Physical Divisions of Asia – Notes for Competitive Exams
Asia is the largest and most diverse continent on Earth in terms of physical geography. It covers about 30% of the world’s total land area and is home to almost 60% of the global population. The continent extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east.
Because of its vast size and varied relief, geographers divide Asia into several major physical divisions, which include mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, and river systems. These divisions influence climate, agriculture, settlement patterns, and economic activities.
Major Physical Divisions of Asia
Asia can broadly be divided into the following natural regions:
| Physical Division | Main Characteristics | Important Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Systems | Highest and youngest mountains | Himalayas, Karakoram |
| Plateaus | Elevated flat lands rich in minerals | Tibetan Plateau, Deccan Plateau |
| Plains | Fertile lowlands formed by rivers | Indo-Gangetic Plain |
| Deserts | Arid regions with low rainfall | Gobi Desert, Arabian Desert |
| River Systems | Major rivers supporting civilization | Yangtze, Ganga, Indus |
Mountain Systems of Asia
Asia contains the highest mountain ranges in the world. These mountains were mainly formed due to the collision of tectonic plates, particularly the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate. The mountains form a huge arc across the continent and are often referred to as the “Roof of the World.”
The most important mountain system is the Himalayas, which stretches across India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. This range contains the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, with a height of 8848.86 meters. The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier, preventing cold winds from Central Asia from entering the Indian subcontinent and influencing the monsoon system.
Another major mountain range is the Karakoram Range, which contains K2. The Hindu Kush also forms an important link between Central and South Asia.
These mountain ranges are important sources of major Asian rivers and also contain glaciers that store fresh water.
Important Mountain Ranges of Asia
| Mountain Range | Location | Important Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Himalayas | South Asia | Highest mountain system in the world |
| Karakoram | Pakistan–China region | Contains K2 |
| Hindu Kush | Afghanistan region | Important historical trade routes |
| Tian Shan | Central Asia | Major mountain system of Central Asia |
| Altai Mountains | Mongolia region | Natural boundary between Siberia and Central Asia |
Plateaus of Asia
Plateaus are elevated flat lands surrounded by steep slopes. Asia has several large plateaus formed by tectonic uplift and volcanic activity.
The most important plateau is the Tibetan Plateau, which is known as the “Roof of the World.” It has an average elevation of about 4500 meters above sea level and is the highest plateau on Earth. It influences the climate of the entire Asian continent and serves as the source region for several major rivers.
Another important plateau is the Deccan Plateau, located in southern India. It is rich in minerals such as iron ore, coal, and manganese. The Iranian Plateau forms a major part of Southwest Asia and consists of deserts and rugged mountains.
Major Plateaus of Asia
| Plateau | Region | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Tibetan Plateau | China | Highest plateau in the world |
| Deccan Plateau | India | Volcanic plateau with mineral resources |
| Iranian Plateau | Iran–Afghanistan | Dry plateau region |
| Anatolian Plateau | Turkey | Central plateau of Turkey |
Great Plains of Asia
Plains are extensive low-lying lands formed mainly by river deposits. They are the most fertile and densely populated regions in Asia.
One of the most important plains is the Indo-Gangetic Plain, formed by the deposits of the Ganges River, Indus River, and Brahmaputra River. This plain is among the most fertile agricultural regions in the world.
Another major plain is the North China Plain, which is formed by the deposits of the Yellow River.
Important Plains of Asia
| Plain | Country/Region | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Indo-Gangetic Plain | India–Pakistan–Bangladesh | Major agricultural region |
| North China Plain | China | Densely populated farming region |
| Mesopotamian Plain | Iraq region | Ancient civilization center |
Deserts of Asia
Deserts occupy a significant portion of Asia, especially in Central and Southwest Asia. These regions receive very little rainfall and have extreme temperatures.
The Gobi Desert is the largest desert in Asia. Unlike hot deserts, the Gobi experiences cold winters, making it a cold desert.
Another important desert is the Arabian Desert, which covers much of Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries. The Thar Desert lies in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.
Major Deserts of Asia
| Desert | Location | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Gobi Desert | Mongolia–China | Cold desert |
| Arabian Desert | Saudi Arabia | Large hot desert |
| Thar Desert | India–Pakistan | Monsoon influenced desert |
| Taklamakan Desert | China | Sandy desert in Central Asia |
River Systems of Asia
Asia has some of the longest and most important rivers in the world, which support agriculture, transportation, and human settlements.
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and flows entirely within China. The Indus River and the Ganges River are extremely important for South Asian agriculture.
Major Rivers of Asia
| River | Length (Approx.) | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Yangtze | 6300 km | China |
| Yellow River | 5464 km | China |
| Ganges | 2525 km | India–Bangladesh |
| Indus | 3180 km | China–India–Pakistan |
| Mekong | 4350 km | Southeast Asia |
Important Points for Competitive Exams
Asia is the largest continent in the world in terms of both area and population.
The Himalayan mountain system is the highest mountain system in the world.
The Tibetan Plateau is the highest and largest plateau on Earth.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is one of the most fertile and densely populated plains in the world.
The Gobi Desert is the largest desert in Asia and is classified as a cold desert.
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
UPSC
Which is the highest plateau in the world?
Answer: Tibetan Plateau.
Which mountain range contains the highest peak on Earth?
Answer: Himalayas.
SSC
Which desert is located in Mongolia and China?
Answer: Gobi Desert.
RRB
Which is the longest river in Asia?
Answer: Yangtze River.
JKSSB
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is formed by which rivers?
Answer: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.