LATIN AMERICAMexico, 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?

MEXICONatural 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 EnvironmentsMexico’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 EnvironmentsMexico’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 EnvironmentsClimates 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 EnvironmentsClimates 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 EnvironmentsNatural 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 CARIBBEANNatural 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

Cause Creates

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 EnvironmentsClimates of Central America and the Caribbean

Natural EnvironmentsNatural Resources and Environmental Hazards

Natural Resources• Warm, sunny climate• Fertile soils• Rich fishing grounds• Minerals: gold, bauxite,

nickel, oil

Environmental HazardsEarthquakesVolcanic eruptionsHurricanesMud 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 HighlandsAmazon River basin, Llanos,

Gran Chaco, PampasAmazon, Orinoco, Paraná Rivers

Tropical, humid in Amazon basin

Highland climates in AndesTropical wet and dry in many areasMediterranean in central Chile Semiarid and arid in Patagonia,

Atacama

Tropical rain forestDry forestSavannasDeserts

Rubber and timberHydroelectricity productionNuts and plants for medicineGold, silver, copper,

iron ore, bauxite, oil

SouthAmerica

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 EnvironmentsNatural Resources