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T HE L AND

more frequent during the summer months. The other wind is known as shammal ; it is a steady, gentle wind that comes from the north and brings great relief during the extreme heat of the sum- mer months. The northeastern highlands receive ample rainfall from October to May, so the lower levels of this region are suitable for farming and are home to a large population. By contrast, the southeastern alluvial plain receives only about 6 inches (15 cen- timeters) of rain each year. As a result, agriculture there depends entirely upon irrigation. There is almost no rainfall at all in the western and southwestern desert plateau, which covers about one-third of Iraq.

Text-Dependent Questions

1. What is the ancient name for the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers? 2. Where is the Jazirah region? What is this area of Iraq like? 3. What is the best-known pass through the Zagros Mountains?

Research Project Using the Internet or your school library, find out about the sort of creatures that live in the deserts of Iraq. Choose one, and write a short report about it. Tell what the animal looks like, whether it is dangerous, what it eats, and how it sur- vives in the harsh climate. Find photos online to include with your report, and present it to the class.