Economy of Central Asia. Natural resources of Central Asia Fuel resources of Central Asian states

natural conditions. Mostly they are relatively favorable, but in some places there is also a negative impact. Most of the Asian part of Russia (2/3) are regions of the far north and permafrost. AT Central Asia vast areas are occupied by semi-deserts and deserts, unsuitable for life and management.

The territory of the region is predominantly located on a hill. Mountain ranges and plateaus occupy 3/4 of its territory. The largest mountainous areas surrounding the east (Chukotka and Koryak highlands, Central Siberian plateau, Sikhote-Alin, Verkhoyansk ridge, etc.) and the south of the region (Tien Shan, Pamir, Altai, Kazakh upland plateau). The high-mountain massif of the Pamir region (the highest point is Communism Peak, 7495 m), which is an epiplatform mountain of the Cenozoic folding of the Alpine-Himalayan geosynclinal belt. The largest orographic unit in Eastern Siberia is the Central Siberian Plateau, which is characterized by the alternation of wide plateaus and ridges (Yenisei ridge, Vilyuisbke plateau, higher in height (1701 m) than the Putorana plateau). Many areas are covered with permafrost. In the mountains Central Asia more than 7,000 glaciers with a total area of ​​about 20,000 km2 have been registered. High seismicity is characteristic, which sometimes reaches 8-9 points on the Richter scale.

Plains are of alluvial and accumulative origin, located mainly in river valleys and near sea coasts. The western lowland is one of the largest lowland accumulative plains the globe. Its area reaches 3 million km2. The surface is weakly dissected, with small height amplitudes (from 50 to 300 m). Wide flat interfluves, composed of moraine hills and ridges, predominate. In the southern part there are many depressions, in the place of which large lakes sometimes form. The middle part of the plain is dissected by slow rivers, stagnant water is rich on flat watersheds. This is the reason for the large waterlogging and the presence of peat, especially in Vasyugan. Marshes cover approximately 20-25% of the lowland area. In the southern part of the region there is a large Turan lowland (plain), which is characterized by the alternation of accumulative lowlands and plains with table plateaus (total - Ustyurt). On the surface of the plain, wormwood-saltwort, psamophytnia and ephemeral deserts predominate, they are used as pastures.

Climatic conditions are varied, due to the latitudinal zonality. The climate of the Asian part of Russia is severe, continental (in the Far East it is close to monsoonal). Winter is very long, summer is comparatively short. Precipitation falls mainly in summer (300-500 mm). In Central Asia, the temperatures of day and night, summer and winter, are especially contrasting, the actual continental type of climate.

The north of the region has a wide hydrographic network, which belongs mainly to river systems Ob - Irtysh, Yenisei - Angara, Lena, Amur, Yana, etc. Rivers are important communication routes and a source of water supply. Water resources of Siberia and Far East make up about 10% of the world's reserves fresh water. Many major year navigable along the entire length. Central Asia is rich in groundwater, a significant amount of which is spent on feeding surface runoff, meeting the needs of the population and moistening pastures.

There are tens of thousands of lakes in Siberia. Here is a unique natural formation - Lake Baikal, the volume of water in which is 23 thousand km2 (almost 1/5 of the world's fresh water reserves). Baikal is the deepest (up to 1620 m) continental water body on earth's surface. This is a natural laboratory where you can study the laws of evolution of aquatic organisms, the formation of freshwater fauna.

Some areas of Central Asia have favorable agro-climatic conditions (especially for growing some subtropical crops: cotton, melons, fruit trees).

Natural resources. The wealth of the region is a variety of mineral resources represented by coal in Russia (Kuznetsk basin (Kuzbass), South Yakutsk basin, promising Lena and Tunguska basins), brown coal in Russia (Kansk-Achinsk basin in Eastern Siberia), oil (southern regions Western Siberia, north of Sakhalin in Russia, the Mangyshlak peninsula in Kazakhstan, the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea), gas (the north of Western Siberia and Sakhalin in Russia, the Gazli field in Uzbekistan, eastern regions Turkmenistan), etc..

