Chapter 7, Section 2 (Pages 198–202) Regions

The physical environment affects how people live. As you read, use the Venn diagram below to compare and contrast the tropical forest and the tropical climate zones. Rain Forest Savanna

Hot to Mild (pages 199–201)

Most of Latin America is located in the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This area is called As you read, com- the . It receives direct sunlight for much of the year, and plete these sentences. the temperatures are generally warm. However, mountain ranges and wind patterns contribute to a variety of climates in the region. The Tropics are gen- Some islands and much of and erally warm year- have a tropical wet climate. Temperatures are hot round because the and rainfall is heavy throughout the year. Much of this climate area receives zone is covered by rain forests, or dense stands of trees and . other plants that thrive on high amounts of rain. The world’s largest rain forest is in South America’s Amazon

Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Two factors that Basin. The trees there grow so close together that their tops affect the climate in form a canopy, or an umbrella-like covering of leaves. The Latin America are canopy blocks most sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Most Caribbean islands, parts of Middle America, and north central South America have a tropical dry, or savanna, climate and . zone. Temperatures are hot, and rainfall is abundant, but this climate zone also has a long dry . Hurricanes often strike the Caribbean islands from June to November. These storms can cause much damage.

Chapter 7, Section 2 49 Hot to Mild Climates (continued)

The areas south of the Tropic of Capricorn have temperate climates. A humid subtropical climate—with short, mild Identify two effects and long, hot, humid —covers southern and the of El Niño. Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay. Central Chile has a Mediterra- nean climate, with dry summers and rainy winters. Farther south 1. is a marine coastal climate, with heavier rainfall throughout the year. Dry climates are found in some parts of Latin America, such as northern Mexico, coastal Peru and Chile, northeastern Brazil, and southeastern Argentina. Grasslands thrive in the steppe 2. climate, and cacti and shrubs grow in desert zones. One of the driest places on Earth is the Atacama Desert along the Pacific coast of northern Chile. The Andes block rain from reaching this desert. In addition, a cold current in the Pacific Ocean brings only dry air to the coast. Weather in South America is subject to the El Niño effect. When El Niño occurs, Pacific winds blowing toward land carry heavy that lead to flooding along Peru’s coast. El Niño also can cause drought in northeastern Brazil.

Elevation and Climate (pages 201–202)

A place’s height above sea level, called altitude, affects

its climate. Higher altitudes have cooler temperatures, even in Companies,Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Inc. Label the four alti- warm regions such as the Tropics. In South America, the Andes tude zones in the have four altitude zones of climate. Andes. The tierra caliente, or “hot land,” is named for the hot and humid areas that are near sea level. Farmers here grow bananas, sugarcane, and rice. The tierra templada, or “temperate land,” is found from 3,000 feet to 6,000 feet. It is moist and pleasant, 10,000 with mild temperatures. Tierra templada is the most densely feet populated climate zone. People grow corn, wheat, and coffee in this zone. The tierra fría, or “cold land,” extends from 6,000 feet to 6,000 10,000 feet. Average temperatures in this zone can be as low feet as 55˚F. Crops that do well in these conditions include potatoes, barley, and wheat. The highest altitude, starting at about 10,000 feet, is called tierra helada, or “frozen land.” Conditions are harsh, vegetation is sparse, and few people live in this high altitude. 3,000 feet

Sea Level

50 Chapter 7, Section 2 Answer these questions to check your understanding of the entire Wrap-Up section.

1. Organizing Complete this chart by identifying the two tropical climate zones and five additional climate zones found in Latin America.

Other Climate Zones Tropical Climate Zones

2. Explaining What factors contribute to the Atacama Desert being so dry?

E pository In the space provided, write a paragraph explaining why most people x live in the tierra templada climate zone rather than in the other three altitude zones in the Andes. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Copyright © by The McGraw-Hill Companies,

Chapter 7, Section 2 51