of Central Asia have a significant diversified, although unevenly distributed energy resource base across the territory. In general, the provision of the region with primary fuel and energy resources is 1.72, that is, compared to 2000 (1.44), it has increased significantly, mainly due to a sharp increase in the production of fuel and energy resources in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. At the same time, the indicators of the provision of fuel and energy resources in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan amounted to 0.58 and 0.35, respectively, which indicates the serious problems of these countries in terms of energy independence. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan account for over 20% of the world's proven uranium reserves. The share of the Central African Republic in the structure of global explored coal reserves is about 2%, in terms of natural gas reserves - 4.5%. Explored reserves of coal will last more than 600 years, oil - 65 years, natural gas - 75 years. At present, the region is increasingly identified as a potential supplier of hydrocarbons in various directions and to various markets, and there are many possible projects and export routes.

Rich reserves of fuel and energy resources are distributed unevenly across their territories. Thus, 88.6% of the explored coal reserves in the region are concentrated in Kazakhstan, and 86% of oil. In Uzbekistan, coal - 4.9%. Gas reserves are more or less evenly distributed between Turkmenistan (43%), Uzbekistan (30%) and Kazakhstan (27%).

More than half of the total volume of consumed energy resources in the Central Asian Republics (CAR) falls on the share of natural gas, about 3/4 of which is used in Uzbekistan. The second place is occupied by coal consumption, about 93% of which is used in Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan uses 38% of the oil consumed in the region, 34% falls on the share of Kazakhstan 3 .

Table 4 - Gas production in Central Asia and Russia

	Production (billion m 3)
Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Source. BP World Energy Statistics, 2005.

The countries of Central Asia have significant reserves of water and energy resources, which are distributed extremely unevenly across the territories of the states. The region contains 5.5% of the economically effective hydro potential of the world. The total hydropower potential of the region totals 937 billion kWh of electricity per year 4 . A significant part of this potential (56.2%) is concentrated in Tajikistan, but its development is at a low level - 4.6%. Kyrgyzstan (0.8 million kWh/sq. km) and Tajikistan (3.7 million kWh/sq. km) are especially different in terms of annual hydropower potential per unit of the country's territory.

Within Kyrgyzstan, 25% of the total flow of the rivers of the Aral Sea basin is formed, Tajikistan - 43%, Uzbekistan - 10%, Kazakhstan - 2%, Turkmenistan - 1%. At the same time, the consumption of water resources has the opposite picture. Over the past ten years, in Kyrgyzstan, for example, it averaged no more than 1%, Tajikistan - 13%, Kazakhstan - 11%, Turkmenistan - 23% and Uzbekistan - 39% of the total water withdrawals from the Syrdarya and Amudarya rivers. The transboundary dependence of water resources, expressed in the shares of river flow coming from outside, is 42% for Kazakhstan, 94% for Turkmenistan, and 77% for Uzbekistan 5 . In the energy balance of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the basic source is hydropower. In the structure of production of fuel and energy resources, its share is 77 and 96%, and in the structure of consumption 43 and 40%, respectively. However, in the structure of the regional fuel and energy balance, the share of hydropower is insignificant - about 3%. The share of hydropower plants in the installed capacity in the whole of the United Energy System (IPS) of Central Asia reached 35%, in Kyrgyzstan - 79%, Tajikistan - 93%. Uzbekistan generates 52% of the total electricity. Kazakhstan, being the final link in the chain of hydropower and reclamation systems of the Syrdarya basin, annually faces seasonal flooding of the southern regions and a high concentration of salts at the mouth of the river, a lack of irrigation water in the summer, which led to a number of social and environmental problems. In general, the use of the economically efficient part of the hydropower potential in the region does not yet exceed 10%.

The energy crisis in the process of market reforms has seriously complicated the economic situation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In Tajikistan, it began earlier, in Kyrgyzstan a year later, however, its consequences for the economic systems of both republics are insurmountable at the expense of these countries' own resources. At the same time, the nature of the crises in these countries is different. The main causes of the energy crisis in Tajikistan are rooted in the aftermath of the civil war. Other reasons are inefficient use of energy resources, low efficiency of applied technologies. In Kyrgyzstan, the causes of the crisis are mainly economic in nature. One of the main reasons for the current crisis is the completely inefficient policy of using the country's hydro resources, taking into account the reduction in natural water flow.

