6.1 Physical Geography: Mexico

Physical Features Mexico is south of the United States. The Río Bravo River forms part of the border between the two countries. In the United States this river is called the Rio Grande.

Bodies of Water Mexico is mostly surrounded by water. To the west is the Pacific Ocean. Stretching south into the Pacific Ocean from northern Mexico is a narrow peninsula (piece of land surrounded on three sides by water) called Baja California. To the east, Mexico’s border is the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is separated from the Caribbean Sea by a part of Mexico called the Yucatán Peninsula.

Plateaus and Mountains Plateaus and mountains cover much of Mexico. The Mexican Plateau takes up much of the interior of Mexico. The highest point is close to two miles above sea level.

The entire plateau spreads between two mountain ranges – the Sierra Madre Oriental on the east and the Sierra Madre Occidental on the west. Together these two mountain ranges make up the Sierra Madre (“mother range”)

Between the two mountain ranges is the Valley of Mexico. Mexico City is located there. South of Mexico City is more mountains and some volcanoes. The volcano Popocatêpetl near Mexico City has been active as recently as 2000.

Plateaus and mountains cover much of Mexico Plateaus and mountains cover much of Mexico. Here, the volcano Popocatépetl rises above a mountain valley. Many people live and farm in the mountain valleys.

Coastal Lowlands Beautiful, sunny beaches stretch all along Mexico’s eastern and western coasts. Here some of the land is fertile and good for farming.

Climate and Vegetation Mexico’s climate range from tropical to desert. Because of so many climates, Mexico also has a variety of vegetation types.

Natural Resources Mexico is rich in natural resources. Oil is one if its’ most important resources & much of Mexico’s oil is sold to the United States. Before oil, minerals like silver, gold, copper, zinc, and lead were the most valuable. Today, Mexico’s mines produce more silver than any other country in the world.