LATIN AMERICA Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America Chapters 10, 11, 12

What are the main landforms of Mexico? What climates, biomes, and natural resources does Mexico have? MEXICO Natural Environments

The Mexican Plateau makes up most of the country. Three mountain ranges border the plateau. Coastal plains lie between mountains and the sea. The Valley of Mexico is high and broad; Mexico City is located there. Natural Environments Mexico’s Landforms

Mountains southeast of Mexico City include great volcanoes. Rugged, varied terrain in southern Mexico The Isthmus of Tehuantepec forms narrow strip of land in the south. The Yucatán Peninsula, a flat, limestone-based region, is located in the southeast. Natural Environments Mexico’s Landforms (continued)

North and Northwest—Arid and semiarid; scrub vegetation, desert plants, and grasslands East and Southeast—Humid, subtropical; forests. Southern Valleys—Mild; subtropical Mexican Plateau—Cool highland climates Natural Environments Climates and Biomes

Pacific subtropical high-pressure cell creates dry weather dominating two-thirds of Mexico’s land Northeast tradewinds bring humid air from the east and southeast, especially in summer Elevation affects climate: rain shadows on western slopes; subtropical climates in some mountain valleys; cool highland climates at higher elevations Natural Environments Climates and Biomes (continued)

Mexico has few major rivers, but some provide irrigation and hydroelectric power. Mexico is rich in minerals, including silver, gold, iron, lead, and mercury. Oil is the country’s most valuable resource. Natural Environments Natural Resources

What physical processes have shaped the landforms of Central America and the Caribbean? What is the climate like in Central America and the Caribbean? What natural resources and environmental hazards are common in the region? CENTRAL AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN Natural Environments

Question How were landforms in Central America and the Caribbean created? Natural Environments

The Creation of Landforms in Central America and the Caribbean Tectonic Forces Mountains New Islands Plate Subduction Volcanic Eruptions CauseCreates Natural Environments

Tropical wet and dry climates are typical. Temperatures are fairly constant. Winter is usually drier, with a summer rainy season. Central American climates follow terrain—tropical, humid climates on the Caribbean coast; highland climates in the elevated interior; rain shadows on the drier western slopes. Natural Environments Climates of Central America and the Caribbean

Natural Environments Natural Resources and Environmental Hazards Natural Resources Warm, sunny climate Fertile soils Rich fishing grounds Minerals: gold, bauxite, nickel, oil Environmental Hazards Earthquakes Volcanic eruptions Hurricanes Mud slides

What are the major landforms and rivers of South America? What climates, plants, and animals are found in South America? What natural resources does the continent have? SOUTH AMERICA Natural Environments

Question What are the different environments and landforms of South America? Natural Environments

Landforms and Rivers Climates Biomes Natural Resources Andes Guiana Highlands, tepuís Brazilian Highlands Amazon River basin, Llanos, Gran Chaco, Pampas Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná Rivers Tropical, humid in Amazon basin Highland climates in Andes Tropical wet and dry in many areas Mediterranean in central Chile Semiarid and arid in Patagonia, Atacama Tropical rain forest Dry forest Savannas Deserts Rubber and timber Hydroelectricity production Nuts and plants for medicine Gold, silver, copper, iron ore, bauxite, oil South America Natural Environments

South America has major mountains and plains. – Mountains—Andes, Guiana Highlands, Brazilian Highlands – Plains—Altiplano, Amazon River basin, Llanos, Gran Chaco, Pampas, Patagonia Three large river systems flow into the Atlantic Ocean. – Amazon—4,000 miles long – Orinoco—Drains the Guiana Highlands and Llanos – Paraná—Drains eastern slopes of Andes and Brazilian Highlands Natural Environments

South America has a wide variety of climate regions. Amazon Basin—World’s largest tropical humid region; many rain forest species Andes—Highland climates with varied vegetation; wildlife based on elevation, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and Andean condors Chile—Mediterranean climate with marine west coast Patagonia—Semiarid and arid; few animals Atacama Desert— Desert Northern Chile, southern Peru; driest region Tropical Wet and Dry—Various areas; dry forest or savanna Natural Environments

Fertile soils Climates suitable for growing crops Water for irrigation and hydroelectric power Forest products Vast mineral wealth—Gold, silver, copper, iron ore, bauxite (aluminum ore), emeralds Energy—Oil deposits in Venezuela and other countries, including tar sands Natural Environments Natural Resources