In Kyrgyzstan, the rational use of the water resources of the Toktogul reservoir can provide both electricity generation and water use for agricultural needs. But the lack of a balanced state approach to the use of the country's main strategic resource has led to the fact that instead of solving the problem of high losses from domestic consumption of energy resources, electricity producers began to focus more on the external market.

In general, the determination of the consequences of the global crisis in the countries of Central Asia is possible subject to significant investment in the sectors most affected by the crisis, taking into account the specifics of each country. The decline in foreign investment in these sectors is the most serious problem. The remaining political risks do not add optimism regarding the investment attractiveness of the region's countries. Kazakhstan is the largest investor in the region. However, due to the difficult internal political situation in 2010, the inflow of direct investments from Kazakhstan to the republic decreased by 81.1% compared to 2009.

At the same time, the reduction of foreign investment in the modernization of hydrotechnical facilities may lead to a new energy crisis throughout the region and to an increase in tension in relations between neighboring states. Therefore, it is necessary, first of all, to strengthen integration interaction by combining the efforts of the countries of Central Asia to solve common regional problems. Concerted actions are the most important factor of regional security and a necessary condition for developing the production capacities of the fuel and energy complex of the countries of the region, increasing their energy self-sufficiency, expanding their energy export potential, and saving investment resources.

At the same time, the region has large renewable energy resources, the introduction of which into the energy balance can be a significant contribution to achieving sustainable economic development, a stable energy market, and ensuring favorable environmental conditions. In a number of republics, the trend towards the use of renewable energy sources (RES) is at the stage of developing National Programs.

The above concepts of the countries of the region in the development of energy industries lead to the need to diversify the structure of the energy sector, including expanding the use of renewable energy sources. As a number of studies show, the share of renewable energy in the energy balance by 2050 should be about 18% or even higher in order to stabilize the content of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

In general, the analysis of the potentials of the energy resources of the countries of Central Asia identifies important problems that require the collective efforts of all states in the region:

Consolidation of water and energy resources, since for decades a single energy system has been functioning in the region with the dominant role of the hydropower industry of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and gas supply, the main suppliers of which were Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan;

Cooperation in the field of ecology. As a result of extensive exploitation of the environment, the possibility of its reproduction has been significantly undermined;

Rational, efficient water use of transboundary rivers. The socio-economic and environmental well-being of the states of Central Asia depends on a comprehensive solution to this problem.

Key words: International Energy Agency, renewable energy, fuel and energy balance, energy resources deficit, hydro energy, solar energy, wind energy.

Literature.

1. The economy of Central Asia: prospects for interaction // "Kazakhstanskaya Pravda", - 2009. - 17.07. – P.25.

2. Bonjovi D. Oil and security around the Caspian // Energy of Kazakhstan - 2000. - No. 2 (8) - P.16.

3. Likhachev V. Central Asia puts pressure on gas // World Energy. - 2006. - No. 3 (27). - P. 56-57.

4. Primbetov S., Sabirov M. Regional energy integration is a reliable one for future investments//Al Pari.-2001.-No.1.-No.1.-P.18.

5. Mironenkov A., Sarsembekov T. Uzbekistan has become closer//World economy. - 2006. - No. 4 (28). - P.66.

natural conditions. Mostly they are relatively favorable, but in some places there is also a negative impact. Most of the Asian part of Russia (2/3) are regions of the far north and permafrost. In Central Asia, vast areas are occupied by semi-deserts and deserts, unsuitable for life and management.

The territory of the region is predominantly located on a hill. Mountain ranges and plateaus occupy 3/4 of its territory. The largest mountain areas surrounding the east (Chukotka and Koryak highlands, the Central Siberian plateau, Sikhote-Alin, Verkhoyansky ridge, etc.) and the south of the region (Tien Shan, Pamir, Altai, the Kazakh upland plateau). The high-mountain massif of the Pamir region (the highest point is Communism Peak, 7495 m), which is an epiplatform mountain of the Cenozoic folding of the Alpine-Himalayan geosynclinal belt. The largest orographic unit in Eastern Siberia is the Central Siberian Plateau, which is characterized by the alternation of wide plateaus and ridges (Yenisei ridge, Vilyuisbke plateau, higher in height (1701 m) than the Putorana plateau). Many areas are covered with permafrost. More than 7,000 glaciers with a total area of ​​about 20,000 km2 have been registered in the mountains of Central Asia. High seismicity is characteristic, which sometimes reaches 8-9 points on the Richter scale.

