East Asia: Physical Geography

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to the physical geography of East Asia as discussed in the lecture notes.

East Asia

Region encompassing China, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

Tectonic Activity

Geological processes primarily caused by the collision and movement of tectonic plates.

Himalayas

Mountain range created by the collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates.

Huang Ho River

Also known as the Yellow River; located in northern China and considered the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Yangtze River

The longest river in China located in central China, known as the Blue River.

Ring of Fire

Region encircling the Pacific Ocean characterized by high volcanic and seismic activity.

Takla Makan Desert

A desert in Xinjiang, means 'go in and you won't come out'.

Climate Factors

Geographical elements such as mountain ranges and bodies of water affecting regional climate.

Gobi Desert

A large desert located in Mongolia and northern China, characterized by arid climate.

China's Western Mountains

Range of mountains including Kunlun, Altun, and Tien Shan, creating spectacular scenery.

Highland Climate

Climate found in Tibet characterized by elevation-related temperature variations.

Insular East Asia

Refers to countries like Japan and Taiwan which are separate from the Asian mainland.

Korean Peninsula

Region comprising North Korea and South Korea, surrounded by water on three sides.

Chungyang Mountains

Mountain range dominating the eastern half of Taiwan with steep slopes and dense forests.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of seafood and other aquatic organisms.

Cherry Blossom (Sakura)

Symbolic flower in Japan, marking the arrival of spring and celebrated in Hanami.

Arable Land

Land suitable for growing crops, which is limited in Japan due to topographical constraints.

Minerals in Mongolia

Mongolia is rich in minerals such as gold, copper, and coal, contributing to its economy.

Agricultural Output

China ranks first worldwide in the output of crops such as rice, wheat, and cotton.

Flooding

A frequent occurrence along the Yangtze River causing sadness and challenges for the population.