Climates of Latin America

SSWG7c Describe the major climates of Latin America and how they have affected Latin America.

Learning Targets (“I can” statements) I can describe the various climates in Latin America and where they are located. I can describe how the climates have shaped people’s lives in Latin America.

Factors affecting climate L.A.C.E.M.O.P.S Latitude Air Masses Continentality Elevation Mountains (topography) Ocean Currents Pressure Cells and Prevailing Winds Storm Tracks

Elevation and Climate

Elevation Climate Zones Vertical climate zones Variation as altitude increases: Soil Crops, Livestock Found in: Middle America (Mexico and Central America) Sierra Madre Mountains Western South America- Andes Mountains and Highlands

Tierra Caliente Sea level- 2,500 ft. Coastal areas and foothills with some trees Temp. 75°-80°F Rain forest Main Crops grown: Bananas Sugar Rice Cacao

Tierra Templada 2500-6000 ft. Widely spaced evergreen trees and dense shrubs Temp. 65°- 75°F Main crops grown: Coffee Corn

Tierra Fria 6000-12000 ft. Broad leafed and needle- bearing evergreens. Temp. 55°-65°F Main crops grown: Potatoes Barley

Puna 12000-16000 ft. Grasses, no trees 20°-55°F Grasses Suitable for grazing: Llamas Alpacas sheep

Tierra Helada Above 16000 ft. Permanent snow and ice Less than 20°F

Climate Regions

Tropical Wet Low-latitude climate region. High Temperatures and abundance of rainfall. Amazon basin and Amazon Rain Forest. Dense forest of varying plant life. Various Fauna species found here. Acts as “lungs” of the world. Farming and natural resources

Tropical Dry Found in: Southwestern Mexico Caribbean Islands North-central South America High temperatures, abundant Rainfall, extended dry season Grasslands flourish; Llanos Soils not fertile Flood control Llanos fertile farmland

Humid Subtropical Found in Southeastern South America. Winters short; cool to mild temperatures Summers long, hot and humid. Rainfall levels even throughout year. Short grass Large populations of people live here Pampas; Rio de la Plata; Uruguay River; Paraguay River Farmland Alfalfa Corn Cotton

Dry Climates and Steppe Climates Dry Climates (Deserts) Found in: Northern Mexico Coastal Peru Chile Southeastern Coast of Argentina Cold Air, high elevations result in little precipitation. Atacama Desert Lamos- areas of vegetation Mostly vegetation is sparse and soil is poor. Dry Climates (Steppes) Found in: Northern Mexico Northern Brazil South-central South America Receive little rainfall Hot summers, cool winters Grassy vegetation, lightly forested Pampas, Mexican Plateau