The region is rich in ore minerals: iron ore (Altai and Angarsk deposits in Russia, northwest Kazakhstan), manganese (Dzhezdy deposit in Kazakhstan), chromium (northwest Kazakhstan), copper (deposits (Dzhezkazgan and Balkhash in Kazakhstan, Norilsk in Russia), nickel (complex Norilsk deposit), polymetals (Altai), tin (Far East), gold (Siberia and the Far East in Russia, Kyrgyzstan), mercury (in the Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan).

Non-metallic minerals are represented by phosphorites (Zhambyl deposit in Kazakhstan), mirabilite (Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay in Turkmenistan), diamonds (Mirny city in Yakutia).

Potential hydropower resources are estimated at 1900 billion kWh - the energy of sea tides. In Central Asia, the limited water reserves led to the creation of a wide network of irrigation facilities, through which the regulation of the runoff is carried out. For the purpose of irrigation, more than 30 large reservoirs (with a volume of more than 100 million m3 each) and many main irrigation canals have been built, including Chui, Northern and Big Fergana, Amu-Bukhara, Karshun, Gissar, etc. The unique Karakum canal (1200 km long) was built in 1954 and extends through the southern part of the Karakum desert.

The forests of the Asian part of Russia consist mainly of coniferous species - pine, fir, cedar, spruce, larch, Manchurian walnut, birch and other deciduous species are common in the south. The forested area is 70% of the district area. The total timber reserves are estimated at 74 billion m3. The forests of Siberia and the Far East are rich not only in wood, they are home to up to 150 species of game animals, including such valuable ones as sable, ermine, squirrel, industrial birds, various valuable medicinal plants grow (the famous ginseng), nuts, mushrooms, berries . In Kazakhstan, a lot of forests (9 million hectares) fall on saxaul forests. The average forest cover of the countries of Central Asia is only 5%.

The Far Eastern sea basin is rich in fish (up to 20 species: sardine-ivasi, mackerel, salmon, saury, herring, greenling, etc.) and seafood, of which crabs, shrimps, squids, scallops, sea kale, etc. are intensively used.

The development of the economy of the countries of the region is primarily due to their huge natural resource potential - one of the largest in the world. No wonder Russia and Kazakhstan are called the "geological pantries" of the world.

Central Asia is one of the dynamically developing regions of the world, which occupies an important geopolitical position, has a significant human and fairly high aggregate economic potential, natural and industrial resources.

Central Asia (CA), covers inland Asia within the People's Republic of China and the Mongolian People's Republic. The total area is about 6 million square meters. km. Most of the territory is an area of ​​internal runoff. Semi-deserts and deserts predominate, a significant part of the territory is mountains and intermountain valleys.

On the territory of the region of different climatic zones with a wide variety of natural conditions, there are Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, which, according to the UN criteria, are classified as developing countries. Occupying the seventh place in the world in terms of area (of which Kazakhstan, which occupies 2.7 million square kilometers, is among the top nine largest countries in the world), the Central Asian countries have significant land resources, in terms of arable land (Kazakhstan - 19.4 million hectares, Uzbekistan - 4, Kyrgyzstan - 1.4, Tajikistan - 0.9) can become a self-sufficient and developed region. The region is currently characterized by a high birth rate, the population is expected to increase to 70 million people in the near future.

Table 1. - Population of the countries of Central Asia (million people)

and occupied territory

All the states of the region are currently undergoing a period of political and economic transformations that are strongly influencing the situation within countries and international relationships both within the region and with states outside it. The group of factors contributing to the formation of a more independent energy policy of the Central Asian countries includes optimistic forecasts of the socio-economic situation in the region, primarily in Kazakhstan.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are considered the poorest countries in the region: according to the latest data, about 50% of the population lives below the poverty line in each of the countries. The systemic crisis, characterized by a deep recession in all sectors of the economy, has a great negative impact in the republics. In these countries, the problem of economic sector recession is exacerbated by low gross domestic product (GDP) growth, high inflation rates, 24.5% and 20.4%, respectively. At the same time, more than 90% of all food wheat and flour, as well as about 40% of oil products, Tajikistan imports from Kazakhstan.