Plains are of alluvial and accumulative origin, located mainly in river valleys and near sea coasts. The western lowland is one of the largest low-lying accumulative plains of the globe. Its area reaches 3 million km2. The surface is weakly dissected, with small height amplitudes (from 50 to 300 m). Wide flat interfluves, composed of moraine hills and ridges, predominate. In the southern part there are many depressions, in the place of which large lakes sometimes form. The middle part of the plain is dissected by slow rivers, stagnant water is rich on flat watersheds. This is the reason for the large waterlogging and the presence of peat, especially in Vasyugan. Marshes cover approximately 20-25% of the lowland area. In the southern part of the region there is a large Turan lowland (plain), which is characterized by the alternation of accumulative lowlands and plains with table plateaus (total - Ustyurt). On the surface of the plain, wormwood-saltwort, psamophytnia and ephemeral deserts predominate, they are used as pastures.

Climatic conditions are varied, due to the latitudinal zonality. The climate of the Asian part of Russia is severe, continental (in the Far East it is close to monsoonal). Winter is very long, summer is comparatively short. Precipitation falls mainly in summer (300-500 mm). In Central Asia, the temperatures of day and night, summer and winter, are especially contrasting, the actual continental type of climate.

The north of the region has a wide hydrographic network, which belongs mainly to the river systems of the Ob - Irtysh, Yenisei - Angara, Lena, Amur, Yana, etc. Rivers are important communication routes and a source of water supply. The water resources of Siberia and the Far East account for approximately 10% of the world's fresh water reserves. Many major year navigable along the entire length. Central Asia is rich in groundwater, a significant amount of which is spent on feeding surface runoff, meeting the needs of the population and moistening pastures.

There are tens of thousands of lakes in Siberia. Here is a unique natural formation - Lake Baikal, the volume of water in which is 23 thousand km2 (almost 1/5 of the world's fresh water reserves). Baikal is the deepest (up to 1620 m) continental water body on the earth's surface. This is a natural laboratory where you can study the laws of evolution of aquatic organisms, the formation of freshwater fauna.

Some areas of Central Asia have favorable agro-climatic conditions (especially for growing some subtropical crops: cotton, melons, fruit trees).

Natural resources. The wealth of the region is a variety of mineral resources represented by coal in Russia (Kuznetsk basin (Kuzbass), South Yakutsk basin, promising Lena and Tunguska basins), brown coal in Russia (Kansk-Achinsk basin in Eastern Siberia), oil (southern regions of Western Siberia, the north of Sakhalin in Russia, the Mangyshlak peninsula in Kazakhstan, the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea), gas (the north of Western Siberia and Sakhalin in Russia, the Gazli field in Uzbekistan, the eastern regions of Turkmenistan), etc.

The region is rich in ore minerals: iron ore (Altai and Angarsk deposits in Russia, northwest Kazakhstan), manganese (Dzhezdy deposit in Kazakhstan), chromium (northwest Kazakhstan), copper (deposits (Dzhezkazgan and Balkhash in Kazakhstan, Norilsk in Russia), nickel (complex Norilsk deposit), polymetals (Altai), tin (Far East), gold (Siberia and the Far East in Russia, Kyrgyzstan), mercury (in the Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan).

Non-metallic minerals are represented by phosphorites (Zhambyl deposit in Kazakhstan), mirabilite (Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay in Turkmenistan), diamonds (Mirny city in Yakutia).

Potential hydropower resources are estimated at 1900 billion kWh - the energy of sea tides. In Central Asia, the limited water reserves led to the creation of a wide network of irrigation facilities, through which the regulation of the runoff is carried out. For the purpose of irrigation, more than 30 large reservoirs (with a volume of more than 100 million m3 each) and many main irrigation canals have been built, including Chui, Northern and Big Fergana, Amu-Bukhara, Karshun, Gissar, etc. The unique Karakum canal (1200 km long) was built in 1954 and extends through the southern part of the Karakum desert.

