Latin America

Physical Features Chapter 9 Section 1

Setting the Scene Latin America is located in the Western Hemisphere south of the United States. What are some of the countries included in Latin America? What are the three smaller regions divided by geographic features that divide Latin America? Who arrived about 500 years ago in Latin America? What did they bring and from where did they come?

Latin America’s Major Landforms and Regions Mexico and Central America Stretches for 2,500 miles from the U.S. to South America. Its distance is almost equal to that of the width of the United States. What landform dominates this region? Where do they originate from? Between the mountains lies Mexico’s Central Plateau. Define plateau.

Latin America’s Major Landforms and Regions Where is Central America located? Define isthmus. What two large bodies of land does the isthmus of Central America connect? Like in Mexico narrow plains run along the coasts. Between the coastal plains are the rugged, steep mountains. How many mountains are active volcanoes? What is beneficial about the ash?

Latin America’s Major Landforms and Regions The Caribbean What are the two types of islands? Define coral. South America What is the most impressive landform in South America? Describe the Andes. Where do the highlands cross?

Latin America’s Major Landforms and Regions Define pampas. What frames the Andes? What is the largest tropical rainforest in the WORLD? How much land does it cover?

The Rivers of Latin America Latin America’s rivers and lakes are some of the longest and largest bodies of water in the world. The rivers serve as a mode of transportation, provide food, and energy.

The Rivers of Latin America Amazon: The Ocean River It is the world’s second longest river, flowing 4,00 miles from ____ acros____ into the _____ ______. Which river is longer? Which river carries more water than any other river in the world? The Amazon contains about 20% of all the fresh water on Earth.

The Rivers of Latin America What does the Amazon power? Define tributaries. Other Rivers and Lakes Which rivers create the Rio de la Plata System? What countries are separated by the Rio de la Plata system? Lake Titicaca is the highest lake in the world on which ships can travel. Where does is it located?