The controllability of the national economy of Uzbekistan, based on the real sector, and, accordingly, weak interaction with speculative capital allowed Uzbekistan as a whole to avoid the most negative manifestations of the global financial crisis. However, a crisis arose in the consumer market, expressed in a reduction in effective consumer demand. In Turkmenistan, the main economic events include the denomination national currency in 2009, which was caused by the need to improve the efficiency of money circulation in the country's economy.

The level of projected prices for products and oil prices by 2010, the population of Central Asia can count on an increase in income per capita by only 50-100 dollars due to new discovered deposits. However, this level is insufficient for the financial needs of society, since the population of the region spends on average 70% of their income on food 2 .

Table 2 - Growth rates of the national economy 1

The issues of security with energy resources are paramount for each country of any country, according to the level of its development and potential opportunities, one can assess the economic power of states. Central Asia is one of the most energy-rich regions in the world. There is an objective indicator, the self-sufficiency ratio (CSR), determined by the ratio of produced energy resources to those consumed. If CSR< 1, страна импортирует энергоресурсы, если КСО >1, then the trade balance is dominated by exports. Some countries export one type of energy resources, import another, but CSR takes into account the final result. An analysis of the dynamics of self-sufficiency in energy resources of the Central Asian countries showed that only Kazakhstan (2), Turkmenistan (3.31) and Uzbekistan (1.1) are energy independent. Self-sufficiency of other republics, especially Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan is still insufficiently low.

Table 3 - Resource potential of the energy sector of the Central Asian countries 1

Organic fuel plays the leading role in the production and consumption of fuel and energy resources (FER) in the region. The countries of Central Asia have a significant diversified, although unevenly distributed energy resource base across the territory. In general, the provision of the region with primary fuel and energy resources is 1.72, that is, compared to 2000 (1.44), it has increased significantly, mainly due to a sharp increase in the production of fuel and energy resources in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. At the same time, the indicators of the provision of fuel and energy resources in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan amounted to 0.58 and 0.35, respectively, which indicates the serious problems of these countries in terms of energy independence. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan account for over 20% of the world's proven uranium reserves. The share of the Central African Republic in the structure of global explored coal reserves is about 2%, in terms of natural gas reserves - 4.5%. Explored reserves of coal will last more than 600 years, oil - 65 years, natural gas - 75 years. At present, the region is increasingly identified as a potential supplier of hydrocarbons in various directions and to various markets, and there are many possible projects and export routes.

Rich reserves of fuel and energy resources are distributed unevenly across their territories. Thus, 88.6% of the explored coal reserves in the region are concentrated in Kazakhstan, and 86% of oil. In Uzbekistan, coal - 4.9%. Gas reserves are more or less evenly distributed between Turkmenistan (43%), Uzbekistan (30%) and Kazakhstan (27%).

More than half of the total volume of consumed energy resources in the Central Asian Republics (CAR) falls on the share of natural gas, about 3/4 of which is used in Uzbekistan. The second place is occupied by coal consumption, about 93% of which is used in Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan uses 38% of the oil consumed in the region, 34% falls on the share of Kazakhstan 3 .

Table 4 - Gas production in Central Asia and Russia

The countries of Central Asia have significant reserves of water and energy resources, which are distributed extremely unevenly across the territories of the states. The region contains 5.5% of the economically effective hydro potential of the world. The total hydropower potential of the region totals 937 billion kWh of electricity per year 4 . A significant part of this potential (56.2%) is concentrated in Tajikistan, but its development is at a low level - 4.6%. Kyrgyzstan (0.8 million kWh/sq. km) and Tajikistan (3.7 million kWh/sq. km) are especially different in terms of annual hydropower potential per unit of the country's territory.