The forests of the Asian part of Russia consist mainly of coniferous species - pine, fir, cedar, spruce, larch, Manchurian walnut, birch and other deciduous species are common in the south. The forested area is 70% of the district area. The total timber reserves are estimated at 74 billion m3. The forests of Siberia and the Far East are rich not only in wood, they are home to up to 150 species of game animals, including such valuable ones as sable, ermine, squirrel, industrial birds, various valuable medicinal plants grow (the famous ginseng), nuts, mushrooms, berries . In Kazakhstan, a lot of forests (9 million hectares) fall on saxaul forests. The average forest cover of the countries of Central Asia is only 5%.

The Far Eastern sea basin is rich in fish (up to 20 species: sardine-ivasi, mackerel, salmon, saury, herring, greenling, etc.) and seafood, of which crabs, shrimps, squids, scallops, sea kale, etc. are intensively used.

The development of the economy of the countries of the region is primarily due to their huge natural resource potential - one of the largest in the world. No wonder Russia and Kazakhstan are called the "geological pantries" of the world.

Farming, especially rural, will depend on the natural conditions of the territory. And the conditions of Asia are distinguished by great diversity and contrasts. The highest mountain ranges with steep slopes coexist with lowlands and the monotony of their flat relief. Large contrasts are also characteristic of the climate, especially for moisture. The low-lying areas are well supplied with moisture, because they are located in the monsoon climate - these are the eastern and southern parts of the region.

The western part of Foreign Asia lies in the region of the Mediterranean climate. $90\%$ of all arable land is concentrated in these parts of Asia. The central and southwestern parts are arid. The Asian part of the world lies in several climatic zones. The south of the territory lies in tropical latitudes and receives $2$ times more total solar radiation than the northern regions. Summer and winter temperatures on the islands of Indonesia are almost the same, the average January temperature is +$25$ degrees, and the north of Manchuria, for example, has a January temperature of -$24$, -$28$ degrees. Yes, the cold weather is long there. Significant climatic differences are also characteristic of mountainous regions and even within the mountainous territories themselves. This is due to the height of the mountains, their position, the exposure of the slopes. The circulation of the atmosphere has a very pronounced effect on the climate of East and South Asia, where the seasonal change of air masses is clearly expressed.

Ready-made works on a similar topic

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Winters in these areas are characterized by the winter monsoon, while the summer monsoon operates in summer. All of East Asia, Hindustan and Indochina are in the monsoon circulation zone, where annual precipitation can reach $2000$ mm per year. Associated with the winter monsoon are cold continental air masses that cause cooling in East Asia and partly in the tropics of Northern Indochina.

In the southern part of Asia, winter cooling does not occur, because the territory is under the influence of the Indian monsoon, which has smaller baric gradients. On the other hand, India is closed in the north by the highest mountain ranges from the cold air masses of Central Asia. The interior regions of Asia, located at high altitudes and surrounded by mountains, have a sharply continental climate.

In winter, the Asian anticyclone dominates here and a severe and long winter sets in. At low temperatures, the soil freezes deeply, which leads to the formation of permafrost areas. In summer, the territory warms up well and an area of ​​low atmospheric pressure is formed. The weather is hot and dry. Precipitation is very small, high mountain ranges prevent their penetration. In closed basins, only up to $50$ mm falls out. But even this inland region has its own internal climatic differences. The reason for this lies in the different availability of thermal resources and thermal regime.

An exceptionally hot region is Southwest Asia. It receives the largest amount of solar radiation, therefore it is the driest part of the mainland. Deserts and semi-deserts are common here.

Remark 1

For the development of agriculture, a significant part of Asia Abroad has unfavorable climatic conditions. The equatorial regions are highly humid, while the vast plateaus and plains of Southwestern and Central Asia are too dry. Agriculture in these areas is possible only with land reclamation.

The location of agricultural production, the composition of cultivated plants, the peculiarities of farming methods, and the productivity of crops largely depend on climatic conditions. The level of agricultural development in the countries of Foreign Asia is relatively low, so the yield is highly dependent on weather conditions. Based on climatic features, several agro-climatic regions are distinguished in foreign Asia.

Mineral resources of Foreign Asia

The surface of Foreign Asia is represented by vast mountainous territories and lowlands, the areas of which are small. Low-lying areas are located on the outskirts of Asia - these are the eastern and southern coasts. Mineral deposits are associated with the relief and with the main tectonic regions, with which the bowels of Foreign Asia are rich. In terms of reserves of fuel and energy raw materials, Asia occupies a leading position in the world.

