World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Population Density - Revision history

ThePlaz: remove be; works cited, paranthetical citation

2006-12-08T02:31:09Z

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2006-12-08T02:15:45Z

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ThePlaz: World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Pouplation Density moved to World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Population Density: fix spelling

2006-12-08T01:57:11Z

World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Pouplation Density moved to World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Population Density: fix spelling

ThePlaz: World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East moved to World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Pouplation Density: add what it's about

2006-12-08T01:56:30Z

World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East moved to World Cultures Portfolio/Middle East: Pouplation Density: add what it's about

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2006-12-07T00:38:08Z

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2006-12-07T00:18:02Z

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2006-12-05T02:52:09Z

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2006-12-05T02:50:24Z

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 Geographical diversity, one of the defining factors of the Middle East, creates its character.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different population levels.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support a large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East finds itself concentrated in a few select places, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
-One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  In present day, the Nile valley supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest population in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has a dam blocking it, modern means have replaced the floods, but the river still provides the basis of life for many people living in Egypt.
+One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops grow along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  In present day, the Nile valley supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest population in the Middle East (Ahmad et al).  Nowadays the river has a dam blocking it, modern means have replaced the floods, but the river still provides the basis of life for many people living in Egypt.
 However, the large population causes overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density.  However a large population also helps a society become more productive.  Thus a dense population represents a mixed blessing.
-The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories also pack a lot of people into it.  The region has always had a large population because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history has accumulated here.  All of the large western religions lay claim to part of the region.  However, this led to a conflict which forced many Palestinians out off of their lands and left them with nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem, because of the cultural and religious differences between the groups, makes the problem only worse.
+The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories also pack a lot of people into it.  The region has always had a large population because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history has accumulated here.  All of the large western religions lay claim to part of the region.  However, this led to a conflict which forced many Palestinians out off of their lands and left them with nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert (Ahmad et al).  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem, because of the cultural and religious differences between the groups, makes the problem only worse.
-The northern party of Turkey also crowds many people into its land.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's, but not, however, the rest of the Middle East.
+The northern party of Turkey also crowds many people into its land (Ahmad et al).  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's, but not, however, the rest of the Middle East (Encarta Climate Map).
-On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live here.  However, in the middle of the desert the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta).   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert and it has become a center of commerce (Encatra, Textbook Map).   The definition of a desert, although often thought as a hot place, only needs to be a place which receives little rain.  People, of course need water to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
+On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it (Ahmad et al).  Less then 2 people per square mile live here (Ahmad et al).  However, in the middle of the desert the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta "Riyadh"). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta "Riyadh").   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert and it has become a center of commerce (Encarta "Riyadh", Ahmad et al).   The definition of a desert, although often thought as a hot place, only needs to be a place which receives little rain.  People, of course need water to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
-Water, the life blood of the Middle East, controls the population.  Much of the water available comes from rain.  Rainfall appears greatest around Turkey, which reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It's especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rain comes down in sizable amounts to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran.
+Water, the life blood of the Middle East, controls the population.  Much of the water available comes from rain.  Rainfall appears greatest around Turkey, which reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It's especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rain comes down in sizable amounts to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).
-The area near the Caspian Sea also supports a large population because of the Elburz Mountains.  The mountains block the moisture coming off the sea from floating over into most of Iran.  The clouds get stuck and empty over the region making it very fertile.  This rain supports up to 100 people per square mile in this little sliver of land in Iran.  In this region even lies the countries' capital city, Tehran.  This effect has similarities to the one of the west cost of the United States.  The Rocky Mountains block the rainfall from entering the great plains like the Elburz Mountains keep most of Iran dry, and therefore sparsely populated to levels around 25-49 people per square mile.
