GEO2

• Archipelago


  A group of islands
• The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands, making it one of the largest island groups in the world
• The Philippines has a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 square miles), making it the 72nd largest country in the world in terms of land area
• The Philippine archipelago has a coastline that stretches for about 36,289 kilometers (22,549 miles)

  
• Irregular or asymmetrical shape


  Elongated in a north-south direction and spans about 1,850 kilometers (1,150 miles) from its northernmost point to its southernmost tip
• The country's overall shape resembles an inverted triangle, with the Luzon Island forming the largest region in the north, the Visayas Islands in the central part, and Mindanao Island in the south
• To the north of the Philippines is Taiwan, while Vietnam is located to the west across the South China Sea. Indonesia and Malaysia lie to the south, and on the eastern side, the country is bordered by the Philippine Sea

  
• The country's location in the Pacific Ring of Fire also makes it prone to seismic activities, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
• Mountain ranges

  • Rise prominently above the surrounding terrain due to geological processes like tectonic activity and erosion, serving as natural barriers and biodiversity hotspots
• Plains

  • Vast, flat expanses formed by sediment deposition or tectonic subsidence, crucial for agriculture and human settlement due to their fertile terrain
• Plateaus

  • Elevated flatlands with steep edges, form through uplift or volcanic activity, offering valuable resources and habitats while facilitating human settlement
• Volcanoes


  • Ranging from small vents to towering mountains, shape the Earth's surface through eruptions, playing vital roles in geothermal activity and mineral deposition
• Cordillera Central Mountain range


  Located in the northern part of Luzon, characterized by towering peaks, including Mount Pulag, which is the third highest mountain in the country
• Sierra Madre range


  Runs along the eastern coast of Luzon, featuring rugged terrain, deep valleys, and lush forests, often called the "backbone of Luzon" and one of the island's most biodiverse areas, protecting residents from floods and typhoons
• Mount Apo


  The highest peak in the Philippines, located in Mindanao, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity
• Mount Dulang-dulang (D2)


  The second highest mountain in the Philippines and one of the highest peaks in elevation that forms the Kitanglad Mountain Range, located in the north central part of the province of Bukidnon, Mindanao Island
• Coastal plains


  Flat or gently sloping areas of land that lie adjacent to coastlines or seas, formed by the deposition of sediment carried by rivers and streams, as well as by the accumulation of sand and other materials along shorelines, supporting diverse ecosystems, agriculture, urban development, and tourism
• Lowlands


  Areas of relatively low elevation compared to surrounding terrain, including flat or gently undulating landscapes found in valleys, basins, or coastal regions, often characterized by fertile soils suitable for agriculture and human settlements
• Benham Rise


  The largest plateau in the Philippines, covering 13 million hectares underwater near Aurora
• Cagayan River


  The longest river in the country, stretching across Luzon and Mindanao
• Pasig River


  Flows through Metro Manila, holds historical significance as it played a vital role in the city's development
• Laguna de Bay


  The largest lake in the Philippines, covering 900 square kilometers (352–366 square miles), located southeast of Metro Manila, between the provinces of Laguna to the south and Rizal to the north
• Lake Lanao


  The second largest lake in the Philippines, known for its natural beauty
• Agusan River


  The third longest river in the Philippines, flowing 217 miles along the Compostela Valley and draining into Butuan Bay, with the Agusan Marsh covering 19,197 hectares to reduce flash floods
• The Philippines is surrounded by the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Celebes Sea, which support vibrant marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and extensive coastlines, making the Philippines a popular destination for diving and beach-related activities
• Common water forms in the Philippines

  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Seas
  • Oceans
  • Mangroves
• Rivers


  Large natural streams of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river, playing vital roles in shaping landscapes, providing habitats for diverse ecosystems, supporting human settlements, and serving as sources of water for irrigation, transportation, and recreation
• Waterfalls


  Natural formations where water flows over a vertical drop or series of drops in the course of a stream or river, often formed by erosion and renowned for their scenic beauty, attracting tourists
• Seas


  Large bodies of saltwater that are partly enclosed by land, typically connected to an ocean and playing crucial roles in regulating climate, supporting marine life, and providing resources
• Oceans


  Vast bodies of saltwater that cover over 70% of the Earth's surface, playing essential roles in regulating the planet's climate, supporting marine ecosystems, and influencing weather patterns and biodiversity
• Mangroves


  Salt-tolerant trees, shrubs, and other plant species that grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines in muddy or sandy intertidal zones, serving as crucial ecosystems that provide habitats for diverse marine and terrestrial species, protect coastlines, filter pollutants, and support local livelihoods
• Rivers


  Have a constant, direct motion, traveling downhill, are large bodies of flowing water that empty into oceans or seas
• Lakes


  Are stationary and have little to no motion, are large bodies of stagnant water, can be natural or man-made, and are not connected to the sea or ocean
• The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Sulu Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and pristine coral reef
• The Philippines possesses a diverse range of landforms and water forms that contribute to its natural beauty and resources, including majestic mountains, fertile plains, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant coastal areas, seas, and lakes
• The Philippines has abundant forest and agricultural resources, including tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, and dipterocarp forests, which play a significant role in its economy and development
• Mangrove forests


  Coastal ecosystems comprised of salt-tolerant trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that thrive in the intertidal zone, where land meets the sea, found in tropical and subtropical regions including the Philippines

  
• Dipterocarp forests


  Tropical rainforests dominated by trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family, known for their tall stature, straight trunks, and valuable timber

  
• Philippines has abundant forest and agricultural resources which play a significant role in its economy and development
• Mangrove forests


  Coastal ecosystems comprised of salt-tolerant trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that thrive in the intertidal zone, where land meets the sea