Question

Analyze the map below and answer the question that follows.
A map of Asia titled Climate Map of Asia. A key shows 4 main climate zones and their subzones by color. Tropical Zone: Dark pink = Tropical humid. Light pink = Tropical wet and dry. Dry Zone: Yellow = Semi arid. Tan = Arid. Mid-Latitude Zone: Dark green = Marine west coast. Light green = Mediterranean. Aqua = Humid subtropical. Orange = Humid continental. High Latitude Zone: Light grey = Subarctic. Dark grey = Tundra. Brown = Highlands. The area circled in black in central Asia is mostly brown and tan with smaller areas of yellow and aqua.

Which of the following physical characteristics best explains the climate of the area that is circled in black on the climate map above?
A.
the Gobi Desert
B.
the Himalayan Mountains
C.
the Malay Archipelago
D.
the Ural Mountains

Please select the best answer from the choices provided.

A
B
C
D

Answer 1

B

The Himalayan Mountains create very high-elevation terrain (brown/highlands) and block moist monsoon air, producing rain-shadow effects that cause the adjacent interior (central Asia) to be arid and semi-arid (tan/yellow).