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Contents

Chapter Focus

Section 1 The Land

Section 2 The Climate and Vegetation

Chapter Assessment

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The Physical Geography of Latin America

Iguaçú Falls, Brazil

Geographic SettingLatin America is made up of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the island-countries in the Caribbean Sea.

Chapter Objectives

Chapter Objectives

• Explain why the climate and vegetation of Latin America are diverse.

• Describe the dominant landforms of Latin America.

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Geographic Themes

Geographic Themes


• Section 2 The Climate and Vegetation LOCATION Latin America’s vast

territorial expanse–from 33ºN latitude to 56ºS latitude–makes its climate and vegetation diverse.

• Section 1 The Land PLACE Towering mountain ranges, broad plateaus, and rolling plains are the dominant landforms of Latin America.

End of Chapter Focus

Section 1-1a

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The Land

Key Terms escarpment, llanos, Pampas, hydroelectric power

Read to Discover… • the diverse landforms of Latin America.

• the abundant natural resources of Latin America.

Section 1-1b


The LandIdentify and Locate Middle America, Central

America, South America, Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre del Sur, Andes, Altiplano, Amazon River basin, Río de la Plata, Amazon River, Rio Grande, Lake Maracaibo

The Land

Section Objectives 1. Identify the diverse landforms of

Latin America.

2. Describe the abundant natural resources of Latin America.

Section 1-2


Introduction

• To this day, Spanish and Portuguese are the official languages of most of the countries of the Latin America region.

• Because these languages are based on Latin, the region became known as Latin America.

• People from Spain or Portugal settled most of Latin America.

Section 1-3


The Americas and the Caribbean

– Middle America

– Caribbean

– South America

• Geographers often divide Latin America into three areas:

REGION

• Middle America consists of Mexico and Central America’s seven countries.

• Central America is the narrow land link between North and South America.

Section 1-4


The Americas and the Caribbean (cont.)

– the Bahamas

– the Greater Antilles

– the Lesser Antilles

• The Caribbean Islands, also known as the West Indies, fall into three groups:

REGION

• The continent of South America is the largest land area of Latin America.

• Containing more than half of all South American land and people, Brazil is the largest of the continent’s 13 countries.

Section 1-5


Mountains, Plateaus, and Hills • Latin America has a diverse physical geography, from rain

forests of the Amazon River basin to the mountain chain of the Andes.

PLACE

Section 1-6

Mountains

• Many exposed peaks of an underwater mountain range create the Caribbean islands. • In Central America, mountains thread through much of the interior.

• Two prominent mountain ranges in Mexico–the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental–meet near Mexico City to form the Sierra Madre del Sur.

• High mountain ranges cover much of Latin America.


Section 1-7

Mountains (cont.)

• The eastern edge of the Brazilian Highlands drops sharply to the Atlantic Ocean, forming an escarpment, a slope or long cliff between a higher and lower surface.

• In South America, mountains interrupt the Guiana Highlands–in the northeast– and the Brazilian Highlands of eastern Brazil.


Section 1-8

Mountains (cont.)

• On the western coast of South America, the Andes…


– is the world’s longest mountain chain at 4,500 miles.

– is the second-highest range in the world.

• Many people have settled in valleys that are rich in mineral and soil resources.

• Mountain ranges often block communications, however, thus isolating regions and peoples.

Section 1-9

Plateaus and Hills

• In Mexico, lodged between the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental, is Anáhuac, the densely populated Mexican Plateau.

• Among the Andes, in Bolivia and Peru, is the Altiplano, meaning “high plain.”

• Farther south, in southern Argentina, hills and low flatlands form a plateau area known as Patagonia.

• Latin America is also a region of large plateaus, high flatlands often used for grazing and farming.


Map Supplement 1.1

Section 1-10

• Cattle have been raised on the large fertile plain areas called llanos, which run along the Caribbean coast of South America.

• The Amazon River basin is the largest lowland area of South America.


Plains Areas • Narrow coastal plains stretch along the Gulf of Mexico. More

plains lie along the Pacific coastline of South America and along the Atlantic coastline of northeastern South America.

PLACE

Section 1-11


Plains Areas (cont.) PLACE

• In direct contrast are the grassy, treeless plains of Argentina and Uruguay, known as Pampas.

• Just south of the Amazon River basin is the Gran Chaco, a heavily forested lowland.

