1. SSWG7b
Describe the location of major physical features and their impact on Latin America.

2. I can (Learning Target)
I can describe the location of Latin America’s major physical features.
I can describe how the major physical features impact people and societies in Latin America.

3. Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

4. Mexican Plateau Surrounded by Sierra Madre Mountain ranges.
Large arid-to-semi arid plateau.
arid-little water in soil
Densely populated
Attracted Human settlements
Mild climate
Fertile volcanic soil
Adequate rainfall

5. Mexican Plateau

6. Mexican Plateau

7. Rio Grande 5th longest river in North America.
Snow fed mountain river.
Colorado Mountains
Forms natural border between United States and Mexico.
Important to semi-arid region
Human consumption
Agriculture
wildlife

8. Rio Grande

9. Rio Grande

10. Gulf of Mexico Mild Mediterranean climate
Partially landlocked Ocean basin
33 Major river systems empty in
Mississippi River
Rio Grande
Major deposits of oil and natural gas
50 million people inhabit

11. Gulf of Mexico

12. Panama Canal Isthmus of Panama Man made waterway
a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land.
Man made waterway
Built to shorten travel time between Atlantic and Pacific Ocean
Important trade route
10% of all U.S. shipping goes through canal

13. Panama Canal

14. South America

15. Andes Mountains Formed by Pacific Ring of Fire
High Plateaus and high peaks
Longest mountain chain
Has several cordilleras
Ranges running parallel to one another
Ideal settlement location
Cool climate
Rich natural resources (water, volcanic soil, timber and minerals)
20 million people dependent on mountain resources

16. Andes Mountains

17. Pampas Vast plains (from Argentina to Uruguay) Two zones
Dry zone (saline areas, brackish streams, sandy deserts)
Humid zone (temperate, well watered, fertile soil)
Produces large quantities of wheat and corn for region.
Cattle and sheep ranges

18. Pampas

19. Amazon River
Originates in Peruvian Andes-> Brazil-> Atlantic Ocean
Longest River in Western Hemisphere
Ocean going ships can travel 2,300 miles up stream
Hundreds of smaller rivers help form the Amazon Basin
Used for trading, fishing, farming, and mining
Many countries have built roads to river for trade purposes

20. Amazon River

21. Rio de la Plata Estuary known as “River of Silver”
the tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream
Originates at junction of Uruguay and Parana Rivers
Provides important commercial water routes between cities
Provides hydroelectricity power
Fishing ground for region
Water sources for most populated parts of South America

22. Rio de la Plata

23. Amazon Basin Largest reservoir of fresh water.
Drains an area of more than 2 million square miles.
Amazon Rainforest
Unique and Various Flora and Fauna species found here

24. Amazon Basin

25. Llanos Plains Grasslands in Northern South American
Western Venezuela- northeastern Colombia
Form extensive platforms between rivers
Cattle herding important to region
Oil Field in Venezuela

26. Llanos Plains

27. Orinoco River Flows through Venezuela Contains large amounts of Gold
Rich in mineral deposits
Iron
Bauxite
Chrome
Petroleum and natural gas

28. Orinoco River