Within Kyrgyzstan, 25% of the total flow of the rivers of the Aral Sea basin is formed, Tajikistan - 43%, Uzbekistan - 10%, Kazakhstan - 2%, Turkmenistan - 1%. At the same time consumption water resources has the reverse. Over the past ten years, in Kyrgyzstan, for example, it averaged no more than 1%, Tajikistan - 13%, Kazakhstan - 11%, Turkmenistan - 23% and Uzbekistan - 39% of the total water withdrawals from the Syrdarya and Amudarya rivers. The transboundary dependence of water resources, expressed in the shares of river flow coming from outside, is 42% for Kazakhstan, 94% for Turkmenistan, and 77% for Uzbekistan 5 . In the energy balance of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the basic source is hydropower. In the structure of production of fuel and energy resources, its share is 77 and 96%, and in the structure of consumption 43 and 40%, respectively. However, in the structure of the regional fuel and energy balance, the share of hydropower is insignificant - about 3%. The share of hydropower plants in the installed capacity in the whole of the United Energy System (IPS) of Central Asia reached 35%, in Kyrgyzstan - 79%, Tajikistan - 93%. Uzbekistan generates 52% of the total electricity. Kazakhstan, being the final link in the chain of hydropower and reclamation systems of the Syrdarya basin, annually faces seasonal flooding of the southern regions and a high concentration of salts at the mouth of the river, a lack of irrigation water in the summer, which led to a number of social and environmental problems. In general, the use of the economically efficient part of the hydropower potential in the region does not yet exceed 10%.

The energy crisis in the process of market reforms has seriously complicated the economic situation in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In Tajikistan, it began earlier, in Kyrgyzstan a year later, however, its consequences for the economic systems of both republics are insurmountable at the expense of these countries' own resources. At the same time, the nature of the crises in these countries is different. The main causes of the energy crisis in Tajikistan are rooted in the consequences civil war. Other reasons are inefficient use of energy resources, low efficiency of applied technologies. In Kyrgyzstan, the causes of the crisis are mainly economic in nature. One of the main reasons for the current crisis is the completely inefficient policy of using the country's hydro resources, taking into account the reduction in natural water flow.

In Kyrgyzstan rational use The water resources of the Toktogul reservoir can provide both electricity generation and water use for agricultural needs. But the lack of a balanced state approach to the use of the country's main strategic resource has led to the fact that instead of solving the problem high level losses from domestic consumption of energy resources, electricity producers began to focus more on the external market.

In general, determining the consequences of the global crisis in the countries of Central Asia is possible subject to significant investment in the sectors most affected by the crisis, taking into account the specifics of each country. The decline in foreign investment in these sectors is the most serious problem. The remaining political risks do not add optimism regarding the investment attractiveness of the region's countries. Kazakhstan is the largest investor in the region. However, due to the difficult internal political situation in 2010, the inflow of direct investments from Kazakhstan to the republic decreased by 81.1% compared to 2009.

At the same time, the reduction of foreign investment in the modernization of hydrotechnical facilities may lead to a new energy crisis throughout the region and to an increase in tension in relations between neighboring states. Therefore, it is necessary, first of all, to strengthen integration interaction by combining the efforts of the countries of Central Asia to solve common regional problems. Concerted actions are the most important factor of regional security and a necessary condition for developing the production capacities of the fuel and energy complex of the countries of the region, increasing their energy self-sufficiency, expanding their energy export potential, and saving investment resources.

At the same time, the region has large renewable energy resources, the introduction of which into the energy balance can be a significant contribution to achieving sustainable economic development, a stable energy market, and ensuring favorable environmental conditions. In a number of republics, the trend towards the use of renewable energy sources (RES) is at the stage of developing National Programs.

The above concepts of the countries of the region in the development of energy industries lead to the need to diversify the structure of the energy sector, including expanding the use of renewable energy sources. As a number of studies show, the share of renewable energy in the energy balance by 2050 should be about 18% or even higher in order to stabilize the content of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

In general, the analysis of the potentials of the energy resources of the countries of Central Asia identifies important problems that require the collective efforts of all states in the region:

Consolidation of water and energy resources, since for decades a single energy system has been functioning in the region with the dominant role of the hydropower industry of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and gas supply, the main suppliers of which were Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan;

Cooperation in the field of ecology. As a result of extensive exploitation environment the possibility of its reproduction is significantly undermined;

Rational, efficient water use of transboundary rivers. The socio-economic and environmental well-being of the states of Central Asia depends on a comprehensive solution to this problem.

Key words: International Energy Agency, renewable energy, fuel and energy balance, energy resources deficit, hydro energy, solar energy, wind energy.

Literature.

