B.

1 The land of Pakistan

a) Location of Pakistan
Candidates should be able to identify the following on a map:
• the Tropic of Cancer, latitudes 30°N, 36°N, longitudes 64°E, 70°E and 76°E
• the Arabian Sea
• the countries sharing a border with Pakistan, and its position in relation to others in South and Central
Asia
b) Location of provinces and cities
Candidates should be able to identify the following on a map:
• the provinces, Northern Area and FATA
• named cities: cities Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar,
Chitral, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Karachi, Quetta, Gwadar
c) The natural topography, including drainage
Candidates should be able to identify the following on a map:
• named landforms: Balochistan Plateau, Sulaiman Range, Safed Koh, Potwar Plateau, Salt Range,
Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya Mountain Ranges
• named rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Kabul, Hab, Dasht
• named deserts: Thar, Thal, Kharan
Candidates should be able to:
• use the appropriate vocabulary when describing the distinguishing features of mountains, plateaux,
floodplains and deserts [NB Knowledge of the formation of the natural topography of Pakistan is NOT
required]
• identify and name the above features on a photograph or drawing
• understand the influence of the natural topography on human activities
(i) steep slopes and flat land on the way that the land is used
(ii) mountains and deserts on the road and rail networks
d) Climate
Candidates should:
• know the distribution of temperature and rainfall, including monsoon, depressions and convectional
rain
• know seasonal and regional variations, and the factors contributing to them, including depressions,
thunderstorms and cyclones (typhoons)
• understand the causes of the monsoon [NB Knowledge of the causes of other types of rain is NOT
required]
• describe and explain the characteristics of the climate of the arid, semi-arid, humid and highland
regions, including seasonal variations
• know the influence of latitude and longitude on day length and climate
• understand the influence of the climate (both the benefits it brings and the problems it causes) on the
economy and on the lives of the people
(i) the influence of low temperature, ice and snow on the lives of people in the mountains
(ii) the influence of rain storms and flooding on agriculture, industry and communications
(iii) the problems caused by drought and shortage of water supply on agriculture and industry
 Northern Mountains.

1. Topography.
Northern mountains comprise of three mountain ranges, the Karakorams, the Hindukushs
and the Himalayas.

i The Himalayas and the Karakoram are parallel to each other in east west direction whereas
the Hindukush are in north south direction.

ii The average altitude of Karakorams is 6000m., the Hindukush is 5000m. and the Himalayas
is 4000m.

iii They have pyramid or conical shaped peaks e.g. Rakaposhi 7788m.

iv These mountains have snow capped peaks.

v They rise in height from south to north.

vi They have deep narrow valleys e.g. Gilgit. These valleys have steep slopes.

vii They have several very high passes (more than 3000 m.) which connect areas in Pakistan,
with other areas in Pakistan, and areas of Pakistan with areas in Afghanistan and China.

viii These mountains are dotted with glaciers, which are very long and large Siachin 78 km.,
Baltoro 58 km. These glaciers have also made glacial features e.g. glacial moraines.

xi There are fast flowing rivers like Gilgit, Hunza Indus and its eastern tributaries. Along these
rivers there are alluvial fans, deep narrow gorges.

x They have bare rocks as result of weathering.

2. Climate.

Summers.

i Summers are of shorter duration as compared to winters.

ii Summers are mild (10⁰C- 20⁰C). But the mountain tops above 4000m. are

very cold (below -5⁰C)

iii Temperature increases with decrease in altitude valleys are warmer as

compared to mountain tops.

iv There is difference in temperatures in sun and shade.

v Precipitation is mainly from monsoons in Himalayas but thunderstorms

relief rainfall are also common.

vi Hindukush are affected by the monsoons in the south but convectional and

relief are also common. In the north valleys like Chitral receive low rainfall as they are rain
shadow area.

vii The Karakorams receive low amounts of rainfall being rain shadow area.

viii There is a large daily range of temperature that is the difference between daily maximum
and minimum temperatures.
 Winters.

i Winters are long and cold to very cold (-5⁰C - 2⁰C) to (below -5⁰C).

Valleys are cold and mountain tops are very cold.

ii There is a large daily range of temperature that is the difference between

daily maximum and minimum temperatures.

iii There is a difference in sun and shade temperatures.

iv Precipitation is mainly in the form of snow on the mountain tops and valleys. Valleys may
also receive rainfall. It varies from 750mm. in Himalayas, to 250mm. in Hindukush and 125
mm. in Karakoram. Sources may vary from Western depressions in W NW to thunderstorms
to relief.

v Snow storms and cold dry winds are the common features of winter climate.

