Relief. In relief South America The plain-platform platform extra-Andean East and the mountainous Andean West, corresponding to the mobile orogenic belt, are clearly distinguished. The uplifts of the South American platform are represented by the Guiana, Brazilian and Patagonian plateaus, the troughs - by the lowlands and plains of the Llanos-Orinoco, Amazon, Beni-Mamore, Gran Chaco, Mesopotamia (Parana and Uruguay rivers) and Pampa; from the east. The plateaus are framed by narrow intermittent strips of coastal plains.
The Guiana Plateau rises towards the center (Mt. Neblina, 3014 m), the Brazilian - from the north-west. to the south-east (city of Bandeira, 2890 m), Patagonian - from east to west (up to 2200 m). The relief of the Guiana and Brazilian plateaus is dominated by basement gently undulating plains (up to 1500-1700 m high), within which there are remnant cone-shaped peaks and ridges (for example, Serra do Espinhaço) or table, predominantly sandstone, hills - the so-called chapadas (Auyan-Tepui and Roraima, etc.). The eastern edge of the Brazilian Plateau is divided into separate massifs (Serra da Mantiqueira, etc.), which have characteristic forms“sugar loaves” (for example, Pan di Azúcar in Rio de Janeiro). The troughs and depressions of the Brazilian Plateau are expressed in relief as monoclinal-layered plains with raised cuesta edges, accumulative plains(depression of the São Francisco River, etc.) or a lava plateau (in the middle reaches of the Paraná). The relief of Patagonia is dominated by layered, including volcanic, stepped plateaus, covered by ancient moraine and fluvio-glacial deposits; the plateaus are cut by deep canyons of rivers emerging in the Andes; arid forms of denudation are characteristic.
The Andes ridge system extends over 9,000 km to the north and west of the continent. In the north and northeast, in Venezuela, there are two chains Caribbean Andes, deeply dissected by faults and river erosion. The main, meridional system of the Andes, or Andean Cordillera (Cordillera de los Andes), reaching 6960 m (Aconcagua), rises in the west of SA. and is divided into Northern, Central and Southern Andes. Northern Andes(up to 5° S) are distinguished by the alternation of high folded-block ridges and deep depressions. In Ecuador, they consist of the Eastern and Western Cordilleras, the depression between which is filled with the products of the activity of the volcanoes Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, etc. In Colombia, there are three main Cordilleras (Eastern, Central and Western), separated by depressions of the river. Magdalena and Cauca. Volcanoes (Hila, Ruiz, Purase, etc.) are concentrated mainly in the Central and Southern Western Cordilleras; For the central part of the Eastern Cordillera, ancient lake plateaus are typical, with an altitude of 2-3 thousand m. In the north and west lie the largest lowlands in the Andean west - the Caribbean and Pacific.
The Central Andes (up to 27-28° S) are much wider and more monolithic than the Northern Andes. They are characterized by internal plateaus raised to 3.8-4.8 thousand m, bordered by marginal ridges; most high mountains bear significant glaciation. The southern part is the Central Andian Highlands - the widest (up to 750 km) section of the Andes; its main element is the Puna plateau with the ancient lake plateau of the Altiplano in the southwest and a number of blocky ridges in the east and south. In the east, Puna is framed by the Cordillera Real, with the volcanic Western Cordillera in the west (the 2nd volcanic region of the Andes with the volcanoes Misti, Llullaillaco, Sajama, and others), a longitudinal tectonic depression (with the Atacama Desert) and the Coastal Cordillera.
In the Southern Andes in the north (up to 41°30" S) the relief shows: the double Main Cordillera (the city of Aconcagua in the eastern, or Front), to which the Precordillera massifs are attached to the east; the Longitudinal Valley of Chile and Coastal Cordillera. Between 33-52° S. w. there is another volcanic region of the Andes with a large number active volcanoes to the west of the Main Cordillera and extinct - to the east of it. In the southernmost segment of the Andes - the Patagonian Andes - the Coastal Cordillera turns into an archipelago of islands, the Longitudinal Valley into a system of straits, and the flooded troughs of the sharply declining Patagonian Cordillera into fjords. Glacial forms dominate. Modern glaciation in U.A. occupies an area of 25 thousand km 2, of which over 21 thousand km 2 are in the Southern Andes. There are also glaciers in the Western Cordillera, between 9 and 11° S. w. and on the islands of Tierra del Fuego.