+The area near the Caspian Sea also supports a large population because of the Elburz Mountains (Ahmad et al).  The mountains block the moisture coming off the sea from floating over into most of Iran.  The clouds get stuck and empty over the region making it very fertile.  This rain supports up to 100 people per square mile in this little sliver of land in Iran (Ahmad et al).  In this region even lies the countries' capital city, Tehran.  This effect has similarities to the one of the west cost of the United States.  The Rocky Mountains block the rainfall from entering the great plains like the Elburz Mountains keep most of Iran dry, and therefore sparsely populated to levels around 25-49 people per square mile (Ahmad et al).
-The land which borders the sea to the south of the Middle East also supports a sizable population.
+The land which borders the sea to the south of the Middle East also supports a sizable population (Ahmad et al).  These lands seem to get a somewhat generous, for the Middle East at least, rainfall.  About 20 inches of rain falls here per year (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  Of course, the inhabitants can't just drink the salt water which they live near.  They are reliant on the rain for fresh water, and can only live where it rains.
 These lands seem to get a somewhat generous, for the Middle East at least, rainfall.  About 20 inches of rain falls here per year (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  Of course, the inhabitants can't just drink the salt water which they live near.  They are reliant on the rain for fresh water, and can only live where it rains.
 However this limitation currently finds itself disappearing.  Desalination, the process of removing the salt from water, changes the rules of the Middle East.  However, still the process costs large amounts of money.  But new desalination technologies continue to change the rules by making desalination less expensive.  Areas which do not currently have any fresh water might soon change deserts into driving ranges.
-In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations.  Turkey, again finds itself as the example.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman.  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.
+In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map, Ahmad et al).  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  Turkey, again finds itself as the example.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map, Ahmad et al).
-The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region finds itself.  It also happens that the more temperate the region, the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests.  The eastern section of Turkey gets recorded as Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call this region their home.  This amounts to less then other parts of Turkey, but substantially more then the rest of the Middle East.   The remaining land mostly gets recorded as subtropical desert.  Remembering the definition for desert and its effects on the population can explain some of the population diversity in the Middle East.
+The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map (Encarta Ecological Map, Ahmad et al).  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region finds itself (Encarta Ecological Map).  It also happens that the more temperate the region, the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests (Encarta Ecological Map).  The eastern section of Turkey gets recorded as Mediterranean woodland (Encarta Ecological Map).  50-99 people per square mile call this region their home (Ahmad et al).  This amounts to less then other parts of Turkey, but substantially more then the rest of the Middle East (Ahmad et al).   The remaining land mostly gets recorded as subtropical desert (Encarta Ecological Map).  Remembering the definition for desert and its effects on the population can explain some of the population diversity in the Middle East.
-The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate differentiates itself from the hot deserts of the Middle East.  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the population levels of the Middle East.
+The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate differentiates itself from the hot deserts of the Middle East (Encarta Climate Map).  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the population levels of the Middle East.
 In closing, the Middle East has great geographical diversity.  This supports a diverse population spread out diversely throughout the Middle East.  Rainfall, mountains, and desalination plants affect where people can live.  From empty deserts to crowded oases and marshes, the Middle East finds itself defined by geography.  Unfortunately, this can cause conflicts and disagreements, but possibly the future looks better.  Desalination can change all of the rules and alter the landscape, as well as the conflicts, of the Middle East.
 ==Works Cited==
 *Ahmad, Ifikhar, Herbert Brodsky, Marylee Susan Crofts, and Elisabeth Gaynor Ellis.  <u>World Cultures: A Global Mosaic</u>.  Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001.
-*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedindex=7&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Ecological]
+*"Middle East Annual Precipitation Map." Encarta. Microsoft. 22 Nov 2006 <http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=PrecipitationAnnual&mapstyleselectedindex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia>.
-*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=PrecipitationAnnual&mapstyleselectedindex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Annual Precipitation]
+*"Middle East Climate Map." Encarta. Microsoft. 22 Nov 2006 <http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=climate&mapstyleselectedindex=8&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia>.
-*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=climate&mapstyleselectedindex=8&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Climate]
+*"Middle East Ecological Map." Encarta. Microsoft. 22 Nov 2006 <http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedindex=7&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia>.
 {{World Cultures Portfolio}}

