Chapter 27: Australia and New Zealand  "The Great Barrier Reef"

Introduction In this chapter you have read about the "Land Down Under," Australia. In addition to unusual animals, friendly people, and dangerous crocodiles, Australia has the Great Barrier Reef. Every year thousands of visitors snorkel or scuba dive around the Reef to enjoy an underwater view of one of nature's most incredible creations. Destination Title: Great Barrier Reef Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Flashpoint Kashmir: Special Report Web site of BBC News. Read through the site, taking notes as you go. Make sure to click on each topic—"Q and A: The Kashmir Conflict," "Who are the Kashmir militants?" "The balance of firepower," and "Troubled relations"—for detailed information. From the main screen, scroll down and click on Battle in the Heavens. Read this information. For additional information, you may want to click on the topics under "The Kargil Conflict." Using information gathered from this site, answer the following questions. 1. Describe the terrain through which the Line of Control (LOC) passes. What are the altitude and climate conditions? 2. Why is maintaining troops on the Siachen glacier so difficult? Why was the international border in this area never established? 3. What role does religion play in the conflict over Kashmir? 4. How is the Kashmir territory currently divided? How is the Kashmiri population distributed? 5. Write an essay about the disputed territory of Kashmir. Discuss the various factions fighting in the area, and propose possible ways of resolving the conflict.