Section 1-12


Rivers, Lakes, and Waterfalls • Latin America includes numerous water systems–extensive

rivers and tributaries, large lakes, and spectacular waterfalls.

MOVEMENT

Section 1-13

Rivers

• The Amazon, the longest river in the Western Hemisphere, is the most extensive river system in South America and drains much of Brazil and other nearby lands.

• The Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay rivers form the second-largest river system in South America.

• The Paraguay and Uruguay rivers join to become Río de la Plata, which means “river of silver.”

• Most of the major rivers of the region are in South America.


Section 1-14

Lakes and Waterfalls• Latin America does not have many

large lakes; however...


– Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest large navigable lake.

– the region’s largest lake, Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, contains the most important oil fields in that country.

– Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, lies on the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

– Angel Falls, in Venezuela, is the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, dropping 3,212 feet.

Section 1-15


Natural Resources • Latin America has significant natural

resources, some not yet utilized.

REGION

Section 1-16


Energy Resources

• Natural gas is extracted in many of the same areas that produce oil.

• Coal is found in Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Honduras.

• Latin American countries are among the world’s leading producers of oil and natural gas.

Section 1-17


Energy Resources (cont.)

• Rivers and waterfalls give many countries the capacity for hydroelectric power, the energy of water generating electricity.

• Deposits of uranium are located in Brazil and Argentina.

Section 1-18


Mineral Resources• Latin America is rich in a number of

mineral resources: – Bauxite, which is used to make aluminum, is mined in Jamaica and Guyana.

– Copper deposits are found in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

– Tin reserves are found in Bolivia and Brazil.

– Silver is mined in Peru and Mexico.

Section 1-Assessment 1

What are the three geographic areas of Latin America?

The three geographic areas of Latin America are Middle America, the Caribbean, and South America.

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Section 1-Assessment 2

Why does much of Latin America have the potential to produce hydroelectric power?

Many countries have rivers and waterfalls that can be used to generate hydroelectric power.


End of Section 1

Section 2-1a

Key Terms tierra caliente, tierra templada, tierra fría, canopy

Read to Discover… • the climate regions of Latin America.

• the kinds of vegetation found in Latin America.

The Climate and Vegetation


Section 2-1b

Identify and Locate Atacama Desert, Climate regions: Mediterranean, marine west coast, tropical rain forest, tropical savanna, humid subtropical, desert, steppe, highland

The Climate and Vegetation

Section Objectives 1. Name the climate regions of Latin

America.

2. Discuss the kinds of vegetation found in Latin America.


Section 2-2

Introduction

• Traveling the region, a person can go from desert to tropical rain forest, from subtropical plain to grassy plateau to barren, cold steppe.

• Latin America has a wide range of climates and vegetation, the two being closely linked.


Section 2-3

Introduction (cont.)• Other smaller climate regions, such as in central Chile where the climate is

Mediterranean, or on the lower slopes of the Chilean Andes, where a marine west coast climate brings constant rain and winds, exist throughout the region.


Section 2-4

• Much of Latin America has some form of tropical climate.


Climate Regions • Much of Latin America lies in the low latitudes–between

the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

REGION

Section 2-5

Tropical Climates

• Most of Central America and the Caribbean Islands, however, have a tropical savanna climate.

• Tropical savanna areas are hot and very wet, but not all year round.

• A tropical rain forest climate of hot temperatures and abundant rainfall occurs in southern Mexico, eastern Central America, the eastern shores of some Caribbean Islands, and large parts of South America.


Section 2-6

Humid Subtropical Climate• A humid subtropical climate of short, mild winters and long,

humid summers prevails in southeastern South America, from Rio de Janeiro to northern Argentina.


Section 2-7

Desert Climate

• The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places in the world. In some parts of this desert area, no rainfall has ever been recorded.

• A desert climate of hot and dry conditions occurs in northern Mexico, southern and northwestern Argentina, and the Pacific coastal areas of Peru and Chile.


Section 2-8

Steppe Climate• Some parts of Latin America receive little

rainfall but do not have a desert climate.


– northern Mexico.

– highland areas in South America near the Andes.

– coastal areas of South America.

• Instead, they have a steppe climate of hot summers, cold winters, and light rainfall.

• A steppe climate occurs in…

Section 2-9

Highland Climates

• How warm, cool, or cold an area is depends on latitude and elevation.