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-[[World Cultures]] [[Category:World Cultures Portfolio|Portfolio]] Middle East
+[[World Cultures]] [[Category:World Cultures Portfolio|Portfolio]] Middle East Report about Population Density
 [[Category:World Cultures]]
 [[Category:World Cultures Portfolio]]
 {{World Cultures Middle East}}
 ----
 [[Image:Middle East Pouplation Density.JPG|thumb|300px|Middle East Population Map]]
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 Geographical diversity, one of the defining factors of the Middle East, creates its character.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different population levels.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support a large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East finds itself concentrated in a few select places, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
-One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East, lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  In present day, the Nile valley supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest population in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has a dam blocking it, but modern means have replaced the floods, however the river still provides life for many people in Egypt.
+One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  In present day, the Nile valley supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest population in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has a dam blocking it, modern means have replaced the floods, but the river still provides the basis of life for many people living in Egypt.
-However, the large population causes overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density.  However a large population also helps society become more productive.  Thus a dense population represents a mixed blessing.
+However, the large population causes overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density.  However a large population also helps a society become more productive.  Thus a dense population represents a mixed blessing.
-The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories also packs a lot of people in it.  The region has always had a large population because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history accumulates here, for all of the large western religions.  Many people live in the region and farms are prosperous.  Many Palestinians find themselves forced out of their lands and nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem magnifies because of the cultural and religious differences which occur in the region and separates the groups even further.
+The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories also pack a lot of people into it.  The region has always had a large population because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history has accumulated here.  All of the large western religions lay claim to part of the region.  However, this led to a conflict which forced many Palestinians out off of their lands and left them with nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem, because of the cultural and religious differences between the groups, makes the problem only worse.
-The northern party of Turkey also crowds many people into its land.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's.
+The northern party of Turkey also crowds many people into its land.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's, but not, however, the rest of the Middle East.
-On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live there.  However, in the middle the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta).   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert which has become a center of commerce (Encatra, Textbook Map).   The definition of a desert, although often thought as a hot place, only needs to be a place which receives little rain.  People, of course need water to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
+On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live here.  However, in the middle of the desert the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta).   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert and it has become a center of commerce (Encatra, Textbook Map).   The definition of a desert, although often thought as a hot place, only needs to be a place which receives little rain.  People, of course need water to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
-Water, the life blood of the Middle East, controls the population.  Rainfall appears greatest around Turkey, which reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It's especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rain comes down in sizable amounts to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran.
+Water, the life blood of the Middle East, controls the population.  Much of the water available comes from rain.  Rainfall appears greatest around Turkey, which reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It's especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rain comes down in sizable amounts to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran.
-The area near the Caspian Sea also supports a large population because of the Elburz Mountains.  The mountains block the moisture coming off the sea from floating over into most of Iran.  The clouds get stuck and empty over the region making it very fertile.  This rain supports up to 100 people per square mile in this little sliver of land in Iran.  In this region even lies the countries' capital city, Tehran.  This effect has similarities the one in the west cost of the United States.  The Rocky Mountains block the rainfall from entering the great plains like the Elburz Mountains keep most of Iran dry, and therefore sparsely populated to levels around 25-49 people per square mile.
