Geography of the Americas

Section 3 Landscape of the Americas

I.Identifying Physical Regions A.The physical characteristics of a places are known as landforms B.Central America is an isthmus – it connects two larger land masses with a narrow strip of land.

II.Landforms A.Topography – physical features of the earth’s surface 1.Elevation – height of land above sea 2.Relief – overall differences in height

B.Mountains and Hills 1.Rocky Mountains – Alaska to Mexico 2.Andes Mountains a.South America b.Highest point in Western Hemisphere – Mount Aconcagua (22,834 ft.) c.Was home of the Inca 3.Foothills a.At base of mountain b.Good for farming. why?

C.Plains and Plateaus 1.Plains – broad areas of land usually close to sea level 2.Plateaus – high, flat landforms, sometimes several thousand feet high 3.Mesas – small, steep-sided plateaus

III.Bodies of Water A.70% of the earth is covered in water Interesting Fact: If all the world's water were fit into a gallon jug, the fresh water available for us to use would equal only about one tablespoon. B.Oceans and Seas 1.Oceans – Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic 2.Seas – smaller and usually landlocked 3.Affect migration, weather, climates, and living conditions. How?

C.Lakes and Rivers 1.Supply freshwater, energy, and transportation routes 2.Tributaries – smaller rivers and streams that branch from a river 3.Great Lakes a.Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior, Champlain b.March 7, 1998 Champlain becomes a Great Lake

Assignment: Complete the Region Worksheet