Physical Geography of Latin America Latin America Mexico

Physical Geography of Latin America

Latin America = Mexico to Chile

Middle America = • Mexico to Panama and Caribbean Islands

Central America = • Guatemala to Panama

South America = Colombia to Chile

Caribbean / West Indies

Effect of landforms on population distribution Why are there low population densities in the colored areas?

General Pattern of Landforms • What physical feature is in the red circles? • What physical feature is in the purple circles? • What physical feature is in the yellow circles? From west to east, what are the general pattern of landforms in South America

Formation of the Andes Mountains • What type of plate boundary forms the Andes mountains?

Grasslands Llanos In what country do you find the Llanos? In what country do you find the Cerrado? In what country do you find the Pampas? Cerrado Pampas

Rainforest Biome

The three major island groups of the Caribbean: Bahamas, Greater. Antilles, Lesser Antilles

Isthmus of Panama/Land bridge/Panama Canal • What is an isthmus and why does the term apply to Panama? • What two oceans does the Panama Canal connect? • How does the Panama Canal shorten shipping distances?

You will need to know the pattern of climates / distribution of climate zones (text page 194)

Factors influencing climate: Latitude • What special line of latitude is located on the green line? • What special line of latitudes are on the yellow and purple lines? • How does latitude influence the climate of Latin America or anywhere else on the globe?

Factors influencing climate: Altitude What physical feature is responsible for South America’s highland climate?

Factors influencing climate: Prevailing Winds Locate the red line on the climate map below. • Why is there a wetter climate just to the northeast and southeast of the red line. At the same time, there are drier climates to the northwest and southeast of the line. Your answer needs to contain the words “prevailing winds” and “Andes mountains”

Factors influencing climate: Distance from Ocean • How does distance from major oceans influence climate?

Factors influencing climate: Ocean Currents Using the image to the right, explain the differences between the coastal temperatures of Pacific Latin America and those of Atlantic Latin America.

Humbolt Current • • Cold ocean current off Chile and Peru Moderates coastal climates Keeps coast very dry (cold air = less moisture) Helps create the Atacama desert Humbolt Current

Factors influencing climate: Great Mt. Barriers/Orographic Effect • Look back to the Prevailing Winds slide for a orographic effect recap

El Niño • Ocean off S. America warmer than normal • Causes world wide climate change • About every 4 -6 years