South America - Physical | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


South- America
Map of South America
Introduction
South America, the fourth-largest continent on Earth, is a land of awe-inspiring
beauty and incredible natural diversity. From the picturesque beaches of Brazil to
the majestic peaks of the Andes, this continent boasts a wide range of physical
geography features. Let us embark on a journey through South America's
enchanting landscapes, exploring its mountains and highlands, river basins, and
coastal plains. Discover the unique biomes, rich biodiversity, and remarkable
geological formations that make South America an extraordinary continent.
Mountains and Highlands: Guardians of the Sky
Stretching from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra
del Fuego in the south, South America's mountains and highlands shape its
dramatic terrain. The primary mountain system, the Andes, reigns supreme as the
world's longest mountain range, covering an astonishing distance of about 8,850
kilometers (5,500 miles). With numerous peaks exceeding 4,500 meters (15,000
feet) and many volcanic summits, including the mighty Aconcagua, towering at
Page 2


South- America
Map of South America
Introduction
South America, the fourth-largest continent on Earth, is a land of awe-inspiring
beauty and incredible natural diversity. From the picturesque beaches of Brazil to
the majestic peaks of the Andes, this continent boasts a wide range of physical
geography features. Let us embark on a journey through South America's
enchanting landscapes, exploring its mountains and highlands, river basins, and
coastal plains. Discover the unique biomes, rich biodiversity, and remarkable
geological formations that make South America an extraordinary continent.
Mountains and Highlands: Guardians of the Sky
Stretching from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra
del Fuego in the south, South America's mountains and highlands shape its
dramatic terrain. The primary mountain system, the Andes, reigns supreme as the
world's longest mountain range, covering an astonishing distance of about 8,850
kilometers (5,500 miles). With numerous peaks exceeding 4,500 meters (15,000
feet) and many volcanic summits, including the mighty Aconcagua, towering at
South- America
6,962 meters (22,841 feet), the Andes command respect as the tallest mountains
outside of Asia.
1. The Andes- A Playground of Giants: The Andes, situated on the western
edge of South America, boast breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems.
From the southern tip to the northernmost coast, these rugged mountains
traverse the continent, defining its spine. The Andes hold within their
embrace the enchanting alpine biome, where small but hardy plant species
thrive, such as the magnificent Puya raimondii, known as the Queen of the
Andes. This endangered species can reach towering heights of over 9
meters (30 feet), with leaves designed to funnel moisture towards the
plant's base. The Andes are a treasure trove of natural wonders, captivating
all who behold their grandeur.
2. Beyond the Andes: Brazilian Highlands and Guiana Highlands: In addition to
the Andes, South America features two other prominent highland regions:
the Brazilian Highlands and the Guiana Highlands. The Brazilian Highlands,
located south of the Amazon River in Brazil, reveal a landscape of low
mountains and plateaus with an average elevation of 1,006 meters (3,300
feet). Meanwhile, the Guiana Highlands, nestled between the Amazon and
Orinoco Rivers, boast lush forests and cover parts of Venezuela, French
Guiana, Guyana, northern Brazil, and southeastern Colombia. These
highlands showcase South America's diverse topography, providing havens
for unique flora and fauna.
River Basins: Lifelines of the Land
South America's river basins shape the continent's landscape and sustain an array
of vibrant ecosystems. The three main river basins in South America are the
Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná, each contributing to the continent's rich
tapestry of life.
1. The Amazon- A Lush World Within: The Amazon River basin stands as the
world's largest watershed, covering almost 7 million square kilometers (2.7
million square miles) and dominating northern South America. Fed by
glacial tributaries from the Andes, the mighty Amazon River discharges an
astounding 209,000 cubic meters (7,381,000 cubic feet) of freshwater into
the Atlantic Ocean every second. The Amazon rainforest, which blankets
half of Earth's total rainforest area, owes its vitality to the life-giving waters
of this immense river. Within its depths, an astounding diversity of plants
Page 3


South- America
Map of South America
Introduction
South America, the fourth-largest continent on Earth, is a land of awe-inspiring
beauty and incredible natural diversity. From the picturesque beaches of Brazil to
the majestic peaks of the Andes, this continent boasts a wide range of physical
geography features. Let us embark on a journey through South America's
enchanting landscapes, exploring its mountains and highlands, river basins, and
coastal plains. Discover the unique biomes, rich biodiversity, and remarkable
geological formations that make South America an extraordinary continent.
Mountains and Highlands: Guardians of the Sky
Stretching from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra
del Fuego in the south, South America's mountains and highlands shape its
dramatic terrain. The primary mountain system, the Andes, reigns supreme as the
world's longest mountain range, covering an astonishing distance of about 8,850
kilometers (5,500 miles). With numerous peaks exceeding 4,500 meters (15,000
feet) and many volcanic summits, including the mighty Aconcagua, towering at
South- America
6,962 meters (22,841 feet), the Andes command respect as the tallest mountains
outside of Asia.
1. The Andes- A Playground of Giants: The Andes, situated on the western
edge of South America, boast breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems.
