Mexico - BOOK - Chapter 7 REVIEW page 191-208

Inevitable

Incapable of being avoided or evaded

Regional high pressure system

Keep the north and central parts of Mexico dry and cause occasional droughts.

Gulf of Mexico

Large body of water that forms Mexico's east coast. Supports diverse sea life - manatee. Famous for shrimp and supplies the fishing industry to both the U.S. and Mexico. Shelter from ocean currents - beaches are calm and waters warm.

Inland Mexican Plateau

Largest and most densely populated region of Mexico. Moderate, consistent temperatures. Attractive place to live. Broken into two parts. Mesa del Norte (Northern Plateau) and Mesa Central (Central Plateau).

Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon)

Largest gorge in the Sierra Madre Mountain range. A beautiful natural wonder in the state of Chihuahua , Mexico.

Why is the Mexican Plateau considered the heartland of Mexico?

Mexico is the southernmost country in North America. It shares its entire northern border with the U.S. and joins the continents of North America and South America.

What are the 3 factors that influence Mexico's climate?

Regional high-pressure systems, the northeast trade winds and the vertical climate zones.

Seismic

Relating to or caused by an earthquake. This activity helps shape the landforms of Mexico. Seismic activity opens parts of the Earth's crust and triggers the formation of volcanoes.

Northeast trade winds

Responsible for the pattern of tropical storms.

Physical geography of Mexico.

Rich farmland, abundant access to the ocean and freshwater resources, Diverse climate and biomes to support variety of food crops. Substantial mineral resources.

Why has Mexico City grown so fast?

Rural to urban migration by people looking for better economic opportunities. Pull forces of industrial jobs and the push forces of rural land policies.

Minerals of Mexico

Silver (world's largest producer) - Silver Belt (on the Mexican Plateau where industrial and precious minerals are mined. Zinc, bauxite (the ore of aluminum), lead, gold, mercury, cadmium, and trace minerals as antimony, manganese and copper.

Vertical Climate Zones

A climate zone that occurs as elevation increases, with its own natural vegetation and crops.

Mesa Central (Central Plateau)

Breadbasket - major grain producing region of Mexico. Features several smaller valleys. Most of the food grown in Mexico comes from this area.

Land bridge

Connects two geographic landforms. A strip of land that connects town larger landmasses, enabling migration of plants and animals to new areas.

Vertical climate zones

Create the temperate or mild climate zones found throughout the southern part of Mexico.

Mexico's economy

Minerals and timber, fish and agricultural products. Leading petroleum producing country. Exports account for a large share of foreign - exchange earnings. Ranks 13th in the world for crude oil exports.

Sierra Madre Occidental

Mountain range that stretch along the northwester edge of Mexico. Considered the southern extension of the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the U.S. Deep cut by westward flowing rivers and streams which have formed deep gorges. Average height is between 8-9,000 ft.

What is the social impact of rapid growth?

Move to city to find jobs. Unemployment is common. No access to health care and education. Lack of infrastructure - housing, electrical grids, were facilities and roads.

Why does Mexico have few major rivers and natural lakes?

Northern Mexico is generally characterized by a dry climate. This makes permanent waterways rare. The high mountain ranges and plates create temperate vertical climate zones that do not collect the volume of water that is more common in tropical regions.

Chaparral Biome

Northern Mexico. Mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Plant life: cacti, shrubs and shrub oak. High winds and low-growing plants make the soil in this region good for grasslands. Soil is thin and rocky, not good for crops.

Lerma River

One of Mexico's most important rivers, Begins in the Toluca Basin on the Central Plateau west of Mexico City. Feeds into Lake Capala, the largest natural lake in Mexico.

Southern Mexico

Variety of biomes. Lower altitudes along the coasts, the climate is hot. East coast - daily rainfall and high humidity - diverse plant and animal life - rainforest.

Ring of Fire

Western side of Mexico. The area where the Pacific tectonic plate collides with other tectonic plates creating areas of seismic activity with earthquakes.