Based on the relief features, the territory of South America can be divided into two parts. In the eastern and central parts of the continent there are predominantly flat areas with different heights above sea level. In the north and west along the ocean coast, stretches the longest in the world mountain system- Andes. \
The reasons for such relief features in geological history of our planet. The eastern and central lowland part of South America is located on a long-standing and rigid piece of land - the platform. Western and northern - formed and continues to form as a result of the constant interaction of two lithospheric plates. Together oceanic plate, unable to withstand the resistance force of the tougher continental one, as if under an ice floe, it is slipped under it, plunging into the mantle. A deep oceanic trench forms along west coast South America. Unable to withstand the enormous pressure, the edge of the continental plate is constantly crushed and continues to fold into folds. This is how the Andes were formed.
Mountain-forming processes are still taking place today. This is evidenced by the constant rise of mountains, as well as frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Scientists have discovered that the periodicity of crustal movements in this place reaches 10-15 years. Relief of South America. The Andes are young mountains with high peaks and steep slopes. The greatest peak of this mountain system and the entire western hemisphere is Mount Aconcagua (6960 m).
The tops of the mountains are covered with perennial snow and glaciers. There are many extinct and active volcanoes in individual mountain nodes. Among them, the active volcano Cotapahi (5897 m) stands out, which the Indians called “Shining Mountain”.
The movement of glaciers and erosion processes have created many bizarre and amazing relief forms. The relief is completely different in the central and eastern parts of South America. Here you rarely see sharp fluctuations in heights, there are rarely earthquakes, and there are no active volcanoes at all. The platform is dominated by slow vertical movements of the earth's crust. At the same time, deep faults, with which magma penetrated into the rock layers; sometimes it poured out to the surface in the form of lava.
Vertical movements caused the formation of the Brazilian and Guinean plateaus. Because they are raised above surrounding area, intensive erosion processes began here. In the troughs of the platform there are low-lying plains - Amazonian, Orinoco, La Plata. The relief here, unlike the plateaus destroyed by erosion, is very monotonous. They have a flat, often marshy surface. Modern relief These territories were formed as a result of the removal and deposition of products of destruction of elevated areas of the continent by numerous deep rivers over many millions of years.
South America is a continent located in Western Hemisphere of our Planet. It is crossed by the Equator line and divides this continent into two parts. One part (largest) – refers to Southern Hemisphere, and the second (smallest) – to the Northern Hemisphere.
The mainland ranks 4th among the continents in terms of its area - 17,840,000 km². On its territory, including adjacent islands, there are 15 states, three of which are dependent. By clicking on the link, you can see a detailed list of South American countries in a table with capitals and characteristics. The population is approximately 400 million people.
In the west, the continent is washed by the Pacific Ocean, in the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the north by the Caribbean Sea, which is the border between North America and South America.
Extreme points of the continent of South America
Northern point - Cape Gallinas is located in Colombia on the Caribbean Sea.
Southern (mainland) point - Cape Froward is located in Chile on the Brunswick Peninsula on the shores of the Strait of Magellan.
Southern (island) point – Diego – Ramirez – the most southern point America and Chile, which consists of a group of islands covering an area of just over one square kilometer.
The western point, Cape Parinhas, is located in Peru.
The eastern point is Cape Cabo Branco, located in Brazil.
Relief of South America
The continent of South America is divided by relief into the Mountain West and the Plain East.
The Atacama Desert is located in Chile and is the driest place on our Earth. There are places in the desert where rain falls once in several decades. The air humidity is the lowest here. The only vegetation found is cacti and acacias.
The western part of the continent consists of the Andes mountain system, stretching across seven countries of South America, and the eastern part of the plains. In the North there is the Guiana Plateau with a length of 1930 km and an altitude of 300–1000 m.
