heart of Asia means the region is far removed from oceanic influences.

Also, high mountains form a barrier to warm moist winds from the

Indian Ocean and create a rain shadow.

Semiarid grasslands are found in the north.

To the east, plateaus rise above barren deserts.

Most of the region's people are clustered in the southwest,

where rivers bring precious water from high high mountains

from below sea level to lofty mountain peaks.

Tectonic forces, which push the Indian subcontinent into the

rest of Asia, created these mountains.

Tectonic activity sometimes causes disastrous earthquakes.

Glaciers are common in Central Asia's mountains.

Plateaus and plains stretch north and west from the mountains.

The Irtysh River of eastern Kazakhstan flows northward into Russia.

The Irtysh also provides water for crops, reservoirs, hydropower

stations, and industrial cities.

Central Asia has interesting lakes. Issyk-Kul never freezes over even

though it lies about a mile above sea level.

that live in the mountains include deer,pheasants,and wild boar.

One of the world's most beautiful and endangered big cats, the snow

leopard, also finds shelter in the high southeastern ranges. Like many

arid places, southern Central Asia has glorious vegetation in the spring.