Mexico’s Physical Geography Chapter 7/ Section 1

Physical Features Mexico is mostly surrounded by water; Pacific Ocean to the west and Gulf of Mexico to the east Interior landscape consists of a high rugged plateau region called the “Mexican Plateau” The plateaus sit in-between two mountain ranges the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. The snowcapped volcano Popocatepetl near Mexico City is still active. Mexico’s lowlands run down the east and west coasts. The Yucatan Peninsula is mostly flat and limestone rock underlies much of this area.

Physical features Main idea: Mexico’s physical features include plateaus, mountains, and coastal lowlands.

Climate and Vegetation Mexico has five different climate types Humid tropical, tropical savanna, desert, steppe, highland Changes in elevation cause climates to vary widely in a short distance. Mountain valley - mild climate. Coastal areas have a warm climate with a summer rainy season Yucatan Peninsula and northern Mexico have a hot and dry climate.

Climate and Vegetation Main Idea: Mexico’s climate and vegetation include deserts, tropical forests and cool highlands.

Natural Resources Mexico is rich in natural resources One of the most important resources is petroleum or oil. Gold and silver mines are still in operation today. Mexico produces more silver than any other country. Mexico also mines, gold, copper, lead and zinc.

Natural Resources Main Idea: Key natural resources in Mexico include oil, silver, gold and scenic landscape.

Physical Geography Section one assignment Page 171 Questions 1-4, in complete sentences. Vocabulary builder worksheet