The climate of South America is predominantly wet and humid . However, the large size of the continent makes the climate of South America varied with each region depending on factors such as geographical location, ocean currents, and winds. ... The desert region of Chile is the driest part of South America.
What is western South America?
The geography of western South America is dominated by the Andes mountains ; in contrast, the eastern part contains both highland regions and vast lowlands where rivers such as the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná flow.
What climate region is South America in?
TROPICAL WET AND DRY
Wet and dry climates , found primarily in South America, support savannas, which are grasslands dotted with trees common in tropical and subtropical regions. These areas have hot climates with seasonal rain. Savannas are found in Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
Why does the western coast of South America have an arid climate?
Cause and origin. The northern portion of the Arid Diagonal is a result of the blocking of the trade winds by the barrier formed by the Central Andes and the South Pacific High and to the south in the westerlies the rain shadow the Southern Andes casts over eastern Patagonia.
What is the climate of Latin America?
The climate of Latin America ranges from the hot and humid Amazon River basin to the dry and desert-like conditions of northern Mexico and southern Chile . Rain forest, desert, and savanna are all found in the region. The vegetation varies from rain forests to grass- lands and desert scrub.
Does South America have 4 seasons?
South America is not divided into regions. South America is located in the southern hemisphere. Those countries to the south of the continent have four distinct seasons . The countries in the north of the continent have more constant high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year.
What are the 3 climate zones in Latin America?
∎ Five climate zones: Caliente (hot), Templada (warm), Fria (cold), Helada (frozen), and Paramos . formed by the subduction of the Pacific plate beneath South America. Argentina – South of Santiago the mountains are lower.
What are 5 facts about South America?
- Total Population: 428 million people.
- Largest city: Sao Paulo (Brazil)
- Life expectancy: 72 (males) 79 (females)
- Highest Mountain: Aconcagua (6962 meters above the sea)
- Land area: 17,840,000 square kilometers (6,890,000 square miles)
- Largest Lake: Lake Titicaca.
- Longest River: Amazon River.
Why is it called South America?
The region consists of people who speak Spanish, Portuguese and French . These languages (together with Italian and Romanian) developed from Latin during the days of the Roman Empire and the Europeans who speak them are sometimes called ‘Latin’ people. Hence the term Latin America.
What is unique about South America?
South America is a continent of extremes. It is home to the world’s largest river (the Amazon) as well as the world’s driest place (the Atacama Desert). ... With an unparalleled number of plant and animal species, South America’s rich biodiversity is unique among the world’s continents.
Which country in South America has the highest quality coffee?
Brazil is by far the largest coffee producing country in Latin America, with an average annual production of more than 50 million 60-kilogram bags.
What happens during La Nina?
La Niña causes the jet stream to move northward and to weaken over the eastern Pacific . During La Niña winters, the South sees warmer and drier conditions than usual. The North and Canada tend to be wetter and colder. During La Niña, waters off the Pacific coast are colder and contain more nutrients than usual.
What is the main religion of South America?
Religion in South America has been a major influence on art, culture, philosophy and law. Christianity is the main religion, with Roman Catholics having the most adherents. Sizeable minorities of non-religious people and adherents of other religions are also present.
Why is South America so hot?
In general, the weather in South America is hot and humid . ... One of the unique features of the climate and weather in South America is El Nino, an unusual weather pattern which occurs every six or seven years. El Nino causes very hot and wet weather along the coasts of northern Peru and Ecuador from April to October.
Is Cuba considered a Latin American country?
Latin America is often used synonymously with Ibero-America (“Iberian America”), excluding the predominantly Dutch-, French-, and English-speaking territories. ... Thus it includes Mexico, most of Central and South America, and in the Caribbean, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
What are the 8 climate regions of Latin America?
What are the eight climate regions of Latin America? The eight climate regions are tropical rain forest, tropical savanna, steppe, desert, Mediterranean, humid subtropical, marine west coast, and highlands .