3. Soils.

Soil cover on the mountain slopes is thin with boulders. In high altitude areas above 4000m.,
soils are permafrost and do not support agriculture. But agriculture is practiced in valleys
where rivers have deposited alluvium e.g. Swat Valley and in some areas terracing is also
done.

4. Drainage.

Karakorams are drained mainly by river Indus flowing in east - west direction between
Karakorams and Himalayas up to Sazin and then flowing in north south direction up to Indus
Delta. There are several other rivers that join Indus from Karakorams e.g. River Gilgit and
River Hunza they join River Indus flowing in north – south direction.

Rivers Jehlum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej flow from northeast to south west draining the
southern slopes of Himalayas.

Hindukush are drained by several small rivers e.g. Swat, Chitral and Mastuj. Rivers Swat and
Chitral flow in north south direction meet river Kabul (Western Tributary) and river Kabul
joins River Indus flowing in west – east direction before joining river Indus at Attock. River
Mastuj also flows in north –south direction joins river Kabul in Afghanistan and river Kabul
flows in west – east direction.

The volume of water increases with approach of summer season due to melting of snow ice
and glaciers, but the real changes in volume of water is with monsoons.

There is sharp increase in volume of water in River Indus with approach summers in March
and reaching maximum in July. But the volume of water decreases sharply in August with
approach of winters.

In eastern tributaries Jehlum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. The increase in volume of water
is very slow in summers but volume of water increases with monsoon winds in July and
August. The decrease in volume of eastern tributaries is very slow because of retreating
monsoons.

There are several lakes in the Northern Mountains e.g. Saif-ul-Maluk and Sat Para.
5. Natural Vegetation.

Northern Mountains have three different types of natural vegetation:

i Alpine Forests (4000m. to snowline)

ii Coniferous Forests (1000m. to 4000m.)

iii Subtropical Dry (Scrub) Forests (1000m. and below)

Snow line and Tree line.

Snow line is the altitude at or above which snow does not melt all year round.
Tree line is the altitude above which trees do not grow due to severe climatic conditions,
e.g. Permafrost soils, very cold temperatures.

Features Of Alpine Forests.

i Dwarf.

ii Stunted growth.

iii Grow in sheltered areas.

iv Prostrate.

v Craggy.

Reasons.

i Permafrost soils.

ii Severe cold climate.

iii Short growing season (long winters).

iv Difficult topography.

Usage.

Mostly for fire wood.

Types of trees.

Fir, Birch, Silver

Coniferous Forests

Features and Reasons For Coniferous Forests.

i Compact conical shape. Helps stability in strong winds.

ii Needle shaped leaves. Reduce evapo transpiration.

iii Tall straight trunk. To reach for sunlight.

iv Thick bark. Protection against cold winds.

v Downward sloping and springy branches. Easy for snow to slide

off and flexibility.

vi Shallow roots. The soils are not deep or permafrost.

vii Trees do not shed their leaves. Due to long cold winters.
 Types of trees.

Fir, Spruce, Deodar, Kail and Chir. Maple, Willow, Popular, Walnut.

Usage.

Mostly for construction of furniture, houses, medicinal.

Trees are
Trees are evergreen - green throughout the year - therefore they are able to photosynthesise when temperatures rise
above 3oC.

The conical shape enables the trees to shed snow and reduce rocking by wind.

Needle leaves reduce water loss.

Forests usually contain only one main type of tree.

Pine favours sandy soils, spruce damper soils.

Ground vegetation is limited because it is too dark.

Low temperatures and slow rates of weathering produce large stores of nutrients in the litter layer

Subtropical Dry (Scrub) Forests.

Features and Reasons For Subtropical Dry (Scrub) Forests.

i Round in Shape. As the tree density is less more sunlight available.

iii Broad leaves. More photosynthesis and growth.

iii Thick trunks and deep roots. Helps in stability.

iv Shed their leaves to conserve food.

v Low height.

Types of trees.

Accacia, Pines.

Usage.

Timber, Firewood, Grazing.

