Physical Geography of South America Landforms 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.

Physical Geography of South America Water Systems 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.

Physical Geography of South America Climate, Biomes, and 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.

People and Their Environment: South America Managing Resources 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.

People and Their Environment: South America Human Impact 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.

People and Their Environment: South America Addressing the Issues 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.