1. Climates of Latin America

2. SSWG7c
Describe the major climates of Latin America and how they have affected Latin America.

3. Learning Targets (“I can” statements)
I can describe the various climates in Latin America and where they are located.
I can describe how the climates have shaped people’s lives in Latin America.

4. Factors affecting climate L.A.C.E.M.O.P.S
Latitude
Air Masses
Continentality
Elevation
Mountains (topography)
Ocean Currents
Pressure Cells and Prevailing Winds
Storm Tracks

5. Elevation and Climate

6. Elevation Climate Zones
Vertical climate zones
Variation as altitude increases:
Soil
Crops,
Livestock
Found in:
Middle America (Mexico and Central America) Sierra Madre Mountains
Western South America- Andes Mountains and Highlands

7. Tierra Caliente Sea level- 2,500 ft.
Coastal areas and foothills with some trees
Temp. 75°-80°F
Rain forest
Main Crops grown:
Bananas
Sugar
Rice
Cacao

8. Tierra Templada
ft.
Widely spaced evergreen trees and dense shrubs
Temp. 65°- 75°F
Main crops grown:
Coffee
Corn

9. Tierra Fria
ft.
Broad leafed and needle- bearing evergreens.
Temp. 55°-65°F
Main crops grown:
Potatoes
Barley

10. Puna 12000-16000 ft. Grasses, no trees 20°-55°F Grasses
Suitable for grazing:
Llamas
Alpacas
sheep

11. Tierra Helada
Above ft.
Permanent snow and ice
Less than 20°F

12. Climate Regions

13. Tropical Wet Low-latitude climate region.
High Temperatures and abundance of rainfall.
Amazon basin and Amazon Rain Forest.
Dense forest of varying plant life.
Various Fauna species found here.
Acts as “lungs” of the world.
Farming and natural resources

15. Tropical Dry
Found in:
Southwestern Mexico
Caribbean Islands
North-central South America
High temperatures, abundant Rainfall, extended dry season
Grasslands flourish; Llanos
Soils not fertile
Flood control
Llanos fertile farmland

17. Humid Subtropical Found in Southeastern South America.
Winters short; cool to mild temperatures
Summers long, hot and humid.
Rainfall levels even throughout year.
Short grass
Large populations of people live here
Pampas; Rio de la Plata; Uruguay River; Paraguay River
Farmland
Alfalfa
Corn
Cotton

19. Dry Climates and Steppe Climates
Dry Climates (Deserts)
Found in:
Northern Mexico
Coastal Peru
Chile
Southeastern Coast of Argentina
Cold Air, high elevations result in little precipitation.
Atacama Desert
Lamos- areas of vegetation
Mostly vegetation is sparse and soil is poor.
Dry Climates (Steppes)
Found in:
Northern Mexico
Northern Brazil
South-central South America
Receive little rainfall
Hot summers, cool winters
Grassy vegetation, lightly forested
Pampas, Mexican Plateau