+The area near the Caspian Sea also supports a large population because of the Elburz Mountains.  The mountains block the moisture coming off the sea from floating over into most of Iran.  The clouds get stuck and empty over the region making it very fertile.  This rain supports up to 100 people per square mile in this little sliver of land in Iran.  In this region even lies the countries' capital city, Tehran.  This effect has similarities to the one of the west cost of the United States.  The Rocky Mountains block the rainfall from entering the great plains like the Elburz Mountains keep most of Iran dry, and therefore sparsely populated to levels around 25-49 people per square mile.
 The land which borders the sea to the south of the Middle East also supports a sizable population.
-These lands seem to get a somewhat generous, for the Middle East at least, rainfall.  About 20 inches or rain falls here per year (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  Of course, the inhabitants can't just drink the salt water which they live near.
+These lands seem to get a somewhat generous, for the Middle East at least, rainfall.  About 20 inches of rain falls here per year (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  Of course, the inhabitants can't just drink the salt water which they live near.  They are reliant on the rain for fresh water, and can only live where it rains.
-However this limitation currently finds itself disappearing.  Desalination, the process of removing the salt from water, changes the rules of the Middle East.  However, still the process costs large amounts of money.  But new desalination technologies continue to change the rules by making it less expensive.  Areas which do not currently have any water might soon open up water parks and farms.  This technology has the capability to change deserts into driving ranges.
+However this limitation currently finds itself disappearing.  Desalination, the process of removing the salt from water, changes the rules of the Middle East.  However, still the process costs large amounts of money.  But new desalination technologies continue to change the rules by making desalination less expensive.  Areas which do not currently have any fresh water might soon change deserts into driving ranges.
 In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations.  Turkey, again finds itself as the example.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman.  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.
-The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region finds itself.  It also happens that the more temperate the region, the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests population levels.  The eastern section of Turkey gets recorded as Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call it their home.  This amounts to less then other parts of Turkey, but substantially more then the rest of the Middle East.   The remaining land mostly gets recorded as subtropical desert.  Remembering the definition for desert and its effects on the population can explain some of the population diversity in the Middle East.
+The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region finds itself.  It also happens that the more temperate the region, the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests.  The eastern section of Turkey gets recorded as Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call this region their home.  This amounts to less then other parts of Turkey, but substantially more then the rest of the Middle East.   The remaining land mostly gets recorded as subtropical desert.  Remembering the definition for desert and its effects on the population can explain some of the population diversity in the Middle East.
-The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate differentiates itself from the hot deserts of the Middle East.  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the  people living in the Middle East.
+The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate differentiates itself from the hot deserts of the Middle East.  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the population levels of the Middle East.
-In closing, the Middle East has great geographical diversity.  This supports a diverse population spread out diversely throughout the Middle East.  Rainfall, mountains, and desalination plants affect where people can live.  From empty deserts to crowded oases and marshes, the Middle East finds itself defined by geography.  Unfortunately, this can cause conflicts and disagreements, but possibly the future looks better.  Desalination changes all of the rules and has the potential to alter the landscape, as well as the conflicts, of the Middle East.
+In closing, the Middle East has great geographical diversity.  This supports a diverse population spread out diversely throughout the Middle East.  Rainfall, mountains, and desalination plants affect where people can live.  From empty deserts to crowded oases and marshes, the Middle East finds itself defined by geography.  Unfortunately, this can cause conflicts and disagreements, but possibly the future looks better.  Desalination can change all of the rules and alter the landscape, as well as the conflicts, of the Middle East.
 ==Works Cited==