6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.

i. Nomadic and Semi Nomadic way of life is common (Transhumance).

ii. Agriculture is done on limited scale, on terraced fields (Rice, Hindu Kush)
iii. and in valleys, where water is available. Fruits and crops like apple, peaches, apricot, barley,
wheat and maize are grown during the summers.
iv. Due to difficult relief and climate it is difficult and expensive to provide infrastructure (roads
and railways and airports in this area).
v. Due to tourism in summers there are more jobs and business opportunities available for the
local population.
vi. In winters life is more difficult due to severity of the weather.
vii. Water pipes burst due to freezing temperatures, diseases like frostbite and hypothermia are
common in this area.
viii. Snowstorms and avalanches are also common in this area, which make the life of the people
more difficult by blocking roads and whatever infrastructure there is.
ix. Due to severe climate there is lack of job opportunity mostly people have indoor activities e.g.
weaving, embroidery etc. People have to stock pile food for themselves and their animals.
x. Cattle breading is also a common practice in this region. Some people practice transhumance
i.e. the movement of animal and people in winters to the valleys as the grazing grounds are
covered with snow, in summers people move back to the mountains where the snow has
melted fresh pastures are ready for grazing.

Western Mountains.

1. Topography

i. Western mountains are parallel mountains in north south direction except for the Safed Koh, which
are in East West direction.
ii. They comprise of Safed Koh (up to 4712m.), Waziristan (3513m.), Sulaiman and Kirthar (3383 to
2l47m.). Only Safed Koh are covered with snow throughout the year they are also known as White
Mountains.
iii. There are deep narrow valleys and gorges, steep slopes and deeply dissected by running water from
rain and melting of snow and ice.
iv. There are passes, which connect Pakistan with Afghanistan (Khyber, Kurram, Tochi, Gomal) and
areas of Pakistan with another area in Pakistan (Bolan).
2. Climate.

Summers.
i. Temperature remains mild (10°C-20°C) but becomes warmer (21°C -30°C) with decrease in altitude
e.g. valleys Kohat.
ii. There is large daily range of temperature nights being cooler as compared to days, and differences
in temperatures in sun and shade.
iii. Duration of summer season is shorter than winters.
iv. There is slight Monsoon in summers e.g. Peshawar; in some areas Relief Rainfall along the mountain
slopes is also experienced.
v. Due to temperature changes Thunderstorms are also common.
vi. Average amount of rainfall received is around 250 mm.
 Winters.
i. Winter is cold (-5°C-2°C) in valleys to very cold (-5°C below ) on mountain tops in this region.
ii. During winters temperature remains around or below O°C. Main source of precipitation is from
Western Depressions during the months of December — March. At lower altitude it is mainly in the
form of rain where as in higher altitude it is in the form of snow. Some areas also experience Relief
rainfall.
iii. There are differences in temperature in sun and shade.
iv. Average amount of precipitation received is 250 mm. during winters.
v. As we move towards south precipitation decreases to 125mm or below. In Sulmain and Kirthar Mts.
3. Drainage.
Streams are active in the summer season; water comes from melting of snow and ice on mountains
in Afghanistan and Pakistan during summers. Most of the rivers flow from Afghanistan into Pakistan
flowing from west to east and meeting River Indus.
Main rivers flowing in this region are Kabul, Tochi, Kurram and Gomal. Flowing in west-east direction
and meeting River Indus in east.
Sulmain and Kirthar mountains are drained by several small hill torrents and rivers, e.g. Nari, Bolan,
Mula. They are active whenever there is rainfall the water from these hill torrents soaks in the
piedmont plains between River Indus and Sulmain and Kirthar mountains. In the south River Hub
drains the Kirthar Mts. flowing in north- south direction draining into Arabian Sea. There are several
small lakes in Sulmain and Kirthar Mts., e.g. Marav Lake and Lake Damas.
4. Soils.

Like the northern mountains soils on mountain slopes are thin and permafrost cannot be used for
farming. In valleys like Peshawar where rivers have deposited alluvium and water is available
agriculture is practiced.

5. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.
i. Mostly area is bare of vegetation because climate and relief does not support vegetation.
ii. Agriculture is practiced only in valleys where water is available for irrigation; crops like sugarcane,
rice and tobacco are grown.
iii. In some valleys fruits such as apples, peaches are also present.
iv. Cost of laying infrastructure is very high due to the topography, drainage and climatic of the area,
v. Transportation facilities are limited only to main towns and cities are linked with each other.
vi. Industries are limited to valleys or where raw materials are available.
vii. Minerals are present but due to inaccessibility they could not be mined.
viii. Educational facilities are available only in large towns as most of the population is scattered on
mountain slopes.
ix. In some areas semi nomadic way of life is common people move with their belongings and animals
from valleys to mountains in search of fresh pastures in summers and in winters they move to
valleys (Transhumance).
x. There is lack of jobs or there are seasonal jobs in this area e.g. during summers in tourist industry.
xi. Winter Climate makes life of the people difficult for the people roads are blocked they have to store
food. In some areas people have to make seasonal migration due to severe climatic conditions.
 Balochistan Plateau.
1 Topography
i. Low lying basins or lobes.
ii. Undulating plateau. (600m.-3010m.)
iii. Rugged.
iv. Steep slopes.
v. Deep narrow valleys, e.g. Quetta.
vi. Barren bare rocks.
vii. Parallel ranges, e.g. Chagai, Ras Koh, Siahan, Central Makran and Makran Coastal Range in east-
west direction. Central Brahui and Hala Range in north-south direction.
viii. Rise in altitude from south to north.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Most of the area does not receive any rainfall from monsoons.
ii. Sulaiman-Kirthar ranges do not allow monsoons to penetrate Balochistan Plateau and the
southern Balochistan . Monsoons by the time reach this area they are dry. (Arid less than
125mm. of rainfall)
iii. Temperature inversion layer does not allow moisture to condense and form into clouds.
(Southern Balochistan)
iv. In the central areas of Balochistan, the climate is mild (10°C -20°C)
v. Low-lying Zone plain areas are hot (31°C -39°C).
vi. In coastal areas the temperature is warm (21°C-30°C) due to maritime influence.
vii. Rainfall is less than 125mm i.e. arid.
viii. Evapotranspiration is high.
ix. There is a large difference in the sun and shade temperatures.
x. There is a high daily range of temperature.
Winters.
i. Temperature ranges between cool (3°C -9°C) to cold (-5°C-2°C) depending on altitude.
ii. Mountain tops may record very cold temperatures. (Below-5°C).
iii. Coastal areas experience mild (10°C-20°C) temperature due to maritime influence.
iv. Western Depressions influence most of the area amount of precipitation decreasing from north
to south. (250mm.-125mm.) It may be in the form of snow or rain depending on altitude.
3. Soils.
i. Thin soils on mountain slopes.
ii. In depressions(basins) soils are thick but due to lack of rainfall and irrigation agriculture
is not practiced.
iii. Kharan desert and coastal areas have sandy soils not fit for agriculture.
4. Vegetation.
i. Mostly dry scrub forests and thorny bushes.
ii. Desert vegetation is present in Kharan and western parts of Balochistan.
iii. Sub-tropical forest dry evergreen forests are present at higher altitude.
5. Drainage.
i. Seasonal river (Rivers are active whenever there is rainfall) are present in South of
Balochistan Plateau, e.g. Porali, Hingol, Dasht, Hub and Mushkai flow from north to
south in coastal areas and drain into Arabian Sea.
ii. In central Balouchistan lakes are present which are known as hamuns, e.g. Hamun-i-
Mashkel, Hamun-i-Murgho. (Inland drainage)
iii. In north River Zhob meets River Gomal flowing from south to north which later meets
river Indus in the east.
6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.
i. It is the least populated area due to harsh climate (Aridity, Temp.) and relief
conditions.
ii. Lack of water discourages agriculture and large settlements.
iii. Limits of agriculture only to those areas where sub-soil water is present. In some
areas agriculture is being practiced by Karez irrigation.
iv. Cost of laying down infrastructure is very high. (Topography)
v. Less exploitation of natural resources and almost non-existent industries.
vi. Air and Rail transport is very limited.
vii. There is a lack of jobs due to less industry.
viii. Limited mineral exploration and exploitation.