From the southern tip to the northernmost coast, these rugged mountains
traverse the continent, defining its spine. The Andes hold within their
embrace the enchanting alpine biome, where small but hardy plant species
thrive, such as the magnificent Puya raimondii, known as the Queen of the
Andes. This endangered species can reach towering heights of over 9
meters (30 feet), with leaves designed to funnel moisture towards the
plant's base. The Andes are a treasure trove of natural wonders, captivating
all who behold their grandeur.
2. Beyond the Andes: Brazilian Highlands and Guiana Highlands: In addition to
the Andes, South America features two other prominent highland regions:
the Brazilian Highlands and the Guiana Highlands. The Brazilian Highlands,
located south of the Amazon River in Brazil, reveal a landscape of low
mountains and plateaus with an average elevation of 1,006 meters (3,300
feet). Meanwhile, the Guiana Highlands, nestled between the Amazon and
Orinoco Rivers, boast lush forests and cover parts of Venezuela, French
Guiana, Guyana, northern Brazil, and southeastern Colombia. These
highlands showcase South America's diverse topography, providing havens
for unique flora and fauna.
River Basins: Lifelines of the Land
South America's river basins shape the continent's landscape and sustain an array
of vibrant ecosystems. The three main river basins in South America are the
Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná, each contributing to the continent's rich
tapestry of life.
1. The Amazon- A Lush World Within: The Amazon River basin stands as the
world's largest watershed, covering almost 7 million square kilometers (2.7
million square miles) and dominating northern South America. Fed by
glacial tributaries from the Andes, the mighty Amazon River discharges an
astounding 209,000 cubic meters (7,381,000 cubic feet) of freshwater into
the Atlantic Ocean every second. The Amazon rainforest, which blankets
half of Earth's total rainforest area, owes its vitality to the life-giving waters
of this immense river. Within its depths, an astounding diversity of plants
South- America
and animals thrive, including towering trees like the rubber tree and Brazil
nut tree, as well as a myriad of bird species, primates, reptiles, and insects.
2. The Orinoco- A Serenade of Grasslands: Flowing north of the Amazon, the
Orinoco River carves a magnificent arc across more than 2,736 kilometers
(1,700 miles), originating in the Guiana Highlands and emptying into the
Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela. The Orinoco River basin spans approximately
948,000 square kilometers (366,000 square miles) and covers a significant
portion of Venezuela and Colombia. It sustains the Llanos, a vast savanna or
grassland region teeming with unique flora and fauna, including vibrant
bird species, aquatic life like the Orinoco crocodile, and a variety of grasses
perfectly adapted to the wet and dry areas of the Llanos.
3. The Paraguay/Paraná- Nature's Masterpiece: Encompassing nearly 2.8
million square kilometers (1,081,000 square miles), the Paraguay/Paraná
River basin weaves its way through southeastern Brazil and Bolivia,
Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Along this winding path, the Paraná
River showcases the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, a series of cascades
extending for 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles). The river basin nourishes the plains
biome, known as the Pampas, characterized by fertile soil, predictable
rainfall, and a vital role in supporting agriculture and grazing. The
Paraguay/Paraná River basin is also home to bustling cities like Buenos
Aires and Montevideo, which stand on the banks of the Rio de la Plata
estuary.
Coastal Plains: Where Land Meets the Sea
South America's coastal plains present a captivating blend of contrasting
landscapes, from the arid stretches of northeastern Brazil to the mist-covered
deserts along the western Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. These coastal plains
exhibit unique features shaped by the interaction of ocean currents, mountain
ranges, and prevailing winds.
1. The Diverse Brazilian Coast: Northeastern Brazil's coastal plains unfold with
a captivating blend of beauty and aridity. Bound by the Brazilian Highlands,
these plains experience a scarcity of moisture due to the topographical
influence of the surrounding mountain range. Yet, their sun-drenched
shores boast a unique charm, inviting visitors to explore their pristine
beaches and discover the secrets of this captivating region.
2. The Enigmatic Western Coastal Plains: The western coastal plains of South
America, stretching along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile, offer a stark
Page 4


South- America
Map of South America
Introduction
South America, the fourth-largest continent on Earth, is a land of awe-inspiring
beauty and incredible natural diversity. From the picturesque beaches of Brazil to
the majestic peaks of the Andes, this continent boasts a wide range of physical
geography features. Let us embark on a journey through South America's
enchanting landscapes, exploring its mountains and highlands, river basins, and
coastal plains. Discover the unique biomes, rich biodiversity, and remarkable
geological formations that make South America an extraordinary continent.
Mountains and Highlands: Guardians of the Sky
Stretching from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra
del Fuego in the south, South America's mountains and highlands shape its
dramatic terrain. The primary mountain system, the Andes, reigns supreme as the
world's longest mountain range, covering an astonishing distance of about 8,850
kilometers (5,500 miles). With numerous peaks exceeding 4,500 meters (15,000
feet) and many volcanic summits, including the mighty Aconcagua, towering at
South- America
6,962 meters (22,841 feet), the Andes command respect as the tallest mountains
outside of Asia.
