Physical Map: South America (Week 18)

Study Notes

Andes Mountains: The longest mountain range in South America, running along the western coast of the continent.
Amazon River: Recognized as the longest river in South America, crucial for biodiversity and ecosystems.
Mount Aconcagua: The highest peak in South America, reaching an elevation of 22,831 feet.
Geographic Borders: South America is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Southern Ocean to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Caribbean Sea: The sea that lies to the north of South America.

Patagonia: Characterized as a desert region, known for its arid climate and unique landscapes.
Grasslands: Llanos and Pampas are the main grassland regions, offering fertile soil and vast open spaces.

Archipelago: A term used to describe a group of islands like the Galapagos Islands, located west of the South American continent in the Pacific Ocean.
Gran Chaco: A hardwood scrub forest area situated in central South America, providing a diverse habitat.
Basin: The region of land that is drained by a river, playing a critical role in hydrology.
Cape: A geographical term for a point of land extending into a sea or ocean.

Elevation: Refers to the height of land above sea level, an important factor in climate and vegetation diversity.
Mountain Range: A chain of mountains, such as the Andes, that influences weather patterns and ecosystems.
Physical Features: Encompasses natural landforms and waterways, essential for understanding geography.
Physical Map: A type of map designed to illustrate natural landforms and waterways, providing insights into geological features.

Rainforest: Dense tropical forests with high rainfall, crucial for sustaining diverse wildlife and plant species.

Sea: Defined as a body of saltwater that forms part of an ocean but is partially surrounded by land.
Strait: A narrow channel connecting two larger bodies of water, important for navigation and marine life.