Potwar Plateau.
1. Topography.
In north there are Marghalla and Kala Chita ranges in the south there is Salt range in east here is
River Jhelum and in West there is River Indus
i. Slopes from north east-south west.
ii. Height varies from 300-600m.
iii. Undulating land/flat land.
iv. Steep sided river valleys
v. Ridges of hard rock Kala Chita and Khari Murat.
vi. Deeply dissected by rivers e.g. Soan.
vii. Trough, depressions, gullies after eroding.
viii. When rivers deposit alluvium alluvial plains form.
ix. Ravines between ridges and soft rocks.
x. Residual hills of limestone and sandstone.
xi. Badland topography.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Hot (31°C -39°C)
ii. Evapotranspiration is high.
iii. Monsoons and thunderstorms are the main source of precipitation in the form of rainfall (250mm.-
500mm.) amount rising from south to north.
iv. Large daily range and difference in sun and shade temperature.
Winters.
i. Cool to cold. (-5°C-9°C)
ii. Western Depressions are the main source of precipitation (250mm.-500mm.)
3. Soils.
i. Loess and alluvial soils are present which are fertile. If provided with water good for agriculture
ii. Residual soils which are poor not good for agriculture.
4. Vegetation.
Mostly tropical thorns and dry scrubs.

5. Drainage.
i. Soan, Haro, Sill, Penad are the main rivers which are draining the area flowing from NE to SW and
draining into Indus river.
ii. Rivers are active in rainy season.
iii. Meanders.
iv. Alluvial plains along rivers formed due to flooding.

6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.