1. The economy of Central Asia: prospects for interaction // "Kazakhstanskaya Pravda", - 2009. - 17.07. – P.25.

2. Bonjovi D. Oil and security around the Caspian // Energy of Kazakhstan - 2000. - No. 2 (8) - P.16.

3. Likhachev V. Central Asia puts pressure on gas // World Energy. - 2006. - No. 3 (27). - P. 56-57.

4. Primbetov S., Sabirov M. Regional energy integration is a reliable one for future investments//Al Pari.-2001.-No.1.-No.1.-P.18.

5. Mironenkov A., Sarsembekov T. Uzbekistan has become closer//World economy. - 2006. - No. 4 (28). - P.66.

The natural conditions and resources of the countries of Central Asia are characterized by both some common features and significant differences. The territories of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are located mainly within the platform area of ​​the earth's crust (Turan Plate) and are characterized by a predominantly flat relief. The Turan lowland occupies about 80% of the territory of Uzbekistan and a significant part of Turkmenistan. The exceptions are certain mountainous regions in the south of Turkmenistan (Kopetdag ridge) and east of Uzbekistan (Zerafshan ridge). Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are almost completely located within two mountain systems - Pamir-Alay and Tien Shan. Mountains and highlands occupy 90% of the territory of Tajikistan and 95% of Kyrgyzstan. At the same time, about 50% of the territory of Tajikistan and 30% of Kyrgyzstan are located at an altitude of over 3000 m. The main part of the region belongs to the zone of seismic activity. Devastating earthquakes have repeatedly occurred here, leading to significant losses of people and material resources.

Climate throughout the territory subtropical, sharply continental and dry. On the one hand, it is characterized by high average monthly temperatures and a large amount of heat, and on the other hand, by low rainfall, which makes it impossible to farm without irrigation. Thus, the frost-free period is from 200 to 240 days a year, and the number of days with an average daily temperature above +20 ° C reaches 120 - 150 per year. All this provides the sum of active solar temperatures from 4000 °С to 5600 °С, allows growing a wide range of heat-loving cultivated plants, as well as carrying out two sowings per year.

The amount of precipitation is small, and they are distributed over the territory very unevenly. In the desert regions of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as in the Pamirs, they fall up to 100 mm per year. In the foothills of the Kopetdag, their number increases to 300 mm, on the windward slopes of the Tien Shan ranges - 1000 mm. On average, 200 - 300 mm of precipitation falls in the flat areas. A little more precipitation is observed in the intermountain valleys - Hissar (Tajikistan), Chui and Talas (Kyrgyzstan), which are the main areas of agriculture. Everywhere (both in the intermountain valleys and along the river valleys on the plains), farming requires artificial irrigation. The largest irrigation systems are the Karakum (Turkmenistan) and Fergana (Uzbekistan) canals. Outside the zones of irrigated agriculture, in semi-desert and desert regions, as well as in the mountains, pasture animal husbandry is developed. Winters with little snow contribute to year-round grazing.

From all the variety soil cover predominantly gray soils are used, which, when irrigated, provide high yields. They are located in almost all intermountain valleys - Vakhsh, Fergana, Chui, Talas. In the Pamirs, gray soils rise to a height of 2000 m above sea level. A significant part of the territory is occupied by sands (the deserts of the Karakum and Kyzylkum) and unproductive soils (including saline ones). In the foothills there are forb steppes, which are also heavily developed and used for rainfed agriculture (growing mainly grain crops in an arid climate without irrigation). In the mountainous regions of Uzbekistan, deciduous forests of cherry plum, elm, almonds rise to a height of up to 1200 m, which then turn into subalpine meadows. In Tajikistan, forests are located up to 3000 m, and higher - alpine meadows. In total, there are approximately 6.5 million hectares of land under forests in the region, but the industrial value of forests is small.

In the Pamir-Alai and Tien Shan mountains, there are significant areas of glaciers that feed most rivers region. In the Pamir Mountains, the Vakhsh and Pyanj rivers originate, forming the full-flowing Amu Darya. The Zeravshan is also among the large rivers. In the highlands of the Tien Shan, largest river Kyrgyzstan - Naryn (upper reaches of the Syr Darya). All mountain rivers are rich in water and have great hydropower potential. Technically feasible hydropower resources are estimated at 250 billion kWh. In terms of their size, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are second only to Russia among the CIS countries. The waters of the rivers are used for irrigation, as well as industrial and domestic needs. In the area of ​​the high mountain lake Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan), a resort and tourist zone of international importance has developed. Significant withdrawals of the waters of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya for irrigation purposes led to the violation of the regime of the inland Aral Sea, which led to a catastrophic reduction in its area and gave rise to a number of social and environmental issues regional scale. This area has been declared an ecological disaster area.