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 [[Image:Pouplation Density Textbook.JPG|thumb|200px|Textbook African Independence Map]]
-The Middle East, a mosaic of cultures mixed together in a volatile world.  Ready to blow up at a moment's notice, the Middle East is one of the world's most troubled spots.  Vast stretches of desert exist where almost nothing can live.  On the other hand, next door, the cradle of civilization exists with fertile valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.  Then, in another few miles, comes the sea full of shipping and commerce.
+The Middle East, a mosaic of cultures mixed together in a volatile world.  Ready to blow up at a moment's notice, the Middle East often considered by many as one of the world's most troubled spots.  Vast stretches of desert exist where almost nothing can live.  On the other hand, next door, the cradle of civilization exists with fertile valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.  Then, in another few miles, comes the sea full of shipping and commerce.
-Geographical diversity is one of the defining factors of the Middle East's character.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different population levels.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support a large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East is concentrated in a few select places, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
+Geographical diversity, one of the defining factors of the Middle East, creates its character.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different population levels.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support a large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East finds itself concentrated in a few select places, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
-One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East, lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  In present day, the Nile valley supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest population in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has been dammed and modern means have replaced the floods, however the river is still the cradle of life for many people in Egypt.
+One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East, lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  In present day, the Nile valley supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest population in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has a dam blocking it, but modern means have replaced the floods, however the river still provides life for many people in Egypt.
-But the problems with having such a large population is overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density.  However a large population also helps society become more productive.  Thus a dense population represents a mixed blessing.
+However, the large population causes overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density.  However a large population also helps society become more productive.  Thus a dense population represents a mixed blessing.
-Another crowded section of the Middle East is the northern party of Turkey.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's.
+The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories also packs a lot of people in it.  The region has always had a large population because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history accumulates here, for all of the large western religions.  Many people live in the region and farms are prosperous.  Many Palestinians find themselves forced out of their lands and nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem magnifies because of the cultural and religious differences which occur in the region and separates the groups even further.
-On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live there.  However, in the middle the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta).   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert which has become a center of commerce (Encatra, Textbook Map).   The definition of a desert is a place which receives little rain.  Water of course is required for people to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
+The northern party of Turkey also crowds many people into its land.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's.
-Water, the life blood of the Middle East, controls the population.  Rainfall is greatest around Turkey, which reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It is especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rainfall is heavy to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran.
+On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live there.  However, in the middle the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta).   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert which has become a center of commerce (Encatra, Textbook Map).   The definition of a desert, although often thought as a hot place, only needs to be a place which receives little rain.  People, of course need water to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
-The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is also very crowded.  The region has always been a hot spot because it is near the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history has been built into this region for all of the large western religions.  Many people live in the region and the farming is quite good (give book example)   One of the problems with the region, however is that as people, Palestinians mostly, are being forced out of their lands and they have nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem is magnified because of the cultural and religious differences which occur in the region and separates the groups even further.
+Water, the life blood of the Middle East, controls the population.  Rainfall appears greatest around Turkey, which reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It's especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rain comes down in sizable amounts to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran.
 The area near the Caspian Sea also supports a large population because of the Elburz Mountains.  The mountains block the moisture coming off the sea from floating over into most of Iran.  The clouds get stuck and empty over the region making it very fertile.  This rain supports up to 100 people per square mile in this little sliver of land in Iran.  In this region even lies the countries' capital city, Tehran.  This effect has similarities the one in the west cost of the United States.  The Rocky Mountains block the rainfall from entering the great plains like the Elburz Mountains keep most of Iran dry, and therefore sparsely populated to levels around 25-49 people per square mile.
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 These lands seem to get a somewhat generous, for the Middle East at least, rainfall.  About 20 inches or rain falls here per year (Encarta Annual Precipitation Map).  Of course, the inhabitants can't just drink the salt water which they live near.
-However this limitation currently finds itself dissapearing.  Desalination, the process of removing the salt from water, changes the rules of the Middle East.  However, still it is expensive.  But new desalination technologies continue to change the rules by making it less expensive.  Areas which do not currently have any water might soon open up water parks and farms.  This technology has the capability to change deserts into driving ranges.
+However this limitation currently finds itself disappearing.  Desalination, the process of removing the salt from water, changes the rules of the Middle East.  However, still the process costs large amounts of money.  But new desalination technologies continue to change the rules by making it less expensive.  Areas which do not currently have any water might soon open up water parks and farms.  This technology has the capability to change deserts into driving ranges.
-In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations.  An example, again, would be Turkey.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman.  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt is receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.
+In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations.  Turkey, again finds itself as the example.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman.  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.
-The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region is.  It also happens to be the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests population levels.  The eastern section of Turkey is Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call it their home.  This is less then other parts of Turkey, but substantial for the Middle East (add lower sections)
+The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region finds itself.  It also happens that the more temperate the region, the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests population levels.  The eastern section of Turkey gets recorded as Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call it their home.  This amounts to less then other parts of Turkey, but substantially more then the rest of the Middle East.   The remaining land mostly gets recorded as subtropical desert.  Remembering the definition for desert and its effects on the population can explain some of the population diversity in the Middle East.
-The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate is different from the hot deserts of the Middle East.  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the  people living in the Middle East.
+The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate differentiates itself from the hot deserts of the Middle East.  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the  people living in the Middle East.
-In closing, the Middle East has great geographical diversity.  This supports a diverse population spread out diversely throughout the Middle East.  Rainfall, mountains, and desalination plants affect where people can live.  From empty deserts to crowded oases and marshes, the Middle East is defined by geography.  Unfortunately, this can cause conflicts and disagreements, but possibly the future looks better.  Desalination changes all of the rules and has the potential to alter the landscape, as well as the conflicts, of the Middle East.
+In closing, the Middle East has great geographical diversity.  This supports a diverse population spread out diversely throughout the Middle East.  Rainfall, mountains, and desalination plants affect where people can live.  From empty deserts to crowded oases and marshes, the Middle East finds itself defined by geography.  Unfortunately, this can cause conflicts and disagreements, but possibly the future looks better.  Desalination changes all of the rules and has the potential to alter the landscape, as well as the conflicts, of the Middle East.
 ==Works Cited==
-{{Red Message|Need to do! and put parenthetical in}}
+{{Red Message|Need to do! and put parenthetical in; check to-be again}}
 *Ahmad, Ifikhar, Herbert Brodsky, Marylee Susan Crofts, and Elisabeth Gaynor Ellis.  <u>World Cultures: A Global Mosaic</u>.  Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001.
 *[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedindex=7&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Ecological]