1. The Andes- A Playground of Giants: The Andes, situated on the western
edge of South America, boast breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems.
From the southern tip to the northernmost coast, these rugged mountains
traverse the continent, defining its spine. The Andes hold within their
embrace the enchanting alpine biome, where small but hardy plant species
thrive, such as the magnificent Puya raimondii, known as the Queen of the
Andes. This endangered species can reach towering heights of over 9
meters (30 feet), with leaves designed to funnel moisture towards the
plant's base. The Andes are a treasure trove of natural wonders, captivating
all who behold their grandeur.
2. Beyond the Andes: Brazilian Highlands and Guiana Highlands: In addition to
the Andes, South America features two other prominent highland regions:
the Brazilian Highlands and the Guiana Highlands. The Brazilian Highlands,
located south of the Amazon River in Brazil, reveal a landscape of low
mountains and plateaus with an average elevation of 1,006 meters (3,300
feet). Meanwhile, the Guiana Highlands, nestled between the Amazon and
Orinoco Rivers, boast lush forests and cover parts of Venezuela, French
Guiana, Guyana, northern Brazil, and southeastern Colombia. These
highlands showcase South America's diverse topography, providing havens
for unique flora and fauna.
River Basins: Lifelines of the Land
South America's river basins shape the continent's landscape and sustain an array
of vibrant ecosystems. The three main river basins in South America are the
Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná, each contributing to the continent's rich
tapestry of life.
1. The Amazon- A Lush World Within: The Amazon River basin stands as the
world's largest watershed, covering almost 7 million square kilometers (2.7
million square miles) and dominating northern South America. Fed by
glacial tributaries from the Andes, the mighty Amazon River discharges an
astounding 209,000 cubic meters (7,381,000 cubic feet) of freshwater into
the Atlantic Ocean every second. The Amazon rainforest, which blankets
half of Earth's total rainforest area, owes its vitality to the life-giving waters
of this immense river. Within its depths, an astounding diversity of plants
South- America
and animals thrive, including towering trees like the rubber tree and Brazil
nut tree, as well as a myriad of bird species, primates, reptiles, and insects.
2. The Orinoco- A Serenade of Grasslands: Flowing north of the Amazon, the
Orinoco River carves a magnificent arc across more than 2,736 kilometers
(1,700 miles), originating in the Guiana Highlands and emptying into the
Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela. The Orinoco River basin spans approximately
948,000 square kilometers (366,000 square miles) and covers a significant
portion of Venezuela and Colombia. It sustains the Llanos, a vast savanna or
grassland region teeming with unique flora and fauna, including vibrant
bird species, aquatic life like the Orinoco crocodile, and a variety of grasses
perfectly adapted to the wet and dry areas of the Llanos.
3. The Paraguay/Paraná- Nature's Masterpiece: Encompassing nearly 2.8
million square kilometers (1,081,000 square miles), the Paraguay/Paraná
River basin weaves its way through southeastern Brazil and Bolivia,
Paraguay, and northern Argentina. Along this winding path, the Paraná
River showcases the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, a series of cascades
extending for 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles). The river basin nourishes the plains
biome, known as the Pampas, characterized by fertile soil, predictable
rainfall, and a vital role in supporting agriculture and grazing. The
Paraguay/Paraná River basin is also home to bustling cities like Buenos
Aires and Montevideo, which stand on the banks of the Rio de la Plata
estuary.
Coastal Plains: Where Land Meets the Sea
South America's coastal plains present a captivating blend of contrasting
landscapes, from the arid stretches of northeastern Brazil to the mist-covered
deserts along the western Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. These coastal plains
exhibit unique features shaped by the interaction of ocean currents, mountain
ranges, and prevailing winds.
1. The Diverse Brazilian Coast: Northeastern Brazil's coastal plains unfold with
a captivating blend of beauty and aridity. Bound by the Brazilian Highlands,
these plains experience a scarcity of moisture due to the topographical
influence of the surrounding mountain range. Yet, their sun-drenched
shores boast a unique charm, inviting visitors to explore their pristine
beaches and discover the secrets of this captivating region.
2. The Enigmatic Western Coastal Plains: The western coastal plains of South
America, stretching along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile, offer a stark
South- America
contrast to their eastern counterpart. Trapped between the frigid Peru
Current and the towering Andes, these plains experience an extreme
aridity. The phenomenon of thermal inversion results in a thick layer of
clouds blanketing the low altitudes, preventing precipitation from forming.
The Atacama Desert, nestled within this coastal plain, is renowned as one
of the driest regions on Earth, with average rainfall barely reaching 1
millimeter (0.04 inches) per year. Despite its harsh conditions, this desert
holds hidden treasures and serves as a significant source of copper,
sustaining the economy of Chile.
Conclusion
South America stands as a testament to nature's boundless creativity, showcasing
an unparalleled variety of physical geography features. From the majestic Andes
and their snow-capped peaks to the fertile river basins supporting lush rainforests
and grasslands, and the contrasting coastal plains along the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts, this continent invites explorers to unravel its mysteries. Embark on an
adventure through South America and witness the astounding beauty and rich
biodiversity that make it a true wonder of the world.