The bowels of Central Asia are rich in various mineral resources. In terms of reserves of some of them (natural gas, gold, antimony, mercury, uranium ores, etc.), the republics occupy leading positions not only in the CIS, but also in the world. At the same time, there are significant differences in the provision of individual republics with certain types of minerals. Uzbekistan has the widest range of mineral resources. In its bowels there are large reserves of mineral fuel: natural gas (fields of Gazli, Mubarek, etc. within the Bukhara-Khiva oil and gas province), oil (Fergana Valley), brown coal (the largest Angren field in the region). In the mountainous regions in the east of the country, deposits of gold, tungsten, copper and polymetallic ores have been discovered.

In Turkmenistan, fuel resources also form the basis of the mineral resource base. Rich deposits of natural gas have been discovered in the Central Karakum and in the south of the country (reliable reserves are estimated at 2.8 trillion m 3). Significant oil fields (Nebitdag, Kumdag, Okarem) are concentrated in the west of Turkmenistan (the Turkmen oil and gas province within the South Caspian depression). Industrial oil reserves are estimated at 250 million tons. Ozokerite (natural petroleum bitumen) is also mined here, which finds wide economic use, including medicine. There are large reserves of Glauber's salt (mirabilite), as well as iodine salts, magnesium chloride, and bromine in the area of ​​the dried-up Kara-Bogaz-Gol Bay. Sulfur deposits have been discovered.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have significant reserves of various ore resources. Among them are polymetallic ores. The reserves of tungsten, gold, antimony and mercury are estimated as large. Of the ferrous metals, only the Khujand iron ore deposit in Tajikistan can be distinguished (reserves are estimated at 120 million tons). Fuel resources are small. They are represented by a few deposits of hard and brown coal with reserves of local importance, as well as uranium ores. Oil and natural gas fields have been explored in Tajikistan. There are large reserves of table salt, mineral building materials. Other minerals include precious and semi-precious stones, mineral waters.

Odessa-2007

central Asia

General information about the Central Asia region. Economic and geographical position

Central Asia was formed into an independent region in the 90s of the XX century. due to the collapse of the USSR. The region covers 6 countries (table) that have a common post-Soviet economic legacy, a similar political situation, which sometimes escalates to armed conflicts, and social problems.

Table 1

Central Asian countries

Comfortable economic and geographical position of the region. The countries of the region directly border the regions of Russia, Southwest and East Asia. Only a narrow strip of Afghan territory separates them from largest countries South Asia - India and Pakistan.

Central Asia is located at the crossroads of important trade routes of Eurasian significance. The territory has access to the endorheic Aral-Caspian basin. Nevertheless, the lack of access to the World Ocean in the countries of Central Asia worsens their transport and geographical position.

With the collapse of the USSR, the newly formed independent states of Central Asia became an arena for a clash of political and economic interests of the Muslim world (Turkey, Iran), on the one hand, the East Asian region (China, South Korea) on the other, Russia and the United States on the third. The long coexistence of the countries of the region within the boundaries of the former USSR led to many common features of their socio-economic development.

Natural conditions, resources and population

natural conditions. For the most part relatively unfavorable for the life of the population. In Central Asia, vast areas are occupied semi-deserts and deserts unsuitable for life and management.

The territory of the region is mostly elevated. Mountain ranges and plateaus occupy 3/4 her. The largest mountain areas are in the south of the region (Tien Shan, Pamir, Altai, plateau - Kazakh small hills). The highest massif of the region is Pamir- the highest point - peak Somoni (Communism) - 7495 m.

Characterized by high seismicity, which sometimes reaches 8-9 points.

Plains located mainly in river valleys. There are many depressions in the southern part, on the site of which large lakes sometimes form.

