Atlas Project

Geography is essential to study of the Himalayan region.  Geography is a central factor in shaping the cultures and religions of these societies, and therefore it is vital that you understand each factor.  This project is designed to give you a better sense of the region, and an understanding of the important factors that contribute to its geography.  This Atlas will be used as a reference tool throughout the semester as we refer back to it (especially during this unit on geography).

The Project

Working with a small group you are going to create an atlas of the region, including the major cultural features of the region.  You should begin with the outline map of the region that I have provided for you.  Using 8x10 transparencies, you should map out each of the items listed below on a page that can by placed over the outline map.  How you depict each element is up to you (be creative!  Have some fun with this), but make sure that each overlay clearly conveys the required information in an easily understandable way.

Your atlas should contain an overlay page depicting each of the following topics (8 pages in total):

Rivers

Mountain Ranges/Elevation

Cities/Population Centers

Roads/Railroads/ Traderoutes

Population Density

Climate (average temperature)

Rainfall

major agricultural products  

Sources

There are excellent references in the classroom, in the library (look on the atlas rack at the back of the library) and on the internet.   Some suggestions are provided below to get you started:
            Books:
            Zurich and Karan Himalaya: Life on the Edge

            Zurich Atlas of the Himalaya

            Lewis Himalaya: A syllabus

            Internet:
           
            CIA World Factbook: