Geography of South America

South America is generally regarded as a continent that makes up the southernmost part of the landmass of the Americas, located south and east of the Panama Canal for some and the Colombia-Panama border for others. While its constituent parts are infrequently referred to as subcontinents, South and North America are occasionally seen as a single continent or supercontinent. There are numerous islands on the South American continent, the most of which are owned by nations there.

The nations of the Caribbean are grouped with those of North America. The term "Caribbean South America" also refers to Colombia and Venezuela, the two South American countries that border the Caribbean Sea.

Physical Features

South America's geographic layout appears to be quite straightforward. Due to its flat interior being nearly encircled by lofty mountains, the landscape of the continent is frequently compared to that of a large bowl. The Andes, a middle lowland, and the vast Brazilian and Guiana Highlands in the east are the three main topographic characteristics, with the exception of the limited coastal lowlands on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The Andes are a Cenozoic Mountain range that was created by the Altiplano and other significant valleys, including the Rio Magdalena. Bogotá, Quito, and La Paz, Bolivia, are three of the tallest capitals in the world.

Divisions

The physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography of South America can all be taken into consideration independently. Mountains and highlands, river basins, and coastal plains are the three main physical divisions of South America. While highlands and river basins typically flow in an east-west orientation, mountains and coastal plains typically run north to south.

Coastal Plains

A low, flat region of land near to the coast is known as a coastal plain. South American coastal plains can be found on the western, Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile as well as the northeastern, Atlantic coast of Brazil. Northeastern Brazil's coastal plains are incredibly arid. Moist sea breezes are pushed away from the coastal plains by the Brazilian Highlands, which function as a wedge. Additionally, the western coastal plains are very arid. The Andes Mountains to the east and the chilly Peru Current to the west have confined them. Additionally, the western coastal plains are very arid.

The Andes Mountains to the east and the chilly Peru Current to the west have confined them. The Chilean and Peruvian Pacific coasts receive cold water from the Peru Current. Thermal inversion is caused by the cold surface water, which causes chilly air at sea level and stable, warmer air higher up. At low elevations, thermal inversion causes a thick layer of clouds. A large portion of South America's Pacific coast is covered in these low-lying clouds.

Mountains & Highlands

The Andes, which make up most of South America’s Mountain range, are also the longest in the globe. About 8,850 km (5,500 miles) make up the range. The Andes run the length of South America's westernmost coast, from its southernmost tip to its northernmost shore. Many of the more than 4,500-meter-tall summits are volcanic, and there are hundreds of them. Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Andes, is 6,962 meters high and crosses the boundary between Chile and Argentina. The tallest mountain outside of Asia is Aconcagua.

The Brazilian Highlands and the Guiana Highlands are South America's two main highland regions outside of the Andes. The Brazilian Highlands are a region of low mountains and plateaus that rise to an average elevation of 1,006 meters (3,300 feet) in Brazil, south of the Amazon River. Between the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers are the Guiana Highlands. Southern Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, northern Brazil, and a small area of southeast Colombia are all covered by the densely forested plateau known as the Guiana Highlands.

River Basins

The Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná are three of South America's most significant river basins. The Amazon River basin is the largest watershed in the world, covering over 7 million square kilometers. The basin, which is supplied by streams from the Andes glaciers, spans much of northern South America. 209,000 cubic meters (7,381,000 cubic feet) of freshwater are discharged into the Atlantic Ocean every second by the Amazon River. The equally massive Amazon rain forest, which accounts for nearly half of the world's rain forests, is sustained by the Amazon River.

North of the Amazon River is the Orinoco River. The Orinoco River originates in the Guiana Highlands in northern Brazil and empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela over a distance of more than 2,736 kilometers. An area of roughly 948,000 square kilometers or thereabouts, the Orinoco River basin includes around 80% of Venezuela and 25% of Colombia. The South American Pampas plains biome receives water from the Paraguay/Paraná River basin. Rich, fertile soil and regular rainfall are features of the Pampas. The most significant agriculture and grazing regions on the continent are located there.

Grasslands

The Llanos, a huge area of savanna or grassland, is the main biome of the Orinoco River basin. Grasslands make up the majority of the Llanos. Low-lying, moist environments are home to bunchgrass, sedges, and swamp grasses. The higher, drier elevations are where carpet grass can be found. The Llanos, like most grassland biomes, is an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, including the bellbird, umbrellabird, and scarlet ibis. The Orinoco crocodile, which can grow to a length of more than 6 meters, the electric eel, and other significant river species are also worth mentioning.

Conclusion

South America is a continent of extremes, home to a variety of geographical formations, including the Andes Mountains, the Brazilian and Guiana Highlands, coastal plains, and large river basins. The Andes, the world's longest mountain range, and the Amazon, the world's largest river basin, define the continent. On the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, coastal plains can be found, and various animals can be found in grasslands like the Llanos. The geography of South America displays its extraordinary natural splendour and distinctive sceneries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest river in South America?

The Amazon River is the largest river in South America and the world, with a massive watershed and significant freshwater discharge.

What are the main mountain ranges in South America?

The Andes Mountains dominate South America's westernmost coast, stretching over 8,850 kilometers and hosting numerous volcanic peaks.

What are the notable highland regions in South America?

South America has the Brazilian Highlands in southern Brazil and the Guiana Highlands in Venezuela, French Guiana, Guyana, and northern Brazil.

Which regions have significant river basins?

South America is home to major river basins such as the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná, which sustain vast ecosystems and support agriculture.

Where are the coastal plains located in South America?

Coastal plains can be found along the western, Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile, as well as the northeastern, Atlantic coast of Brazil.

What is the main grassland biome in South America?

The Llanos, located in the Orinoco River basin, is a vast area of savanna or grassland known for its diverse grasses and rich wildlife.

Which region in South America is the world's driest?

The Atacama Desert, located in the coastal plains of Chile, is considered the world's driest region with extremely arid conditions.