Climatic conditions diverse, due to latitudinal zonality. In the north of Kazakhstan, winter is very long, summer is relatively short. Precipitation falls mainly in summer (300-500 mm). In Central Asia, the temperatures of day and night, summer and winter, which are characteristic of the continental type of climate, are especially contrasting.

Rivers are important means of communication and a source of water supply. Central Asia is rich in groundwater, a significant amount of which is spent on meeting the needs of the population and moistening pastures.

Separate regions of Central Asia have favorable agro-climatic conditions(especially for growing some subtropical crops: cotton, melons, fruit trees).

Natural resources. The wealth of the region is diverse mineral resources, are represented by oil (the Mangyshlak peninsula in Kazakhstan, the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea), gas (the Gazli field in Uzbekistan, the eastern regions of Turkmenistan).

The region is rich in ore minerals: iron ore (northwest Kazakhstan), manganese (Dzhezdi deposit in Kazakhstan), chromium (northwest Kazakhstan), copper (Dzhezkazgan and Balkhash deposits in Kazakhstan), gold (Kyrgyzstan), mercury (in Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan).

Natural resources of the countries of the region

In Central Asia limited water supply led to the creation of a wide network of irrigation facilities, with the help of which the regulation of the runoff is carried out. For the purpose of irrigation, more than 30 large reservoirs (with a volume of over 100 million m 3 each) and many main irrigation canals have been built, including such as Chui, Northern and Big Fergana, Amu-Bukhara, Karshun, Gissar, etc. Unique Karakum Canal(1200 km long) was built in 1954 and passes through the southern part of the Karakum.

Population

demographic features. Traditionally in Central Asia natural increase population is quite high. Women numerically predominate over men (respectively 51 and 49%).

Racial composition. A significant number of representatives live on the territory of Kazakhstan European race. Kazakhs and Kyrgyz represent South Siberian mixed racial group with pronounced Mongoloid features and weak elements of Caucasoid. Turkmens, partly Uzbeks and Tajiks, belong to Central Asian mixed racial group, in which the features of Mongoloidity against the background of the Caucasoid race are very weakly expressed.

Ethnic composition. Representatives of the following ethnic families live in the countries of the region:

Altai family:

- Turkic group (Kazakhs, Kirghiz, Turkmens, Uzbeks, Karakalpaks);

Indo-European family:

- Slavic group (Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians - immigrants in Central and North Asia);

Iranian group (Tajiks);

German group (Germans of Central Asia and Kazakhstan);

Religious composition. Most residents of Central and Central Asia are Muslims - Sunnis. Orthodoxy is widespread among Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians. Protestants are German settlers in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The video lesson is devoted to the topic "Natural resources of foreign Asia". In this lesson, you will learn about natural resource potential Overseas Asia, get acquainted with the main resources that are rich in various parts of Asia. The teacher will tell you about the Asian countries-leaders in wealth different kind resources.

Theme: Overseas Asia

Lesson: Natural resources of foreign Asia

The provision of foreign Asia with resources is determined, first of all, by the variety of relief, location, nature and climate.

The area is extremely homogeneous in terms of tectonic structure and topography: within its boundaries, the greatest amplitude of heights on earth (more than 9000 m) is noted, both ancient Precambrian platforms and areas of young Cenozoic folding, grandiose mountainous countries and vast plains are located here. As a result, the mineral resources of foreign Asia are very diverse.

The main pools of coal, iron and manganese ores, and non-metallic minerals are concentrated within the Chinese and Hindustan platforms. Within the Alpine-Himalayan and Pacific fold belts, ores predominate, including a copper belt along the Pacific coast. But the main wealth of the region, which also determines its role in the international geographical division of labor, is oil and gas. Oil and gas reserves have been explored in most countries of Southwest Asia (Mesopotamian trough of the earth's crust). The main deposits are located in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, large oil and gas fields have been explored in the countries of the Malay Archipelago. Indonesia and Malaysia stand out especially in terms of reserves. The countries of Central Asia are also rich in oil and gas (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan).

The largest salt reserves are in the Dead Sea. There are large reserves of sulfur and non-ferrous metals in the Iranian Highlands. In general, Asia is one of the main regions of the world in terms of mineral reserves.