In the east of the mainland is the Brazilian Highlands, whose area is about 4 million km2. 95% of Brazil's population lives here. The highest point of this highland is Mount Bandeira. Its height is 2897 meters. Because of the huge natural diversity The Brazilian Highlands are divided into three parts: the Atlantic, Central and Southern Plateaus.
To the south of the Brazilian Highlands is the Laplata Lowland, on the territory of which states such as Paraguay and Uruguay are located, northern part Argentina, southern part Brazil and southeast Bolivia. The area of the lowland is more than 3 million km2.
The Amazonian lowland is a lowland covering an area of over 5 million km2. It is the largest lowland on our Planet.
South American climate
In South America 6 climatic zones: Northern and Southern subequatorial belt, Equatorial, Tropical, Subtropical and Temperate zone.
The climate of South America is mostly subequatorial and tropical, with distinct dry and wet seasons. The equatorial humid climate is characteristic only of the Amazonian lowland. In the south of the continent, a subtropical and temperate climate prevails. Temperatures in the northern plains all year round 20-28 degrees. In the Andes, temperatures decrease with altitude. Even frosts are possible. On the Brazilian plateau, temperatures in winter can drop to 10 degrees, and on the Patagonian plateau to zero degrees.
River systems of South America.
The following are located on the mainland river systems: Parana, Orinoco, Amazon, Paraguay, Uruguay.
The Amazon is the world's largest river by basin area (7,180 thousand km²), formed by merger the Ucayali and Marañon rivers. Considered one of the seven natural wonders Sveta. Brazil owns most of the basin. It flows mainly through the Amazonian lowland and flows into Atlantic Ocean.
The Paraná is the second longest river on this continent, flowing in the southern part of the continent. It flows through the territory of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Just like the Amazon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Paraguay is a river that is a right tributary of the Paraná. Divides the Republic of Paraguay into Northern and Southern Paraguay, and also in its southern part is state border between Paraguay and Argentina.
Uruguay is a river originating in Brazil and formed by the confluence of the Canoas and Pelotas rivers. Is the border between Brazil and Uruguay. Its river system is the country's main source of water supply. The country's largest hydroelectric power station is also located here.
The Orinoco is a river that flows through Venezuela and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Its peculiarity is the bifurcation of the river. The Casiquiare River separates from it, which flows into the Rio Negro River. This river is home to the white river dolphin or Amazonian and one of the largest - the Orinoco crocodile.
Lakes of South America
Maracaibo (translated as “Land of Mary”) is a large lake with brackish water located in Venezuela. The depth of this lake differs significantly in its southern and northern parts. The northern one is shallow, and the southern one reaches (by different sources) from 50 - 250 meters. This lake is also one of the oldest lakes.
Titicaca (titi - puma, kaka - rock) - the most big lake by reserves fresh water and the second largest city after Maracaibo. More than three hundred rivers flow into this lake. It is navigable. Archaeological research shows that the city of Wanaku is located at the bottom of the lake.
Patos is a lake located on the coast of Brazil. Its length is 280 km and its width is 70 km. It is separated from the ocean by a sand spit 8 km wide. It contains large hydroelectric power stations. Salt, fish and oil are mined here.
Flora of South America
Thanks to the warm climate and a huge number precipitation - the plant world in South America is very diverse. For each climate zone has its own flora. Large area occupy the jungle, which is located in the tropical zone. Here grow: chocolate and melon trees - papaya, rubber trees, various palm trees, orchids.
South of the jungle in equatorial forests Deciduous and evergreen plants grow. Here grows a tree called quebracho, which has very durable wood. IN subtropical zone You can find vines and cacti. Further, moving south, there is a steppe zone where feather grass and various grasses grow. Beyond this zone, deserts and semi-deserts begin, where dry shrubs grow.