These are, first of all, huge deposits of coal, oil and gas. The bowels of this part of the world contain world reserves of tin, antimony, mercury, graphite, sulfur, muscovite, zirconium, phosphate raw materials, potassium salts, chromites, tungsten. True, from a geographical point of view, these resources are distributed unevenly. Coal, iron and manganese ores, non-metallic minerals were formed within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. There is a copper belt along the Pacific coast. In the Alpine-Himalayan folded region, ores are predominant.

A decisive role in the international geographical division of labor in Asia is played by oil and gas reserves, which are the main wealth of the region. The main hydrocarbon deposits are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Large oil fields have been discovered in the countries of the Malay Archipelago - Indonesia, Malaysia. There is oil and gas in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The Dead Sea is known for its large salt reserves, and the Iranian Highlands for sulfur and non-ferrous metals.

Of all Asian countries, the greatest diversity and reserves of minerals are concentrated on the territory of the following states:

1. India;
2. Indonesia;
3. Iran;
4. Kazakhstan;
5. Turkey;
6. Saudi Arabia.

Remark 2

Those mineral deposits that are well known today do not reflect the true picture of the richness of the subsoil of this region. The ongoing prospecting works open up new deposits of mineral raw materials. In terms of hydrocarbon production, offshore zones are becoming promising, which provide the extractive industry with new opportunities.

Different subregions of Asia have their own set of minerals.

Western Asia. Here, first of all, the largest oil and gas fields are concentrated, in terms of reserves of which Western Asia is a leader among other regions of the world. According to $1980 data, there are $43 billion tons of oil in this area and more than $20 trillion. cube m of gas. Coal reserves are more than $23 billion tons. The reserves of ferrous metal ores amount to $14 billion tons and they are located on the territory of Turkey and Iraq. Reserves of titanium ores in Saudi Arabia and chromium ores in Turkey and Iran, Afghanistan and Oman. Non-metallic building materials are represented by gypsum, the reserves of which amount to $3 billion tons. In some countries of the region there are deposits of precious and ornamental stones, for example, Iranian turquoise, Afghan lapis lazuli, ruby, emerald, rock crystal, aquamarine, marble onyx.

South Asia. She holds a leading position in the reserves of muscovite, barite, titanium, pyrite, beryl, graphite, iron, manganese ores. This part also has significant reserves of oil and gas, as well as gold, copper, nickel, and tungsten ores. The most important energy raw material for South Asia is hard coal, whose reserves are estimated at $115 billion tons. The total iron ore reserves are over $13.5 billion tons. They are concentrated in India, Pakistan. There are small reserves in Sri Lanka and Nepal. The extraction of manganese ores has long been going on in India. There are aluminum and nickel ores in this region. Here is about $30\%$ of the total reserves of mining and chemical raw materials - India, Pakistan, Nepal. Non-metallic raw materials are represented by Indian asbestos - India, gypsum - Pakistan, graphite - Sri Lanka. There are quartz, building sands, dolomites, limestone and marble. Precious stones are only in India - diamonds.

Southeast Asia. In terms of tin reserves, the region ranks $1 in the world and has significant reserves of nickel, cobalt, tungsten, copper, antimony, and barite. In addition, there are oil, gas, bauxites, chromites and other mineral resources. Exploration for hydrocarbons is being carried out on the continental shelf. Of the $36$ promising basins, $25$ belong to Indonesia. Hard coals are also found in Indonesia and Vietnam. Ore minerals, the reserves of which amount to more than $1271 million tons, are found in Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kampuchea. Of the ores of non-ferrous metals, aluminum and copper ores are known - Indonesia, Vietnam, Kampuchea.

Other types of resources of Foreign Asia

Foreign Asia is rich in its superficial waters, but water resources are unevenly distributed over the territory, and the availability decreases from the southeast to the northwest. Water resources are used, usually for irrigation, which helps to solve the problems associated with drought, soil salinization and wind blowing. In India, for example, $95\%$ of fresh water consumed goes to irrigation. Mountain rivers contain colossal reserves of hydropower, which is best provided in the humid tropics. Due to the economic backwardness of the mountainous regions, the hydro potential of the rivers is poorly used. For example, the hydro potential of the rivers of India and Pakistan is used by about $10\%$. Large Asian rivers have basins covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. They are among the most important types of natural resources.

