Physical Features Latin America Pictures

Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico borders eastern Mexico and the Southeast United States. A gulf is a large body of water surrounded on three sides by land. The Gulf of Mexico provides Mexico with access to the Atlantic Ocean. How can a waterway effect the people that live around the gulf?

The Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean borders western North America and South America The Pacific Ocean borders western North America and South America. It is the largest Ocean in the World. For centuries people in the Americas have relied on the Pacific Ocean for trade, livelihood, and exploration. Discuss: How could such a large ocean effect the countries that touch this ocean?

The Caribbean Sea

The Caribbean Sea lies southeast of North America and northeast of South America. It is home to a number of island nations. Because the Caribbean’s tropical climate, these island nations attract millions of tourist every year. Discuss: Tropical means warm. How would a warm Sea effect the people that live near the Sea?

The Amazon River

The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world The Amazon River is the second longest river in the world. Only the Nile River in Africa is longer. For centuries people in northern and central South America have relied on the Amazon. Its many tributaries (smaller waterways that run into the river) provide important water routes connecting inland regions of the continent to the Atlantic Ocean. Discuss: The Amazon River is mostly located in Brazil. How would it effect the people that live there?

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a human-made waterway stretching across a portion of Panama. It allows ships to travel back and forth between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans Discuss: An area that connects to major oceans would help Panama because….

The Sierra Madre Mountain Range

The Sierra Madre Mountains are an important mountain range in Mexico The Sierra Madre Mountains are an important mountain range in Mexico. The Sierra Madre Occidentals cover much of western Mexico, while the Sierra Madre Oriental stretch across eastern Mexico. In between lies Mexico’s central plateau Discuss: Why would indigenous people flee to the Sierra Madre?

The Andes Mountains

The Andes Mountains are some of the highest mountains on earth The Andes Mountains are some of the highest mountains on earth. They form the longest running mountain range in the world. They stretch more than 4,500 miles along the west coast of South America. Discuss: How do you think it would effect people to live high in the Andes Mountains?

The Atacama Desert

A desert is a geographic region that receives less than 10 inches of rainfall per year. The Atacama Desert lies in northern Chile. It is one of the driest places on earth. Discuss: How do you think the people survived the harsh dry climate of the Atacama Desert?

The Amazon Rainforest

Amazon Rainforest The Amazon Rainforest is largest river basin in the world. The region has lots of rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. Also, you will find a large range of vegetation there. In the nineties many people were cutting down these forest but international organizations and the government have helped. Discuss: How could lots of vegetation, lots of rain effect the people that live in Brazil?