• Highland climates dominate along the Sierra Mountains and along the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.


Section 2-10

Highland Climates (cont.)

• Highland climates are commonly arranged vertically into three major zones:


– Tierra caliente, “hot country,” are lands at the lowest altitudes (sea level to 3,000 feet above sea level at or near the Equator).

– Tierra templada, “temperate country,” are lands 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level.

– Tierra fría, “cold country,” are lands at the highest altitude (6,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level).

Map Supplement 2.1

Chart Supplement 2.1

Section 2-11


Vegetation • The natural vegetation of Latin America

consists mainly of rain forests and grasslands.

REGION

Section 2-12

Tropical Rain Forests

• The largest rain forest, covering about one-third of South America, is in Brazil in the Amazon River basin.

• In the tropical rain forests, the tops of evergreen trees form a canopy, or covering, that keeps the sun from reaching the forest floor.

• More kinds of trees and species of animals live in these rain forests than in any other area of the world.

• A number of tropical rain forests are scattered across Latin America, mostly near the Equator.


Section 2-13

Grasslands and Deserts

• Because of their rainy seasons, some grassland areas are covered with scattered trees.

• Geographers consider these areas as transition regions between grasslands and forests.

• Few plants grow in desert areas. What does grow usually consists of prickly cacti and small bushes.

• Prairie-like grasses, short and growing in clumps, grow in the humid subtropical climates.


Section 2-14

Vertical Climate Zones

• In the hot, wet tierra caliente, lush vegetation flourishes with crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cacao.

• Most people settle in the tierra templada, where coffee, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables are cultivated. Coffee is the chief crop.

• Potatoes and barley are grown in the tierra fría.

• In tropical highland and mountain areas, the vegetation varies with elevation.


Chart Supplement 2.2

Section 2-Review 1

What kind of climate does Cuba have?

Cuba has a tropical savanna climate.


Section 2-Review 2

How are climate and vegetation in Latin America affected by elevation above sea level?

The kind of vegetation in an area depends on the climate, which in turn depends on the elevation and latitude of an area. Elevation and latitude affect how warm an area is. Areas grow cooler the farther their location from the Equator and the higher their elevation.


End of Section 2

Summary 1

Section 1 Summary

• Huge mountain ranges, the largest of which is the Andes, dominate much of Latin America, often blocking communications.

• Large plateaus, used for grazing and farming, dot the Latin American landscape.

• Plains areas of Latin America have provided significant land areas for pastureland, farmland, and forestland.

• Most of the major river systems of Latin America, including the Amazon and the Río de la Plata, are in South America.

• Latin America is made up of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands.


Summary 2

Section 2 Summary

• While a subtropical climate brings mild winters, hot summers, and a short dry season to grassland areas, other areas have a desert climate or a steppe climate.

• One of the most significant features of Latin America’s climate and vegetation are three highland zones based on elevation.

• Tropical climates such as tropical rain forest and tropical savanna are the most common climates in Latin America.


Summary 3


Section 2 Summary (cont.)

• Among the major natural resources of Latin America are oil, natural gas, bauxite, tin, copper, gold, silver, and valuable gems.

• The natural vegetation of Latin America varies according to climate and ranges from lush tropical rain forest evergreens to desert cacti.

The fertile plains in Argentina and Uruguay are called _______.

Chapter Assessment (1)

Pampas

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answers.

_______________ results from the use of water to produce electricity.Hydroelectric power

The fertile plains in Colombia and Venezuela are called _____.llanos

In the Brazilian Highlands, low mountain ranges drop sharply to the sea to form an _________.escarpment



Lands from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level are in the zone called ___________.tierra templada

Lands at sea level to 3,000 feet above sea level at or near the Equator fall in the zone called __________.tierra caliente

Tops of trees in a rain forest form a ______.



canopy

Lands at 6,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level are in the _______.tierra fría


The West Indies is divided into the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles.

Into what three groups is the West Indies divided?



The eight climate regions are:1. Mediterranean2. marine west coast3. tropical rain forest4. tropical savanna5. humid subtropical6. desert7. steppe8. highland

What are the eight climate regions of Latin America?




1. Gulf of Mexico2. Pampas3. Lake Maracaibo4. Rio Grande5. Mexican Plateau6. Orinoco River7. Lake Titicaca8. Hispaniola9. Caribbean Sea10.Amazon River

Match the letters on the map with the places and physical features of Latin America.