Another type of resource is soil. The huge size, diverse relief and climate were the conditions for the formation of a complex soil cover. Podzolic, sulfur and brown forest soils have formed in the temperate climate zone. In the steppe regions - chernozem-like and chestnut soils. In the subtropics of the Mediterranean, brown soils are dominant, and in the monsoon regions, yellow and red soils. Peculiar tropical soils - regura or black soils formed on the Hindustan peninsula.

If speak about forest resources, foreign Asia is not rich in them. There is only $0.3$ ha of forest resources per capita, and the average world level is $1.2$ ha per person. Low availability of forest resources is typical for India, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Singapore. The south-east of the region is best provided with forest resources. Here, the areas of forest resources are not only large, but also accessible, which threatens their existence.

recreational the resources of the region began to be studied and used only in the second half of the $XX$ century. Attractive for tourists are the warm seas of Southwest Asia - Turkey and Southeast Asia - Thailand, Malaysia.

Asia is the world's largest part of the world and covers about 30% of the Earth's land area. In addition, it is the leader in terms of population (about 60% of the total population of the planet).

Asia's share of the world market has increased significantly over the past half century. Today, some Asian countries are leading producers in agriculture, forestry, fish farming, industry and mining. This production has affected the economic growth of certain countries, and at the same time, has led to a number of negative consequences for the environment.

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Water resources

Fresh water

Lake Baikal, located in the south of Russia, is the deepest lake in the world, reaching a depth of 1620 meters. The lake contains 20% of the world's unfrozen fresh water, making it the largest reservoir on Earth. It is also the oldest lake in the world, over 25 million years old.

The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world (after the Amazon in South America and the Nile in Africa). Reaching 6,300 km in length, the Yangtze moves east from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau and flows into the East China Sea. The Yangtze is considered the lifeblood of China. The river occupies 1/5 of the country's territory and is home to one third of the country's population, and also greatly contributes to the growth of the Chinese economy.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers rise in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flow through Syria and Iraq before emptying into the Persian Gulf. The land between two rivers, known as Mesopotamia, was the center of the earliest civilizations, including Sumer and Akkad. Today, the Tigris and Euphrates river system is under threat due to increased agricultural and industrial use. This pressure caused desertification and an increase in salts in the soil, and caused severe damage to local watersheds.

Salty water

The Persian Gulf has an area of ​​more than 239 thousand km². It washes Iran, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. The Persian Gulf is subject to high rates of evaporation, which makes the depth shallow and the water very salty. The seabed of the Persian Gulf contains approximately 50% of the world's oil reserves. The countries bordering the gulf have been involved in a number of disputes over the extraction of this valuable resource.

The Sea of ​​Okhotsk covers 1.6 million km² and is located between the Russian mainland and Kamchatka. As a rule, during the period from October to March, the sea is covered with ice. Large areas of ice make movement by sea almost impossible.

The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world, covering almost 2.2 million km². It washes Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Burma. Many major rivers, including the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, flow into this bay.

forest resources

The forest cover of Asia is about 20%. The largest number of forests, relative to the area of ​​the country, is concentrated in: Laos (71.6%), Japan (67.0%), Bhutan (64.5%), South Korea (64.0%), Myanmar (63.6%) and North Korea (63.3%). Forest cover less than 1% is in the following countries: Yemen (0.9%), Bahrain (0.7%), Kuwait (0.3%), Afghanistan (0.3%), Qatar (0%).

Forestry is an important sector of the Asian economy, but in some countries it has negative consequences. More than half of the territory of China, Indonesia and Malaysia is covered by forest resources. China is considered a major exporter of wood products and ranks first in the world in the production of panels, paper and wooden furniture. Indonesia and Malaysia are the main producers of tropical timber products. Tropical trees such as teak are mainly used to make high quality furniture and flooring.

During the last 10 years, forest cover in Asia has increased by 30 million hectares. This is due to the artificial creation of forests, which makes it possible to obtain higher yields and use them in industry. It is believed that by 2020, the forest industry in Asia will produce about 45% of production. In addition, artificial plantations are extremely important from an environmental point of view, since natural forest resources are depleted every year in huge quantities.