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 [[Category:World Cultures]]
 [[Category:World Cultures Portfolio]]
 {{World Cultures Middle East}}
 {{Draft}}
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 The Middle East, a mosaic of cultures mixed together in a volatile world.  Ready to blow up at a moment's notice, the Middle East is one of the world's most troubled spots.  Vast stretches of desert exist where almost nothing can live.  On the other hand, next door, the cradle of civilization exists with fertile valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.  Then, in another few miles, comes the sea full of shipping and commerce.
 Geographical diversity is one of the defining factors of the Middle East's character.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different population levels.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support a large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East is concentrated in a few select places, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
@@ Line 21: / Line 16: @@
 But the problems with having such a large population is overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density.  However a large population also helps society become more productive.  Thus a dense population represents a mixed blessing.
-Another crowded section of the Middle East is the northern party of Turkey.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Instanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's.
+Another crowded section of the Middle East is the northern party of Turkey.  This section in near Europe and the Black Sea.  In fact, Turkey even extends into Europe near Istanbul.  The climate here matches most of southern Europe's.
 On the other hand, the desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live there.  However, in the middle the city of Riyadh exists because of seasonally flooding stream beds (Encarta). Riyadh actually means water bed in Arabic (Encarta).   50-99 people per square mile live in the middle of the desert which has become a center of commerce (Encatra, Textbook Map).   The definition of a desert is a place which receives little rain.  Water of course is required for people to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
@@ Line 29: / Line 24: @@
 The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is also very crowded.  The region has always been a hot spot because it is near the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history has been built into this region for all of the large western religions.  Many people live in the region and the farming is quite good (give book example)   One of the problems with the region, however is that as people, Palestinians mostly, are being forced out of their lands and they have nowhere to go.  As one moves into Saudi Arabia, the land quickly becomes uninhabitable desert.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in the overall standards of living.  This problem is magnified because of the cultural and religious differences which occur in the region and separates the groups even further.
-Section under lake in Iran (Caspian Sea)
+The area near the Caspian Sea also supports a large population because of the Elburz Mountains.  The mountains block the moisture coming off the sea from floating over into most of Iran.  The clouds get stuck and empty over the region making it very fertile.  This rain supports up to 100 people per square mile in this little sliver of land in Iran.  In this region even lies the countries' capital city, Tehran.  This effect has similarities the one in the west cost of the United States.  The Rocky Mountains block the rainfall from entering the great plains like the Elburz Mountains keep most of Iran dry, and therefore sparsely populated to levels around 25-49 people per square mile.
-Near seas
+The land which borders the sea to the south of the Middle East also supports a sizable population.
-However, these rules are changing.  New desalination technology is letting more people live in areas which receive less fresh water.  However, these methods are still expensive.  But even newer methods reduce the cost of desalination.  With an almost endless supply of salt water, these new technologies can change deserts into driving ranges.
+However this limitation currently finds itself dissapearing.  Desalination, the process of removing the salt from water, changes the rules of the Middle East.  However, still it is expensive.  But new desalination technologies continue to change the rules by making it less expensive.  Areas which do not currently have any water might soon open up water parks and farms.  This technology has the capability to change deserts into driving ranges.
-In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations.  An example, again, would be Turkey.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman.  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt is receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.  Also, the sections near water, such as the cost of the Arabian Peninsula support large populations while receiving little rain.  This may be because the large sea supports the people using desalination plants. ?other reason? - has to be
+In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  The darkest regions on the rainfall map (the areas which get the most rain) for the most part have large populations.  An example, again, would be Turkey.  On the other hand, not many live in the dry deserts of lower Oman.  However, there are some discrepancies.  Egypt is receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.
 The Encarta ecological map matches almost exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region is.  It also happens to be the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forests population levels.  The eastern section of Turkey is Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call it their home.  This is less then other parts of Turkey, but substantial for the Middle East (add lower sections)
@@ Line 41: / Line 37: @@
 The climate map, however, does not match up real well except in Turkey, where the climate is different from the hot deserts of the Middle East.  Somehow the hot and arid conditions do not seem to affect the  people living in the Middle East.
-closing
+In closing, the Middle East has great geographical diversity.  This supports a diverse population spread out diversely throughout the Middle East.  Rainfall, mountains, and desalination plants affect where people can live.  From empty deserts to crowded oases and marshes, the Middle East is defined by geography.  Unfortunately, this can cause conflicts and disagreements, but possibly the future looks better.  Desalination changes all of the rules and has the potential to alter the landscape, as well as the conflicts, of the Middle East.
+==Works Cited==
-cite map + parenthitcals for map
+{{Red Message|Need to do! and put parenthetical in}}
 *[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedindex=7&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Ecological]
 *[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=PrecipitationAnnual&mapstyleselectedindex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Annual Precipitation]
 *[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=climate&mapstyleselectedindex=8&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Climate]
-*blue textbook
 {{World Cultures Portfolio}}

