Lecture Notes: Changes in World Map if Sea Levels Drop by 1,000 Meters

Introduction

• Familiarity with Maps: Most people recognize the traditional 2D world map.
• Altered Perceptions: North Korea reportedly sees the world with itself at the center.
• Effect of Removing Countries: Minor changes make the map seem unusual.

Hypothetical Scenario: Sea Level Drop by 1,000 Meters

• Major Global Changes: Reveals underwater formations, creates new land.
• Impact on Countries:
  • Islands connect, countries expand.
  • Coastal and low-lying areas gain land.

Effects on Specific Regions

Oceania

• Australia:
  • Merges with Indonesia, forming a new landmass.
  • Tasmania merges with mainland.
  • Estimated land increase by 10-20%.
• New Zealand:
  • North and South islands merge.
  • Unrecognizable shape.

Southeast Asia

• Land Connectivity:
  • Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines connect to mainland.
  • Vietnam and Thailand remain largely the same.
• East Asia:
  • Japan connects with Russia and China.
  • South Korea becomes landlocked.
  • Taiwan joins China physically.

South Asia

• Bangladesh and Maldives: Gain significant land, solving rising sea level issues.
• Sri Lanka: Connects to India, potential economic boost.

Central and Northern Asia

• No Changes: Landlocked countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Central Asian "-stans".
• Russia: Gains land towards the Arctic, potential economic benefits.

Africa

• Mainland Africa: Slightly larger, no significant changes.
• Islands:
  • Madagascar and Seychelles grow notably.
  • Yemen connects to Africa via Eritrea and Djibouti.
• Red Sea Scenario: Turned into a lake.

Middle East

• Saudi Arabia: Absorbs the Persian Gulf area, affecting Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

Polar and Remote Regions

• French Southern Territories and Heard & McDonald Islands: Merge into larger land masses.

Europe

• Dramatic Changes:
  • Entire continent merges into a single landmass.
  • UK connects to Ireland and the mainland.
  • New region 'Doggerland' reemerges.
• Continental Bridges:
  • Iceland to Greenland, and Greenland to Canada.
  • Europe connects to North America.

North America

• United States: East coasts broaden, Florida connects to the Bahamas and Cuba.
• Mexico: Similar changes to the US.
• Canada: Size potentially doubles, Hudson Bay disappears.

South America

• Argentina: Sees noticeable growth.
• Falkland Islands: Merge with Argentina.

Conclusion

• Most Changed Countries: Possibly New Zealand, Norway, and the UK.
• Encouragement for Viewer Engagement: Prompt to comment on the most changed country.

Reminder

• Thank viewers for their time and attention.