Asia's rapid population growth has created an increased demand for forest products, and lenient legislation has led to illegal logging and smuggling flourishing. Especially, the damage is noticeable in Southeast Asia, where high-value tree species grow. Therefore, Asian countries have some of the worst deforestation rates in the world.

Land resources

The total land area of ​​Asia is 44,580,000 km², and the area of ​​land resources used in the national economy is 30,972,803 km². Agricultural land occupies 52.2% (of which: arable land - 15.8%, perennial plantations - 2.2%, pastures and meadows - 34.2), forest land - 18%, surface water - 2.9% , and other lands - 26.9%.

The five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) are the most agrarian states in this part of Asia. Arable land that is suitable for growing crops is about 20% of the total agricultural land. More than 80% of arable land in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is irrigated, while in Kazakhstan only 7%.

In Northern Asia (which mostly consists of the Asian part of Russia), arable land makes up 60-80% of the agricultural area.

In South Asia, the largest areas of arable land are concentrated in India and Bangladesh - more than 30%.

In the countries of the Middle East, namely in Iran and Iraq, arable land is less than 20%, and in other countries - no more than 10%.

The arable lands of East Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Japan, occupy no more than 20% of agricultural land. land, in the DPRK - less than 30% and Mongolia no more than 10%.

In Southeast Asia, arable land occupies no more than 30% of the agricultural land.

Mineral resources

Coal

Asia has a huge amount of coal, which is almost 3/5 of the world's reserves, but they are unevenly distributed. The largest deposits are in Siberia, the countries of Central Asia, India, and especially in China; Indonesia, Japan and North Korea have smaller coal reserves.

Oil and natural gas

At least 2/3 of the world's known oil and natural gas reserves are in Asia; the number of deposits may increase as Siberia, the Caspian Basin and the seas of Southeast Asia are still being explored. Many of the islands bordering Southeast Asia have geological formations that are favorable for gas and oil deposits. The largest oil reserves are in Western Asia (Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates). The rest of the countries in Southwest Asia have limited oil reserves, as well as small oil fields in the Indian subcontinent.

uranium ore

The richest deposits of uranium ores are located in Kyrgyzstan, between the Osh region and the Tuya Muyun mountain range. China and India have their own reserves. Chinese uranium deposits are believed to be in the Xinjiang region and Hunan province.

Iron

Many regions of Asia have iron ore deposits, but not every country has its own domestic reserves. South Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and several smaller countries in Southwest Asia have small iron ore reserves. In Japan, there are fewer reserves of this mineral resource than it is required for the iron and steel industry, so the country is heavily dependent on imports. Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan have good reserves of relatively low-grade iron ore, while Vietnam and Turkey have good ore in significant quantities. Indonesia and India have large reserves of quality iron, which are wisely distributed.

Although China was previously considered poor in iron ore, huge deposits of this mineral of various grades were discovered in the country. China is currently one of the world's largest producers of iron ore.

Smaller deposits were located at several locations in Eastern Siberia. In Central Asia, the main deposits are located in East Kazakhstan.

Nickel

Nickel reserves in Asia are not significant. There are small reserves in Norilsk and north-central Siberia; Indonesia, China and the Philippines also have nickel reserves.

Chromium

Chromium deposits are concentrated in Turkey, India, Iran, Pakistan and the Philippines, as well as in the north-west of Kazakhstan.

Manganese

There are large reserves of manganese in Transcaucasia, Central Asia, Siberia and India; Chinese deposits are also significant.

Tungsten

Southern China has exceptionally large deposits of tungsten. The deposits of tungsten in Central Asia are as significant as those of molybdenum.

Copper

Asia is not rich in copper. In Central Asia, the main reserves are located southeast of Tashkent (Uzbekistan); from Zhezkazgany to the west of Karaganda; and from Kungrad to Lake Balkhash (Kazakhstan). In Siberia, deposits are mainly concentrated in the Kuzbass. The Philippines has limited copper reserves.

Tin

Significant deposits of tin extend from southwestern China to the Malay Peninsula. Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Yunnan in China also have tin deposits. Siberia has significant deposits in Transbaikalia, as well as in the Sikhote-Alin in the Far East.

