Physical Geography: Location, Relief, Climate, Drainage and Vegetation
The Physical Geography domain examines Myanmar's location, landforms, climate, drainage, soils and natural vegetation, and asks you to explain causes rather than list names. Expect questions that link latitude and monsoon winds to rainfall patterns, and relief to river direction.
Location and extent
Myanmar lies between 9°32′N and 28°31′N and between 92°10′E and 101°11′E, with an area of 676,577 km². It shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand; the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea form its coastline.
Relief and drainage
- North–south ranges: Rakhine Yoma in the west, Bago Yoma in the centre, and the Shan Plateau in the east.
- Hkakabo Razi (5,881 m) in Kachin State is the highest peak in Southeast Asia; Mount Victoria (3,053 m) in Chin State is the highest in the west.
- Major rivers flow south: Ayeyarwady, Chindwin, Sittang and Thanlwin. The Ayeyarwady delta is the largest lowland.
Climate and vegetation
The tropical monsoon climate has three seasons: hot (March–May), rainy (June–October) and cool (November–February). The southwest monsoon brings rain from the Indian Ocean. Rainfall exceeds 5,000 mm on the Rakhine and Tanintharyi coasts but falls below 1,000 mm in the central Dry Zone. Vegetation changes from evergreen forest in the south and west to dry thorn forest in the Dry Zone and pine on the Shan Plateau.
Worked example
Question: Why does the Rakhine coast receive far more rain than Magway? Reasoning: the southwest monsoon crosses the Bay of Bengal, is forced to rise over the Rakhine Yoma, cools and condenses, giving heavy orographic rain; the air descends on the leeward side, warms and dries, creating a rain shadow over Magway. Distance from the sea reinforces the contrast.
Traps
Do not confuse Hkakabo Razi with Mount Victoria, or the southwest monsoon with the northeast monsoon. Do not claim the whole country is wet; the Dry Zone is a real exception. Remember that the Thanlwin rises in Tibet and is not wholly within Myanmar.