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 cite map + parenthitcals for map
 *[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedindex=7&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Ecological]
-*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=PrecipitationAnnual&mapstyleselectedin dex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Annual Precipitation]
+*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=PrecipitationAnnual&mapstyleselectedindex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Annual Precipitation]
 *[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=climate&mapstyleselectedindex=8&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Climate]
 *blue textbook

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 [[Image:Pouplation Density Textbook.JPG|thumb|200px|Textbook African Independence Map]]
-The Middle East, a mosaic of cultures mixed together in a volatile world.  Ready to blow up at a moment's notice, the Middle East is one of the worlds most troubled spots.  Vast stretches of desert exist where almost nothing can live.  On the other hand, next door, the cradle of civilization exists with fertile valleys stretching as far as one can see.  Then, in another few miles, comes the sea full of shipping and commerce.  Fresh water is the lifeblood of all humans; without it, we would die.
+The Middle East, a mosaic of cultures mixed together in a volatile world.  Ready to blow up at a moment's notice, the Middle East is one of the world's most troubled spots.  Vast stretches of desert exist where almost nothing can live.  On the other hand, next door, the cradle of civilization exists with fertile valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.  Then, in another few miles, comes the sea full of shipping and commerce.
-???relavent?The Middle East is also where the East meets West.  Ancient traders long crossed this land with caravans of precious goods to bring back to their homelands.
+Fresh water is the lifeblood of all humans; without it, we would die.
-Geographical diversity is one of the defining factors of the Middle East.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different populations.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East is concentrated in a few select places in the Middle East, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
+Geographical diversity is one of the defining factors of the Middle East's character.  From deserts to lush valleys, from mountains to oceans, the different sections of the Middle East define it.  Vastly different geographies support vastly different population levels.  Lush valleys support large amounts of crops which support a large population.  Deserts, however, are devoid of life.  They support nothing but a few creatures, if that.  Thus the population of the Middle East is concentrated in a few select places, while vast stretches of desert sands lie practically empty.
-One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East, lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids from their large population.  The Nile Valley is one of the richest in the Middle East.  In present day, it supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has been dammed and modern means have replaced the floods, however the river is still the cradle of life for many people in the region.
+??This affects
-?what else to say  ?find problem with life
+One of the most fertile valleys in the Middle East, lies along the banks of the Nile River.  The Nile River makes up the heart of Egypt, both modern and ancient.    Until recently,  the river flooded every year, depositing rich soil over the desert.  This soil let crops be grown along the river, and could support a large population.  This gave rise to one of the most recognized ancient civilizations on earth, Ancient Egypt.  The rulers of Ancient Egypt managed to build huge pyramids with their large population.  The Nile Valley is one of the richest in the Middle East.  In present day, it supports more then 250 people per square mile, the densest in the Middle East.  Nowadays the river has been dammed and modern means have replaced the floods, however the river is still the cradle of life for many people in Egypt.
-Another crowded section of the Middle East is the northern party of Turkey.  This section in near Europe and water. /sea
+But the problems with having such a large population is overcrowding.  Cities especially suffer from the problem.  Overcrowding breeds disease and lowers the living standards.  The worst of these areas are the slums where the poorest of people live.  Such peoples' lives are cut short by the filth around them caused by the high population density. ?what else to say
-..anaylise weather..
+Another crowded section of the Middle East is the northern party of Turkey.  This section in near Europe and water. / Black sea
-The section of the Middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is also very crowded.  The region has always been a hot spot because it is near the Mediterranean sea.  Much history has been built into this region, as it is a hot spot for all of the large western religions.  Many people live in the region and the farming is quite good (give book example)   One of the problems with the region, is that as people, Palestinians mostly, are being forced out of their lands, they have nowhere to go.  The land quickly turns into desert as one moves into Saudi Arabia.  This magnifies the problem. ??
