U13 L5: Physical Features of South America

Which of the following island groups is an archipelago, has glacial lakes and moraines, and has a name that means "land of fire"?

Tierra del Fuego

Stait of Magellan

connects Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the southern tip of south america

Pampas

primarily in argentina grassy plains extremely fertile soil - topsoil up to 1,000 ft deep - one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world

The Amazon is the world's __________.

second-longest river

The Pampas region in Argentina has virtually no __________.

trees

Lake Maracaibo

- connected to caribbean sea

Parana River

- second largest river system in South America - flows into Rio de la Plata estuary

Islands

Galapagos Islands (orange) - straddle the equator Falkland Islands (blue) - overseas territory of the UK - also claimed by argentina

Eastern Highlands

Guiana Highlands Brazilian Highlands - rich mineral deposits patagonia

Which of the following statements about the Amazon River is false?

The Amazon River flows through Argentina and Chile.

Bodies of Water

Soutyh America is surrounded by: - atlantic ocean to the east - the pacific ocean to the west - the caribbean sea on the north

Tierra del Fuego

- archipelago - island chain - means "land of fire" - lakes, moraines, fjords, and mountain glaciers

Lake Titicaca

- largest lake in south america - highest navigable lake in the world -- elevation of 12500 ft

Orinoco River System

- many rivers and creeks drain into the Orinoco River - angel falls, worlds highest waterfall, at 3212 ft

Altiplano

- means "high plain" - broad, flat tableland - elevation is 12,000-15,000 ft

Amazon River

- second longest river in the world, more than 4000 mi long - more than 1000 rivers, creeks, and tributaries drain into it - up to 30 mi wide during the rainy season - navigable by large freighters more than 1000 mi inland

moraine

A mass of rocks and sand that is carried and deposited by a glacier.

The flat plateau region in the Andes Mountains that is mostly populated by indigenous people from Peru and Bolivia is called the __________.

Altiplano

The world's highest waterfall, located on the Orinoco River, is __________.

Angel Falls

The Falkland Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom that also is claimed by __________.

Argentina

Which country is home to the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere?

Chile

navigable

Deep and wide enough to sail through.

Which of the following statements about the Atacama is false?

It is located in northern Argentina.

Which of the following statements about the Atacama is false?

It is located in northern Brazil.

Which body of water is located at number 4 on the map above?

Lake Titicaca

Explain why Lake Maracaibo cannot be considered the largest lake in South America. What is South America's largest lake, and what special distinction does it have?

Lake Titicaca is officially the largest lake in South America. Lake Maracaibo is actually larger in size; however, it cannot officially be classified as a lake since it is connected to the Caribbean Sea. Lake Titicaca also has the distinction of being the highest lake in the world, at an elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level.

altiplano

Literally, "high plain"; a broad, flat plateau at a high elevation.

Look at the map above. Which of the following statements is true?

Number 3 is the Amazon River.

The Strait of Magellan connects the Atlantic Ocean with the __________.

Pacific Ocean

Explain what makes the Amazon River the largest river system in the world. How important do you think this river is to commercial trade?

The Amazon River is the largest river system in the world because more than 1,000 creeks, streams, and tributaries drain into the river. No other river in the world matches the amount of water that flows through the Amazon. Although the river is deep and wide enough to be navigable, the Amazon flows primarily through the rainforest. Very few cities are connected by the river, so it is not a busy thoroughfare for large transport or industrial ships.

What is the longest mountain chain in the world? How wide is it? In what country is its highest peak?

The Andes Mountains is the longest mountain chain in the world. Although the mountain range is long, it is extremely narrow and averages just 200 miles wide. The highest peak in the Andes is Mount Aconcagua, located in the country of Chile.

Which of the following statements about the Andes Mountains is true?

The Andes are the longest mountain chain in the world.

Which of the following statements best describes the Andes Mountains?

The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world.

What are the natural features that make up the Eastern Highlands? Describe the three parts of the Eastern Highlands. What type of electricity is produced in these areas?

The Eastern Highlands are plateau and mountain areas. The Eastern Highlands in South America have three distinct parts: the Brazilian Highlands, Patagonia, and the Guiana Highlands. All of these highland regions are good for producing hydroelectric power.

What are the three sub regions of South America? What is significant about the Atacama Desert?

The three sub regions of South America are the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Eastern Highlands. The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth.

Which group of islands is called the "land of fire" and is located at the southern tip of South America?

Tierra del Fuego

Explain how trees can "fall up." How does this situation help the local economy?

Trees falling up means to replant trees. Replanting trees will reduce pollution. The economy will increase due to tourism.

Atacama Desert

driest place on earth - averages just 0.04 in of rain per year - some areas have not had any rain since records have been kept

South America

fourth largest continent three sub regions - andes mountains (yellow) - amazon rainforest (red) - eastern highlands (orange) - land of contrasts

The Altiplano is a(n) __________.

high plain in the Andes

Andes Mountains

longest mountain chain in the world - more than 4,500 mi long highest peak - mt aconcagua (22,831 ft) - highest peak in the western hemisphere - located in chile

Which of the following South American regions has a name that means "high plain"?

the Altiplano

Which of the following South American regions is one of the driest places on Earth?

the Atacama

Which of the following bodies of water has the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls?

the Orinoco River

Which of the following bodies of water connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans?

the Strait of Magellan