Lead and zinc

The largest reserves of lead and zinc are located in the Kuzbass, in Central and Eastern Kazakhstan. China also has rich deposits of zinc and lead, and North Korea has significant deposits of lead.

bauxites

Asia has huge reserves of bauxite. The largest deposits are located in Kazakhstan and the Sayans. There are also large deposits in India, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia and China.

precious metals

Many Asian countries have mined gold from alluvial placers in past centuries, and some of them continue to do so today. There are small volumes of gold ore in Myanmar, Cambodia and Indonesia, as well as near the headwaters of the Yangtze River. Previously, India had large gold deposits, but now many of them have been exhausted. North and South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines have significant reserves of hard rock. Siberian gold reserves are currently significant.

Nonmetallic minerals

Stocks of asbestos are found in abundance in China, South Korea, and also on the eastern slope of the Middle Urals. Mica is found in large quantities in Eastern Siberia and India. Asia has huge reserves of rock salt. There are significant deposits of sulfur and gypsum in Central and Western Asia. Japan has large deposits of sulfur. There are deposits of phosphates in Kazakhstan. Diamonds are formed in the central and eastern parts of Siberia, and in India. India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Cambodia have deposits of rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones.

biological resources

Crop and livestock

Northern and central parts of Asia are subject to cold and dry Arctic winds, especially in the Siberian region of Russia. Hardy grains such as barley, buckwheat, millet, oats and wheat are grown in the central and southern regions of this zone, where permanent frosts stifle plant growth. Animal husbandry is also very important in this zone. In Mongolia, for example, 75% of agricultural land is allocated to livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, etc.).

Southwest Asia is dominated by a dry and hot climate that stretches from the Gobi Desert in Mongolia through China, Pakistan, Iran, and into the Arabian Peninsula. There are very few areas in this zone with sufficient moisture and rainfall to produce a good harvest. Cereals such as barley and corn are the main crops grown in some countries. The lack of pastures and land suitable for cereals means that heat-resistant vegetables and fruits are most widely grown in this zone. Figs, apricots, olives, onions, grapes, cherries are the most important fruits and vegetables of the region.

The zone to the southeast is heavily affected by the summer monsoons. As a result, many parts of Southeast Asia are considered to be among the wettest places on earth, receiving more than 254 centimeters of rain each year. High temperatures and heavy rainfall are ideal conditions for growing rice and tropical fruits. Rice is considered one of the most important agricultural products of Asia and the main source of nutrition for the entire continent (79 kg of rice per inhabitant of Asia per year). As a result, most rice in Asia remains in the regions, and international trade is rather low.

In Southeast Asia, tropical fruits such as mango, papaya and pineapple are grown on a large scale. India produces the largest number of mangoes in the world, while Thailand and the Philippines are famous for pineapples.

Fish farming

Asia is the most important fisheries and aquaculture region in the world. Aquaculture is the rearing of fish and other aquatic animals under controlled conditions. In 2008, Asia's offshore industrial areas accounted for approximately 50% of the world's fish catch. Six of the world's top 10 fish producers are located in Asia, namely China, Indonesia, Japan, India, Myanmar (Burma) and the Philippines.

Seafood is an extremely important food source for many Asian peoples. A recent study by the National Geographic Society found that China and Japan are the top consumers of seafood (approximately 765 million tons per year).

Flora

Asia has the richest flora of all parts of the world. Since it is a large part of the largest continent, Eurasia, it is not surprising that about 100,000 diverse plant species are found within its various natural zones, which range from tropical to arctic.

Asian plants, which include ferns, gymnosperms and flowering vascular plants, make up about 40% of the Earth's plant species. Endemic species of flora consist of more than 40 families and 1500 genera.

Asia is divided into five main regions based on the species diversity of the flora: the humid evergreen forests of Southeast Asia, the mixed forests of East Asia, the humid forests of South Asia, the deserts and steppes of Central and Western Asia, and the taiga and tundra of North Asia.

Fauna

Asia is the most populous part of the world and also one of the most biologically diverse places. It is home to both unique species of wild animals and the most common on the planet. Asian countries have become home to many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, etc. However, some of these species are thriving and others are facing serious threats that could wipe out their populations. Animals such as the giant panda and orangutans may be the first to disappear from Asia.

An important reason for the extinction of wild animals is human activity and the extremely high population density in certain areas.