Countries with the largest reserves and diversity of minerals:

3. Indonesia.

5. Kazakhstan.

6. Turkey.

7. Saudi Arabia.

The agro-climatic resources of Asia are heterogeneous. Vast massifs of mountainous countries, deserts and semi-deserts are of little use for economic activity, with the exception of animal husbandry; the provision of arable land is low and continues to decline (as the population grows and soil erosion increases). But on the plains of the east and south, quite favorable conditions for agriculture. Asia contains 70% of the world's irrigated land.

The countries of East and Southeast Asia, as well as some regions of South Asia, have the largest reserves of water resources. At the same time, water resources are sorely lacking in the countries of the Persian Gulf.

Rice. 2. Desalination plant in Israel ()

In terms of general indicators, China, India, and Indonesia are provided with soil resources to the greatest extent.

The largest reserves of forest resources: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, India.

Rice. 3. Rainforests in Malaysia ()

Homework

Topic 7, Item 1

1. What are the features of the placement of mineral resources in foreign Asia?

2. Give examples of foreign Asian countries and their characteristic resources.

Bibliography

Main

1. Geography. A basic level of. 10-11 cells: Textbook for educational institutions/ A.P. Kuznetsov, E.V. Kim. - 3rd ed., stereotype. - M.: Bustard, 2012. - 367 p.

2. Economic and social geography of the world: Proc. for 10 cells. educational institutions / V.P. Maksakovskiy. - 13th ed. - M .: Education, JSC "Moscow textbooks", 2005. - 400 p.

3. Atlas with a set of contour maps for grade 10. Economic and social geography of the world. - Omsk: Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Omsk Cartographic Factory", 2012. - 76 p.

Additional

1. Economic and social geography of Russia: Textbook for universities / Ed. prof. A.T. Khrushchev. - M.: Bustard, 2001. - 672 p.: ill., cart.: tsv. incl.

Encyclopedias, dictionaries, reference books and statistical collections

1. Geography: a guide for high school students and university applicants. - 2nd ed., corrected. and dorab. - M.: AST-PRESS SCHOOL, 2008. - 656 p.

Literature for preparing for the GIA and the Unified State Examination

1. Thematic control in geography. Economic and social geography of the world. Grade 10 / E.M. Ambartsumova. - M.: Intellect-Centre, 2009. - 80 p.

2. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2010. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Astrel, 2010. - 221 p.

3. The optimal bank of tasks for preparing students. Single State exam 2012. Geography: Tutorial/ Comp. EM. Ambartsumova, S.E. Dyukov. - M.: Intellect-Centre, 2012. - 256 p.

4. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2010. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2010. - 223 p.

5. Geography. Diagnostic work in the format of the Unified State Examination 2011. - M .: MTSNMO, 2011. - 72 p.

6. USE 2010. Geography. Collection of tasks / Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Eksmo, 2009. - 272 p.

7. Tests in geography: Grade 10: to the textbook by V.P. Maksakovskiy “Economic and social geography of the world. Grade 10 / E.V. Baranchikov. - 2nd ed., stereotype. - M.: Publishing house "Exam", 2009. - 94 p.

8. Study guide for geography. Tests and practical tasks in geography / I.A. Rodionov. - M.: Moscow Lyceum, 1996. - 48 p.

9. The most complete edition of typical options for real USE assignments: 2009. Geography / Comp. Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: AST: Astrel, 2009. - 250 p.

10. Unified state exam 2009. Geography. Universal materials for the preparation of students / FIPI - M .: Intellect-Center, 2009. - 240 p.

11. Geography. Answers on questions. Oral exam, theory and practice / V.P. Bondarev. - M.: Publishing house "Exam", 2003. - 160 p.

12. USE 2010. Geography: thematic training tasks / O.V. Chicherina, Yu.A. Solovyov. - M.: Eksmo, 2009. - 144 p.

13. USE 2012. Geography: Standard exam options: 31 options / Ed. V.V. Barabanova. - M.: National Education, 2011. - 288 p.

14. USE 2011. Geography: Standard exam options: 31 options / Ed. V.V. Barabanova. - M.: National Education, 2010. - 280 p.

Materials on the Internet

1. Federal Institute pedagogical measurements ( ).

2. Federal portal Russian Education ().