PHY - Latin America [LESSON]
Latin America
Welcome to Latin America, click the activity below to start your virtual tour with Reuben.
Guide Point 🧭
Latin America Physical Features
A Physical Features map of Central America & The Caribbean Islands.
A physical and political features map of South America.
Andes Mountains
Andes Mountains, Mendoza Provence, Argentina
Stretching along the western edge of South America, behold the majestic Andes Mountains! The Andes are the longest mountain range in the world. This formidable natural barrier has profoundly shaped settlement patterns in South America by serving as a natural barriers, influencing the establishment of communities along their fertile valleys. They have acted as a trade route, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultural ideas between civilizations living within the mountains, like the Incas, but also limiting trade between partners on opposite sides.
Latin America Physical Features Tour | Activity
Click through the presentation below to continue your virtual tour of Latin America with Reuben. Click the arrow buttons to advance through the tour.
South American Map | Practice Activity
Click each feature to see where it is located on the map.
Central American Map | Practice Activity
Click each feature to see where it is located on the map.
Climate
Sunrise in the Amazon Rainforest.
As we travel from one physical feature to the next, we feel the difference in climate because the climates of Latin America are as diverse as its landscapes. The highlands climate of Andes Mountains varies greatly by latitudinal position. For example, near the equator the climatic conditions in the Andes Mountains are quite different than those of the southern Andes Mountains much further away from the equator. Much of this region is characterized by a tropical climate with high temperatures and abundant rainfall, since this region is mostly centered around the equator. The arid and semiarid climates of the Mexican Plateau and Atacama Desert have shaped settlement, requiring communities to rely on limited water sources there. The continental climate in the Pampas has fostered agricultural activities, contributing to economic development and settlement patterns in the region.
Guide Point 🧭
Latin America Natural Resources
Fuel & Energy
Traversing across this region, we take note of the differing available natural resources and economic activity. Latin America possesses significant energy resources, including oil and natural gas. Countries like Venezuela and Brazil are major players in the global energy market. In fact, Venezuela is one of few countries outside of Southwest Asia to be a member in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The utilization of these resources has economic and environmental implications, influencing both regional development and global energy dynamics.
Oil workers extract crude oil from a platform in a field in Lagunillas, Venezuela.
Agriculture
As we travel it becomes clear to our sense of smell that agriculture is a cornerstone of Latin America's economy. The region is known for producing a variety of crops, from coffee in Brazil to bananas in Ecuador. The diverse climates and terrains contribute to the cultivation of different crops, shaping the agricultural landscape in this region. Additionally, the plains of the Llanos in northern South America and the Pampas of southern South America provide the perfect opportunity for cattle ranching, putting Latin America on the map as a major producer of beef.
Farmer picking coffee beans on a coffee tree.
Mineral Resources
Latin America is rich in mineral resources, with deposits of copper, gold, and silver, especially near the Andes Mountains. The internal forces of Earth near mountain ranges can create ripe conditions for minerals to develop. The extraction of these minerals has significant economic and environmental impact, influencing settlement patterns in the region.
Reflection
As we conclude our tour of Latin America, we've investigated the geographical richness of Central America, The Caribbean Islands, and South America. The towering Andes Mountains, the lush Amazon Rainforest, the arid Atacama Desert, and the expansive Pampas are not just physical features but integral aspects of the cultural and economic makeup of the region. The diverse climates, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, contribute to the unique character of human habitation in Latin America. Our exploration of natural resources, from energy reserves to agricultural abundance and mineral wealth, highlights the interconnectedness of geography and human development. As we reflect on this lesson, keep in mind the intricate relationship between the physical landscape and the human story, shaping the past, present, and future of Latin America.
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