Fauna of South America
The fauna of the mainland is as diverse as the flora. The tropics are home to monkeys, sloths, jaguar, anteaters, parrots, hummingbirds, toucans and many other animals. The Amazon jungle is home to crocodiles, anacondas, piranhas, the rodent copybara, and river dolphins. Only here you can meet a wild cat - an ocelot, similar to a leopard. The savannah is inhabited by armadillos, peccary pigs, spectacled bears, ostriches, pumas, foxes and maned wolves. The plains area is home to: deer, llamas, and pampas cats. Only in South America can you find deer - pudú, only 30-40 cm high. Huge tortoises live on the Galapagos Islands, which belong to South America.
Most of South America is occupied by plains : Orinoco,The Amazonian and La Plata lowlands, the Brazilian and Guiana plateaus and the Patagonian plateau. The location of the plains in the eastern part of South America is explained by the location of the ancient South American platform in this part of the continent. In this part of the continent there are the most important oil fields (Orinoco Lowland), natural gas(Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego), iron, manganese, chromium, aluminum, nickel, uranium ores, gold and diamonds (Brazilian and Guiana plateaus). In the southeast of South America there is the most low point mainland - Salinas Chicas depression (-42 m). In western South America along the entire Pacific coast there are areas of young Alpine (Cenozoic) folding. In relief they are represented by the high Andes mountains, the highest point of which is Mount Aconcagua - 6960 m. Young folding is associated with active seismic and volcanic activity (volcanoes Cotopaxi, Llullaillaco, San Pedro and others). The Andes are rich in ores of non-ferrous metals: copper, tin, polymetallic, silver, gold and platinum, as well as iron ores and saltpeter. In the marginal troughs at the foot of the Andes there are deposits of oil, natural gas and coal.
The relief of South America is varied. According to the nature of the geological structure and the features of the modern relief, South America is divided into two heterogeneous parts. The eastern part of the continent is the ancient South American Plate; western - the actively developing folded belt of the Andes. The raised sections of the platform - the shields - correspond in relief to the Brazilian and Guiana plateaus . The troughs of the South American platform correspond to gigantic lowland plains - the Amazon, Orinoco, a system of internal plains (Gran Chaco plain, Laplata lowland), and the young Patagonian platform - the plains of Patagonia. The Amazonian lowland is filled with marine and continental sediments. It was formed as a result of the activity of the Amazon River, as a result of the accumulation of sediment brought by the current. In the west, the lowland is very flat, the river valleys are weakly incised, the heights barely reach 150 m. Its northern and southern outskirts, underlain by crystalline shield rocks, are elevated and gradually turn into plateaus. The Brazilian plateau is located in the east of the mainland. It represents protrusions of the crystalline foundation of the platform, between which there are troughs filled with sedimentary rocks and volcanic lavas. This is the largest rise within the platform. The Brazilian plateau has altitudes from 250-300 m in the north to 800-900 m in the southeast. The relief of the plateau is a relatively level surface, above which blocky massifs and plateaus rise. In the north of the continent, the Guiana Plateau (300-400 m) is confined to the vast protrusion of the folded base of the platform. Its relief is dominated by stepped plateaus. The vast plains and large areas of the plateaus of South America are convenient for the life and economic activities of the population. (Show the largest lowlands and plateaus on the map and determine their maximum heights.)
The Andes are the longest mountain range on land 9000 km long. The Andes are one of the highest mountain systems in the world. In height it is second only to the Tibetan-Himalayan mountainous country. Twenty peaks of the Andes rise to a height of more than 6 thousand m. The highest of them is the city of Aconcagua (6960 m) (Fig. 86). The formation of the Andes is the result of the interaction of two lithospheric plates, when the oceanic Nazca plate “sank” under the continental South American plate. At the same time, the edge of the continental plate folded into folds, forming mountains. Currently, mountain building continues. This is evidenced by the eruptions of numerous volcanoes and severe catastrophic earthquakes. Among the large volcanoes we can note such as Chimborazo (6267 m), Cotopaxi (5897 m). The western coast, occupied by the Andes, belongs to the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. The world's strongest recorded earthquake of 11-12 magnitude occurred in 1960 in Chile. In 2010, an earthquake in Chile claimed several hundred lives. Serious disasters occur in the Andes every 10-15 years. The Andes mountain system consists of several meridianally elongated mountain ranges. Between the ranges lie internal plateaus and plateaus, ranging in height from 3500 to 4500 m.
