Physical Geography

Learn more about the region of Southwest Asia and North Africa by exploring Wonderopolis's page on the Fertile Crescent. Watch the video near the top of the page before reading the rest of the information. Pay particular attention to the natural features that make up the physical geography of the region and the ways in which these natural features influenced the way people in the region lived and traveled.

Map Activity

Now fill in the map as you explore the geography of the Middle East. Take a screenshot of the blank map below showing the Fertile Crescent and annotate it according to the instructions. Political maps show boundaries between countries and physical maps show natural features. Search for political maps of the Middle East and physical maps of the Middle East to help you label your map. When you are finished, color your map. The colors you choose should help people to understand which parts of the map represent water or land. They should also help others to easily see the boundaries between countries and to identify the regions we are studying. The items listed below must be included on your map.

• Major Bodies of Water Including Seas & Rivers

• Each Modern Country (The boundaries are already drawn on the map.)

• Mesopotamia

• The Fertile Crescent

Map of the Fertile Crescent

Examine the map below showing part of the Fertile Crescent.

Use Google Earth to explore this region of the world in more detail. Locate the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile Rivers. Notice the difference in the appearance of the land near these rivers compared to the land farther away from the rivers. See if you can spot any irrigation canals that exist today.