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The Mirzachol natural-geographic district

Lessons 50–51 · 2 lessons · P. Gulomov, H. Vahobov, P. Baratov, M. Mamatqulov. Geography (Physical Geography of Central Asia; Physical Geography of Uzbekistan), Grade 7. Revised and expanded 5th edition. “O‘qituvchi” Publishing House, Tashkent, 2017
50

The Mirzachol natural-geographic district

Textbook: pp. 120–123
GoalKnow the position, boundaries, relief and minerals of the Mirzachol district.
New words
Mirzachol (Hungry Steppe) · Mirzacho‘lwatershed · suvayirg‘ichancient river channel · qadimiy o‘zanterrace · terrasa
Explanation

The Mirzachol district lies mainly between the Syrdarya and Lake Arnasay. In the north it borders Kazakhstan, in the south-east Tajikistan and in the north-west the Kyzylkum district. In the south stand the Turkestan, Morguzar and Nurata mountains; their northern slopes belong to Mirzachol and their southern slopes to the Middle Zarafshan district, with the boundary along the watershed. The surface falls from south-east to north-west. The plain averages 250–300 m and the foothills 450–530 m. The Morguzar mountain averages 1500–2000 m and reaches 2621 m; the highest peak of the Nurata range is Hayotboshi, 2169 m. The narrowest place of the Sangzor valley between Morguzar and Nurata is the Amir Temur (Ilonotdi) Gate, 120–130 m wide. In the centre of the plain there are hollows — Yettisoy, Sardoba, Karasuv — in the place of ancient Syrdarya channels. Mineral wealth is small: marble, asbestos, limestone, polymetallic ore and salts.

Worked examples
The Mirzachol plain slopes to the north-west, so water of its rivers and canals flows towards Arnasay.
The Sangzor river flows through a narrow valley between the Morguzar and Nurata mountains; its narrowest place is 120–130 m.
Class activity

“Border journey”: colour Mirzachol yellow on the map and name the neighbouring countries and districts with lines.

Practice
1
Between which two water bodies does the district lie?
2
Where does the boundary between Mirzachol and Middle Zarafshan run?
3
Morguzar’s highest point is 2621 m and Hayotboshi 2169 m. What is the difference in metres?
4
Why are minerals few in Mirzachol?