Ch. 9 South America

Landforms PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY of South America South America’s diverse landscape is marked in the west by the high peaks of the Andes and in the east by broad plateaus and valleys. The cordillera established natural barriers that resulted in the development of isolated groups. Narrow, coastal lowlands rim the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Inland grasslands like the llanos and the pampas provide fertile soil and plains for cattle to graze.

Water Systems PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY of South America The Amazon flows 4,000 miles through the heart of South America and is its longest river. Hundreds of smaller rivers join the Amazon to form the Amazon Basin. The Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay Rivers drain the rainy eastern half of South America. The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. Lake Maracaibo and Lake Titicaca are South America’s largest lakes.

Climate, Biomes, & Resources PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY of South America Climate, Biomes, & Resources Diverse climates make South America a region of contrasts. El Niño affects the climate in South America by creating unusually warm ocean currents, and can have negative effects on coastal weather, fishing, and agriculture. The Amazon rain forest shelters more species of plants and animals than anywhere else on Earth. The physical geography dictates each country’s access to natural resources.

History and Government HUMAN GEOGRAPHY of South America History and Government The Inca Empire’s wealth and highly developed infrastructure attracted Spanish conquistadors. Portuguese, British, French, and Dutch settlers also established colonies, which drastically reduced indigenous populations. In the 1800s, independence movements led by Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín emerged. Dictatorships dominated the postcolonial period. Today, democratically elected governments struggle with economic and social justice issues.

Population Patterns HUMAN GEOGRAPHY of South America The once-high population growth has moderated. Most people live in cities in the coastal regions where there is a favorable climate, fertile land, and access to transportation. Highly populated urban areas make finding jobs and affordable housing difficult for migrants. South America is experiencing brain drain to North America and Europe, which is the loss of many highly educated and skilled workers.

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of South America Society and Culture Today South America is a blend of native, European, Asian, and African languages and traditions. The majority of people are Roman Catholic, though less common religions include Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto, Islam, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The quality of education and health care varies greatly from country to country and from urban to rural areas. Indigenous crafts, art, and architecture reflect the history of the native cultures.

Economic Activities HUMAN GEOGRAPHY of South America Oil resources, agriculture, and mining of the abundant natural resources all contribute to South America’s economic development. Manufacturing is growing rapidly, but physical geography influences commercial activity. Many countries in the region are still considered developing countries. Increased cooperation between countries through trade partnerships and infrastructure is improving economic growth.

Managing Resources PEOPLE & Their ENVIRONMENT: South America While the use of natural resources has advanced economic growth and increased stability, it has also damaged the environment and the biodiversity of South America. Deforestation has destroyed almost 20 percent of the Amazon rain forest, threatening nearly half of all animal and plant species on Earth. Monoculture and soil erosion contribute to decreased soil fertility and desertification, which reduces the area of nutrient-rich soils and grasses needed to grow crops or to feed livestock.

Human Impact PEOPLE & Their ENVIRONMENT: South America Urban growth and industrialization have created environmental pollution. A lack of funding and organization often results in a city’s lack of adequate plumbing infrastructure necessary to deliver clean water and remove sewage. Illegal mining activity has grown as the value of precious metals and raw materials has increased, exacerbating the pollution problem.

Addressing the Issues PEOPLE & Their ENVIRONMENT: South America Reducing the human impact on the environment is critical to protecting biodiversity and preserving the livelihood of the population. Implementation of anti-deforestation laws and farming management practices are among the efforts underway to reduce drought and soil erosion. South America’s countries are working together to address the problems related to urbanization, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to develop public transport systems, and to regulate the exportation of natural resources.