i. This area is developed as compared to Balochistan plateau as it has good infrastructure, e.g. M.1,
M2, N5, airport and railway.
ii. Industries of oil refining, cement, marble cutting, chemical, textile are present in
in this area gas and oil fields are also present.
iii. Educational facilities are also present. (Schools, Colleges and Universities)
iv. Islamabad as a capital city provides job opportunities in different public and private sector
departments.
v. Good areas for agriculture due to barani agriculture and in limited areas canal irrigation.
vi. Population density is high because of development in this region and climatic conditions favour.
vii. Animal grazing.
Salt Range.
1. Topography.
In the north there is Potwar Plateau in south there is Upper Indus Plain in the east there is river
Jhelum and in west there is river Indus.
i. Height varies from 750m.-900m. Sakesar (1527m.) being the highest point.
ii. Parallel ranges running from NE — SW.
iii. Steep slope towards south gentle slope towards north.
iv. Altitude rising from south to north.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Mild (10°C -20°C)
ii. Monsoons, relief and thunderstorms about 250mm of rain.
iii. Difference in temperatures in sun and shade.
iv. Large daily range of temperature. Difference in temperatures in day and night.
v. Hot winds blow during the months of May and June at the foothills of the mountain.
Winters.
i. Cool (3°C -9°C)
ii. Western Depressions and Relief rainfall around 250 mm. of rain.
iii. Differences in sun and shade temperatures.
iv. Difference in day and night temperatures.
3. Soils.
i. Loess and alluvial soils suitable for agriculture if provided with water
ii. Residual soils not good for agriculture used for pasturing.
4. Vegetation.
i. Dry Scrub forest, sub-tropical thorns.
5. Drainage.
i. On the northern side of the salt range there are several saline lakes and basins in which the water
drains from salt range whenever it rains e.g. Lake Kallar Kahar, Khabeki. But water does drain into
rivers of Potwar Plateau which drain into River Indus.
ii. On the southern side there are several rivers e.g. Khewra and Jamsukh, Rivers. They are active with
rainfall but soak in the piedmont plains.
6. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.
i. Highly mineralized rock salt, gypsum, coal and limestone used as raw materials in cement and
chemical industries (soda ash).
ii. Job opportunities in mining and industry.
iii. Good infrastructure, e.g. railway roads (M.2, N5).
iv. Tourism.
v. Animal grazing.
Indus Plain.
1. Topography.
i. Both upper and lower Indus Plains are flat
ii. In upper Indus plain there are doabs (interfluves) e.g. Bari Doab and bars (alluvial terraces) which
are 5-15m. high e.g. Nili and Ganji Bars.
iii. The rivers keep on changing positions (meanders)
iv. Oxbow lakes are also present in the lower Indus plain
v. There are levees along the river bed
vi. There are active flood plains along the river which are annually flooded in the rainy season
vii. The old flood plains are flooded every 5-7 years
viii. Active flood plain is made up of new alluvium and old flood plain is made up of old alluvium
ix. Piedmont plains are found at the foot hills of the Himalayas, Salt Range and Sulaiman and Kirthar
mountain ranges in upper and lower Indus plain respectively.
x. Tidal Delta (Deltaic Plains) are made up of river deposited material near the sea
xi. In the upper and lower Indus Plain there are low lying hills
xii. In the upper Indus Plain there are hills between river Chenab and Jhelum which are known as Kirana
hills. In the lower Indus Plain they are known as cuestas which are made up of limestone. They slope
gently towards south and steeply towards north e.g. Rohri and Gango Takar Cusetas.
xiii. Part of the Indus Plain that extends into Balochistan is known as Kachi Sibi Plain.
2. Drainage.
i. Lower Indus plain is drained by River Indus mainly flowing in north south direction.
ii. Upper Indus Plain is mainly drained by River Indus (N-S) and its eastern tributaries Sutlej, Ravi,
Chenab, Jhelum. (N.E.-S.W.) Eastern tributaries meet at Panjnad further downstream River Panjnad
meets River Indus at Mithankot.
3. Active Flood Plain.
i. Flat.
ii. Annual Floods.
iii. Braided Channels.
iv. Changing position of rivers.
v. Abandoned channels in dry season.
vi. Soils of loam and silt (Alluvial Soils).
vii. Fertile, good for farming.
4. Old flood Plain.
i. Higher than active flood plains.
ii. Main River abandoned.
iii. Evidence of levees.
iv. Ox-bow lake depressions.
v. Evidence of meanders.
5. Bars (Alluvial Terraces) Physical Features.
i. Bluff along the edge height
ii. 5-I5m. high.
iii. Areas of silt and clay.
iv. Flat surfaces.
v. Slopes to SW.
vi. Low hills in some areas.
6. lndus Delta.
i. Distributaries.
ii. Tidal Mud flats.
iii. Ox bow lakes.
iv. Meanders.
6. Piedmont Plains.
i. Many piedmont plains have developed between Indus River and Sulaiman and Kirthar Mts.
ii. They have been formed by alluvial fans (alluvium deposited in the plains at the foot hills by hill
torrents).
iii. There are alluvial fans in the south of the Siwaliks between river Jhelum and Chenab and between
Ravi and Chenab.
iv. Alluvial fans have low gradient of 1°-2°and 2°-4.5°.
v. Alluvial fans are small in size 1-2.5 miles in radius
vi. Piedmont plains are flat and have fertile soils good for agriculture if provided with irrigation.
vii. The area between Sulaiman and Kirthar Mts. And river Indus is Arid if provided with irrigation can be
used for agriculture.
7. Climate.
Summers.
i. Summers are of longer duration.
ii. Summers are hot to very hot (31°C-40°C and above)
iii. Rainfall is from Monsoons 250mm. and decreasing towards south to less than 125mm.
iv. Thunderstorms are common in the months of April- June in Upper Indus Plain.
v. Hot winds blow during May and June.
vi. High temperature causes low pressure.
vii. Large daily range of temperature.
viii. Differences between sun and shade temperatures.
ix. During the months of July –September temperature falls due to formation of clouds and rainfall.
Winters.
i. Winters are of shorter duration.
ii. Cool-Cold (-5°C-9°C) temperatures are experienced in U.I.P. Temperature increasing towards south
cool (3°C-9°C) to mild (10°C-20°C) in coastal areas.
iii. Cold winds blow in the U.I.P/L.I.P.
iv. Rainfall is mainly from Western Depressions decreasing in amount from north to south.

Monsoons are caused due to differences in temperature and pressure.

In summers temperature on land becomes hot. Air in contact with land
also becomes hot. Air expands becomes light and rises creating a low
pressure area on the land. At the same time Indian Ocean and sea
surrounding subcontinent has lower temperature and high pressure.
Winds move from high pressure to low pressure areas. So winds from
Indian Ocean blow towards land i.e. subcontinent. These winds are
moist and cool as they come in contact with land they become hot,
expand and rise. As air rises it cools and condenses and forms cloud
bringing precipitation. These winds blow from east to west along
Himalayas bringing precipitation to the north eastern and eastern parts
of Pakistan.
Coastal Climate.
i) Due to the influence of sea there is low annual and daily range of temperature (10°C - 16°C) i.e.
winters are warmer and summers are cooler as compared to north.
ii) Land and sea breezes.
iii) Tropical Cyclones.
iv) Monsoon rainfall.
v) High humidity.