Minerals. The continent is rich in minerals. Richest deposits of iron and manganese ores are confined to ancient shields South American Platform: the center and outskirts of the Brazilian Plateau, as well as the north of the Guiana Plateau. Largest mining area iron ores is Carajas. In the northern part, on the outskirts of both plateaus, there are very large deposits bauxite, raw material for the aluminum industry. Bauxite occurs at shallow depths and is mined open method. In the Andes, ores of copper (Peru, Chile), tin (Bolivia), lead and zinc (Peru) have been explored. The foothills of the Andes, especially Venezuela and Colombia, are rich in oil and natural gas. Coal deposits are less significant (Ecuador, Argentina). Many Andean countries are famous for their mining of precious stones. This primarily applies to emerald mining in Colombia. Of the precious metals in South America, the largest reserves of silver are in Peru. The Andes belt is also famous for some non-metallic minerals. Among them, saltpeter takes first place. The famous Chilean saltpeter and iodine are mined in the dried-up reservoirs of the Atacama. The relief of South America is more diverse compared to Africa and Australia. The high Andes to the west separate the mainland from the Pacific Ocean. South America is characterized by active seismicity. South America is called the "storehouse of the world." The continent is rich in natural resources necessary for the development of many sectors of the economy.
Relief of North America
The western part of the continent is occupied by the Cordillera mountain system, the most high point of which - Mount McKinley (6193 m), the eastern - vast plains, plateaus, mid-altitude mountains. In the northeast North America- Laurentian Upland. The interior regions are the (high) Great Plains and (low) Central Plains. The central, large part of North America is occupied by the Precambrian North American (Canadian) platform. The eastern edge of the continent is bordered by the mountain peaks of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Labrador, and the Appalachians. Along the southeastern coast there are coastal lowlands - the Atlantic and Mexican.
Relief of South America
The western part of South America is occupied by the vast mountain belt of the Andes, the central and eastern parts are lowlands and plateaus on the Precambrian South American platform. However, unlike North America, South America is a very warm continent. The equator crosses it almost in the middle, and therefore, in the predominant part of the territory, landscapes of equatorial, subequatorial and tropical zones. The asymmetry inherent in the relief is also manifested in climatic conditions, and in river network, and in location natural areas. Above the northern and central regions The extra-Andean East is dominated by humid and warm air masses, coming from the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore the most humid landscapes are located in the east. In the wide northern part of the continent there is one of the largest lowlands on the planet - the Amazon. The Amazon River rises in the Andes Mountains, near the Pacific coast, and flows east across the continent, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. In this part of the continent there are other large river systems - the Parana and Orinoco rivers.
The Andes are a complex mountain system stretching along the entire western coast of South America. Almost along their entire length, the Andes consist of parallel, very high (up to 6000 m) folded ridges - the Eastern, Central, Western and Coastal Cordillera, between which there are lower areas - intermountain basins, sometimes narrow, sometimes widening in the form of plateaus.
The high-mountainous Central Andean Highlands (Puna) is a vast area of low relief, sandwiched on all sides by high, more than 6000 m, Andean ridges. Average height Pune exceeds 4000 - 4600 m, and the width is about 600 km. Areas of volcanic plateau alternate with flat plains(Altiplano), which represent the bottom of a former giant lake. Its remains are Lake Titicaca at an altitude of 3812 m (the greatest of the high-altitude lakes in the world) with a depth of up to 304 m and Lake Poopo.
To the north of the Amazonian Lowland there is the Guiana Plateau with a height of up to 3014 m. To the south of the Amazonian Lowland the surface rises again. Here, on the ledge of the South American platform, the Brazilian Plateau with a height of up to 2890 m was formed. Its relief is very heterogeneous - from almost table-shaped plateaus in the center to high flat-topped mountains in the east.
To the south of the Brazilian Highlands stretches the wide Laplata Lowland, through which the Parana River flows.
