Afghanistan's geography and climate
Afghanistan is a country located within South and Central Asia with a population of 31 million. Afghanistan is approximately 251,830 square miles which is about the size of Texas. The landscape is mainly dominated by snow-capped mountains with more than 49 percent of the total land area being above 2,000 meters. The mountain range is divided into 3 different regions: 1) The Central Highlands, 2) The Southwestern Plateau, and 3) The Northern Plains.
The first region called the Central Highlands covers an area of about 160,000 square miles. This region has deep, narrow valleys and high mountains. The Khyber Pass is located in the Central Highlands and is one of the most famous routs to the southern region of Asia. The climate in the central highlands is dry with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and very low temperatures in the winter.
Another part of the Central Highlands is the Eastern Highland Slopes. The climate is different with moist monsoon rains. The monsoon rains occur between the months of July and September. Important crops for Afghanistan are produced in this region but sometimes mudslides can occur from the monsoon rains which can destroy the crops.
The next region called the Southwestern Plateau covers about 50,000 square miles. This region is made up of high plateaus and sandy deserts. Several large rivers cross over this region. The climate in the southwest plateau is dry and mild but sand storms can occur.
Finally, the last region is called the Northern Plains and covers about 40,000 square miles. This region is made up of remarkably fertile foothills and plains. Because of the fertile foothills, some of Afghanistan’s agriculture is produced in the northern plains. Mineral deposits and natural gas can be found in vast quantities in the northern plains.
The first region called the Central Highlands covers an area of about 160,000 square miles. This region has deep, narrow valleys and high mountains. The Khyber Pass is located in the Central Highlands and is one of the most famous routs to the southern region of Asia. The climate in the central highlands is dry with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and very low temperatures in the winter.
Another part of the Central Highlands is the Eastern Highland Slopes. The climate is different with moist monsoon rains. The monsoon rains occur between the months of July and September. Important crops for Afghanistan are produced in this region but sometimes mudslides can occur from the monsoon rains which can destroy the crops.
The next region called the Southwestern Plateau covers about 50,000 square miles. This region is made up of high plateaus and sandy deserts. Several large rivers cross over this region. The climate in the southwest plateau is dry and mild but sand storms can occur.
Finally, the last region is called the Northern Plains and covers about 40,000 square miles. This region is made up of remarkably fertile foothills and plains. Because of the fertile foothills, some of Afghanistan’s agriculture is produced in the northern plains. Mineral deposits and natural gas can be found in vast quantities in the northern plains.
Work Cited
"Land and Resources." Afghanistan Online:. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
"Geography - Regions, Terrain, Climate and Weather." Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
"Afghanistan - Mountains." Afghanistan - Mountains. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
"Land and Resources." Afghanistan Online:. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
"Geography - Regions, Terrain, Climate and Weather." Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
"Afghanistan - Mountains." Afghanistan - Mountains. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.
Photo used under Creative Commons from U.S. Geological Survey