8. Vegetation.
i. Tropical Thorns are found but most of the U.I.P. is used for agriculture since the provision of canal
irrigation so natural forests are almost nonexistent. In L.I.P. there are natural forests along the river
Indus e.g. Riverain and Bela Forests.
ii. Irrigated Forests.
They are planted in rows and are equidistance to each other. Single specie is planted in a block.
Around the blocks there are water courses for irrigation and road for transportation of wood.
Irrigated forests are located near a source of irrigation e.g. Canals. They are replanted after cutting.
Main species are shisham, babul, eucalyptus. Main area for irrigated forests are Bahawalpur,
Khanawal, Changa Manga, Chichawatni, Thal, Taunsa (barrage) in Punjab and Kotri, Guddu (barrage),
Hyderabad in Sindh.
Irrigated forests are distributed along river Indus and its eastern tributaries. They were developed in
Pakistan lack of fuel at the time of independence (firewood). Timber for construction and industry.
iii) Linear plantations.
Linear plantation is planting of trees in line equidistance alongside canals, roads, railways, in parks
along walking tracks and along field boundaries. To provide shade, lower temperature, to prevent
soil erosion along canal banks.
iv) Mangroves are present in the Indus and Hub Delta.
Features of Mangroves.
i) Number of prop roots.
ii) Up to 3’ of 1m. above water or mud.
iii) Trunk above prop roots.
iv) Low height trees and Shrubs grow on delta.
v) Spread towards sea and survive in sea water.
vi) Limited growth in polluted water.

Uses of Mangroves.
i. Fodder. Ii. Timber
ii. Construction iii) Extraction of honey
iii. Fire wood.
Requirements.
i. Tropical temperatures.
ii. Fine grained alluvium.
iii. Protective environment where wave action is not strong.
iv. Large tidal range.
v. Mixing of saline and river water.
Threats to mangroves.
i. Around Karachi Port and Port Qasim there is a lot of pollution i.e. untreated sewage and industrial
waste being thrown in sea and Indus River resulting in stunted growth.
ii. Since the construction of dams and barrages lot of water is used for irrigation and
iii. due to siltation in reservoirs silt is not reaching Indus Delta. Both Silt and river water are very
important for the growth of Mangroves.
iv. Over cutting for firewood.
v. Over grazing.
Economic Importance.
i. Important fishing zone.
ii. Kamari and Port Qasim do not need deepening of port area. The roots of the mangroves hold the
soil so less erosion takes place in the coastal areas resulting in less deposition in port area. Keeping
the port natural deep sea port.
8. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.
i. Large river distributaries.
ii. No firm land.
iii. Area cannot be used for agricultural and economic activities on large scale.
iv. Fear of flooding, less agriculture.
v. Marshy area not fit for agriculture.
vi. Provision of infrastructure difficult.
Deserts.

i. Thal in Punjab between river Indus and Jhelum.

ii. Cholistan in south east of Punjab.
iii. Pat/Nara in North East of Sind.
iv. Thar Parkar in South east of Sind.
v. Kharan in West of Balochistan.
1. Topography.
i. Strips of soils between sand dunes.
ii. Sandy plains.
iii. Ridges 150m. high.
iv. Barren area with bare rocks.
v. Gently undulating.
vi. Shifting Sand Dunes.
vii. Longitudinal and latitudinal sand dunes.
viii. Bare Rocks (Kharan).
ix. Weathered Rocks.
 x. Crescent shaped low lying sand dunes.
2. Climate.
Summers.
i. Longer duration.
ii. Arid less than 125 mm. of rainfall due to monsoons. (east)
iii. Very hot (4O°C and above).
iv. Large daily range of temperature.
v. Difference in sun and shade temperature.
vi. High evapotranspiration.
vii. Hot winds / Dust storms blow during the summers.
viii. In Kharan desert rainfalls only in winter due to Western Depressions.
Winters.
i. Mild (10C-20C) to Warm (21°C — 30°C)
ii. Arid (125mm.) Western Depressions don’t reach south eastern desert some rain in Kharan and Thal.
iii. Large daily range of temperature.
iv. Differences in sun and shade temperatures.
3. Influence of relief and climate on the economy and life of the people.
i. Travel during the nights or early morning.
ii. Indoor activities like embroidery, weaving and pottery making.
iii. Limited agriculture where irrigation is present.
iv. Limited infrastructure and educational facilities.
v. Grazing.