Physical Geography of Latin America

Oil and Gas

Mexico and Venezuela are two of the largest oil producers in the world.

Mountains of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean's

Mexico's "sierra Madre" is the main mountain range in central America. Many Caribbean islands are part of " The Central Highlands" mountain range.

Tropical Regions

Mexico, Central America, Most Caribbean islands, and much of northern south America have a Tropical Rain Forest climate with hot temperatures and heavy rain fall accruing year around.

Climate and Vegetation

Most of Latin America lies between The Tropic of Cancer and The Tropic of Capricorn thus most of the area has a tropical climate. However, there is a great variety of climates in the region.

Lowlands and Plains

Narrow coastal lowlands lay along the gulf of Mexico, Caribbean sea ,and Atlantic and pacific coast of south America. Inland areas of south America contained vast grass lands that provide grazing for live stock.

Desert and Steppe Areas

Parts of Northern Mexico and South Western South America have desert climates and vegetation. (Atacama Desert) Other parts of this region have a steppe climate with hot summers, cool winters, and very light rain fall.

Copper

Chile is the worlds largest exporter of copper.

Andes of South America

The Andes mountain range run for over 4 thousand miles along the west coast of south America. The highest point in Latin America is 22 thousands feet above sea level. In southern Argentina there is a major plateau known as "Patagonia".

Escarpment

steep cliff or slope between a higher and lower land surface

Guacho

the cowhands of Argentina and Uruguay

Canopy

top layer of a rain forest, where the tops of tall trees form a continuous layer of leaves

Lakes

Lake Titicaca is the worlds highest navigable lake.

Cordillera

parallel chains or ranges of mountains

Tierra Fria

Above 6,000ft. The main crops here are barley and potato's.

The Rain Forest

Amazon Basin covers 1/3 of south America. Trees over 130 ft. tall form a dense canopy that cover the forest floor.

Size

Latin America covers 8000 areas of land. From the US to Mexico border to the southern tip of Argentina

Mountains and Plateaus

Latin America's rugged landscape is the result of its location on the pacific ring or fire, earthquakes, and volcanoes are very common in the ring of fire.

Tierra Templada

Lies between 2,500ft and 6,500ft. The main crops are coffee and corn

Tierra Caliente

Lies between sea level and 2,500 ft. The main crops include bananas, sugar, rice, and cocoa.

The Humid Subtropics

Located in South Eastern South America. This region has short mild winters and long hot summers.

Tropical Savanna

Located in south western Mexico and the North Central parts of South America the savanna is made up of grass lands, hot temperatures, and dry season and wet season.

Rivers

Major rivers such as the amazon are important transpiration routes and in many areas provide hydro electric power.

Altiplano

Spanish for "high plain," a region in Peru and Bolivia encircled by the Andes peaks

Tierra Fria

Spanish term for "cold land"; the highest altitude zone of Latin American highlands climates

Tierra Caliente

Spanish term for "temperate land"; the middle altitude zone of Latin American highlands climates

Tierra Templada

Spanish term for "temperate land"; the middle altitude zone of Latin American highlands climates

Elevation and Climate

The climates of Latin America depend more on elevation than on distance from the equator

Gold and Silver

Venezuela's Orinoco river contains 11 percent of the worlds gold. Peru and Mexico are known for there silver deposits.

Estuary

an area where the tide meets a river current

Llano

fertile plains in inland areas of Colombia and Venezuela

Pampas

grassy, treeless plains of southern South America

Highlands in Brazil

much of Brazil consist of broad plateaus and a mountain range called the "Brazil Highlands".