+Rainfall in the Middle East is greatest around Turkey, with reaches about 40 inches per year (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  It is especially heavy around the Black Sea, to the north of Turkey (Encarta Annual Rainfall Map).  Also rainfall is heavy to the south and southeast of Turkey, extending partly into the northern part of Iran.
-Section under lake in Iran
+The section of the middle East which included Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories is also very crowded.  The region has always been a hot spot because it is near the Mediterranean Sea.  Much history has been built into this region, as it is a hot spot for all of the large western religions.  Many people live in the region and the farming is quite good (give book example)   One of the problems with the region, is that as people, Palestinians mostly, are being forced out of their lands, they have nowhere to go.  The land quickly turns into desert as one moves into Saudi Arabia.  As with everywhere else on Earth, there's only a certain amount of livable land available.  This forces the population density to increase, and again, causes a decline in standard of living.  This problem is magnified because of the cultural and religious differences which occur in the region.
 Near bodies of water
-The desert in the Middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live there.  ?concentrated in oasis-es  How could they live in the middle of the desert?  The definition of a desert is a place which receives little rain.  Water of course is required for people to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
+The desert in the middle of Saudi Arabia has almost no people living in it.  Less then 2 people per square mile live there.  ?concentrated in oasis-es  How could they live in the middle of the desert research Riyadh?  The definition of a desert is a place which receives little rain.  Water of course is required for people to live.  Without water, no life can be supported.
-However, this is changing.  New desalination technology is letting more people live in areas which receive less water.  However, these methods are still expensive .
+However, this is changing.  New desalination technology is letting more people live in areas which receive less water.  However, these methods are still expensive.  But even newer methods reduce the cost of desalination.  With an almost endless supply of salt water, these new technologies can change deserts into driving ranges.
 The population density of the Middle East very much affects and causes the conflicts which entrails the Middle East. ..explain
-In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  However, there are some differences.  Egypt is receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East for some of the above reasons.  Also, the sections near water, such as the cost of the Arabian Peninsula support large populations while receiving little rain.  This is because the large sea supports the people using desalination plants. ?other reason?
+In fact, if one looks at the map of annual precipitation in the Middle East, one would notice that the maps almost align.  However, there are some differences.  Egypt is receives almost no rain, but still has the largest population in the Middle East because the water flows down the Nile from the wetter regions in the north.  Also, the sections near water, such as the cost of the Arabian Peninsula support large populations while receiving little rain.  This may be because the large sea supports the people using desalination plants. ?other reason? - has to be
-The ecological map matches almost more exactly with the }opulation density map.  -mention spefic reigions and poup #
+The Encarta Ecological map matches almost more exactly with the population density map.  The more green the region on the ecological map, the more temperate and wet the region is.  It also happens to be the more people are able to live in that region.  For example, the northern part of Turkey, as well as the section of Iran directly under the Caspian Sea are temperate wet forrests.  The eastern section of Turkey is Mediterranean woodland.  50-99 people per square mile call it their home.  This is less then other parts of Turkey, but substantial for the Middle East (add lower sctions)
 The climate map dies not match up real well except in Turkey.  The entire Middle East is just hot.  This does not seam to bother the people living in the Middle East.
-[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedind ex=7&selectedent=47611&entityn ame=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Ecological]
+*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=ecology&mapstyleselectedind ex=7&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Ecological]
-[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=Precipita tionAnnual&mapstyleselectedin dex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Annual Precipitation]
+*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=Precipita tionAnnual&mapstyleselectedin dex=9&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Annual Precipitation]
-[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=climate&mapstyleselectedindex=8&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Climate]
+*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/MapPrintPreview.aspx?lat=25.5131949275313&long=47.6392956305587&alt=2&mapsize=Small&mapstyle=climate&mapstyleselectedindex=8&selectedent=47611&entityname=Middle%20East%20(region),%20Asia Encarta Map Middle East Climate]
 {{World Cultures Portfolio}}