Climate and Vegetation The Physical Geography of Latin America Chapter 8, Section 2

Climate and Vegetation Regions Much of Latin America lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn Mountain ranges and wind patterns create a variety of climates and natural vegetation. Tropical rain forest climate and vegetation dominate S. Mexico, E. Central America, some of the Caribbean and South America

The Rain Forest Trees are so close together they form a canopy – a continuous layer of leaves May grow to 130 ft and grow so close together that light cannot get to the forest floor The Amazon Basin covers 1/3 of South America World’s wettest tropical plain Rains throughout the year but especially between January and June. Areas can become flooded around the Amazon River In Brazil the river ranges between 1 to 6 miles but enlarges to 30 miles or more during flooding. The rain forest shelters more species of plants and animals than any other place on earth.

Tropical Savanna Coast of southwestern Mexico, most Caribbean Islands, and north-central South America. Hot temperatures and a lot of rainfall but have an extended dry season. Vast grasslands Llanos of Colombia and Venezuela Covered in scattered trees and are considered transition zones between grasslands and forests.

The Humid Subtropics Southeastern South America From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the pampas of Argentina and Uruguay. Winters are short and mild Summers are long, hot and humid. Bring short dry periods Pampas consist primarily of short grasses but once had scattered trees. Spanish settlers cut down the trees to set up ranches Overgrazing has destroyed the vegetation and there have many dust storms

Desert and Steppe Areas Parts of northern Mexico, coastal Peru and Chile, and the southeastern coast of Argentina have desert climates and vegetation. In the Atacama Desert there are some places where no rainfall has ever been recorded Northern Mexico, northeastern Brazil, and south central South America have steppe climates Hot summers, cool winters, and light rainfall Grassy or lightly forested vegetation

Elevation and Climate Climates are more affected by elevation than by distance from the Equator. There are three vertical climate zones Tierra caliente – “hot land” Elevation between sea level and 2,500 ft Temperatures range between 68°F to 91°F In rain forest the main crops are bananas, rice and cacao. Tierra templada – “temperate land” Lies between 2,500 and 6,500 ft Temperature ranges between 60°F and 72°F Evergreens at upper levels The most densely populated Main crops are corn and coffee Tierra fria – “cold land” Frosts are common during winter months Crops – potatoes and barley