The Persian Gulf

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.