What are the dominant climate regions of Brazil?

1. tropical rain forest, tropical savanna, and humid subtropical

2. desert, steppe, and humid subtropical

3. desert, highland, and tropical rain forest

4. desert, highland, and Mediterranean

Chapter Bonus


End of Chapter Assessment

Goto Contents

South America (overview)

The Atacama

Amazon Basin

The Llanos

Click a hyperlink to choose a video topic:

• Describe South America’s location using standard map coordinates.

• Name the bodies of water and landmasses nearest South America, and indicate their locations in relation to the continent.

• Describe and differentiate among the regions of South America shown in the video.

• Compare South America to other continents in terms of its size.

• Point to South America on a map.

STV: World Geography, Volume 3

South America


Click the Videodisc button anytime throughout this section to play the complete video if you have a videodisc player attached to your computer.

Click the Forward button to view the discussion questions.

Click in the above window to show a preview of the National Geographic video.


South America

Side 1Chapter 1

Frames 00001-50061

What climates are found in South America?

Tropical, subtropical, desert, steppe, and highland climates are all found in South America.


South America


Side 1Chapter 1

Frames 00001-50061

The Atacama

Amazon Basin

The Llanos

Click a hyperlink to choose a video topic:

• Identify the forces that make the Atacama Desert the driest place on earth.


South America: The Atacama


• Explain the impact of Lake Titicaca on life in the Altiplano.




Side 1 Chapter 1

Frames 19680–21955



Why is the Atacama Desert the driest place on earth?

The height of the Andes prevents rain-bearing clouds from passing over the mountains from east to west, resulting in desert conditions on the western side of the central Andes.

Side 1 Chapter 1

Frames 19680–21955




• Describe the ecological abundance of the Amazon basin.

• Explain how the Amazon River basin supports life.

• Map the extent of the Amazon River basin and other river systems of South America.


South America:Amazon Basin





Side 1 Chapter 1

Frames 32121-43167



Describe the ecological abundance of the Amazon basin.

It is the most diverse and abundant environment on earth. Scientists believe that one-third of all of the earth’s species live there.




Side 1 Chapter 1

Frames 32121-43167

• Understand that South America is a land of diverse climates.


South America: The Llanos







Side 1 Chapter 1

Frames 8105-9955

What climate classification does the Llanos fit into?

The Llanos fits into a tropical savanna climate–warm all year but with definite dry and wet seasons.

Side 1 Chapter 1

Frames 8105-9955

STV: World Geography,Volume 3



Map and Graph SkillsReading a Relief Map

After listening to the introduction, take a few moments to read “Reviewing the Skill”

on page 170 in your textbook.

What country is highlighted on the map?


Peru

What is the elevation of the green areas on the map?

under 1,000 feet

Use the relief map to answer the following questions:

What elevation on the map does the color orange represent?

Use the relief map to answer the following questions:


5,000–10,000 feet

What color is used to show the highest elevations on the map? How many feet high are these areas?

white; over 10,000 feet

MindJogger

Disc 1Disc 1Side BSide B

Chapter 8Chapter 8

Use the MindJogger videoquiz as a preview, review, or both.

Click the Videodisc button to play the MindJogger video if you have a videodisc player attached to your computer.

If you experience difficulties, check the Troubleshooting section in the Help system.

Explore online information about the topics introduced in this chapter.

Cyberlink

Click on the Connect button to launch your browser and go to the Presentation Plus! Web site. At this site, you will find a complete list of Web sites correlated with the chapters in the Glencoe World Geography textbook. When you finish exploring, exit the browser program to return to this presentation. If you experience difficulty connecting to the Web site, manually launch your Web browser and go to http://www.glencoe.com/geography/cyberlinks

Explore online news resources to find out what is currently happening in the United States and around the world.

Current Events

Click on the Connect button to launch your browser and go to the Glencoe Current Events Web site. At this site, you will find numerous links to different news agencies. When you finish exploring, exit the browser program to return to this presentation. If you experience difficulty connecting to the Web site, manually launch your Web browser and go to http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/currentevents

Section Focus 1

Section Focus 1 (Answers)

Section Focus 2

Section Focus 2 (Answers)

Extra Credit


To what climate region does the following rebus refer?

Desert

– S =

Comparing Lands

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