The three rivers- the nile, the tigris, and the euphrates
irrigation
Because this region depends on its three main rivers to make its soil fertile, sometimes irrigation is used to help the areas that are not located close to one of the rivers. Irrigation has been used throughout history and today to supply dry land with water in the form of ditches, pipes, and canals.
Pictured above is another form of irrigation constructed by the Romans and located in Segovia, Spain. This form of irrigation called an aqueduct would transport water to cities in Spain that were otherwise very dry. This aqueduct is still in use today!
This may be the most recognizable form of irrigation that we use today on our farms throughout the world. You may have this at home in a smaller form (Sprinklers!)
how do rivers in southwest asia enrich the soil?
Without the Nile, the Tigris, and the Euphrates rivers in this region, it would be very difficult to grow any crops or settle in any one location.
The first thing that takes place allowing these rivers to fertilize the soil around them is a mix of the snow melting from the Ethiopian Mountains and the Turkish highlands, as well as seasonal rains in the region. The melted snow and the rains cause the river levels to rise.
The first thing that takes place allowing these rivers to fertilize the soil around them is a mix of the snow melting from the Ethiopian Mountains and the Turkish highlands, as well as seasonal rains in the region. The melted snow and the rains cause the river levels to rise.
Due to the river levels rising, the water from the rivers begin to flood the surrounding land:
After the flooding, the water would leave behind fertile soil allowing for the ability to grow crops:
How did this region come to be a rich source of oil?
The region we know as North Africa and Southwest Asia, or the Middle East used to be covered by a giant Sea millions of years ago. When the creatures in this sea died, their remains settled at the bottom of the sea. Over millions of years mud and sand deposited on top of them. Heat and pressure from these materials changed the dead matter into oil.
Take a look at the photos below to get a better idea of this process:
Take a look at the photos below to get a better idea of this process: