EXTENDING YOUR KNOWLEDGE

These questions are more general than the Interactive computer corrected questions. In fact, many of the questions may not have one correct answer. The purpose of these questions is to provide the users of the RAK with an opportunity to evaluate and apply their understanding of the physical and geological features of the Mekong basin.

In order to answer these questions you can return to the material in the main text to review information on each topic, you can get some ideas about the answer by discussing the issues they raise with some of your colleagues, or you can utilize the RAK web site and Bulletin Board to get help from other RAK users or from one of the content experts that participated in the development of the RAK

1. Explain the relationship between the geological history of Southeast Asia, the Tibetan Plateau, and five great rivers of Asia.

2. Describe some of the most important geologic events and processes that have been responsible for creating the physical landscapes of Southeast Asia.

3. Describe the primary geologic and topographic features that distinguish the upper, middle and lower regions of the Mekong basin. For each of these three regions, explain how the geology and topographic features are related to the human use of the Mekong basin for agriculture, fisheries and hydro electric development.

4. Explain how the surface of the Cambodian Plain influences the annual reversal of flow of the Tonle Sap and the flooding of Tonle Sap lake

5. Describe the different ways in which the physical features and geology of the Mekong basin have a direct impact on the way of life and economies of the region.