South America is a continent located in the Western Hemisphere of our Planet. It is crossed by the Equator line and divides this continent into two parts. One part (the largest) belongs to the Southern Hemisphere, and the second (the smallest) belongs 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 countries South America 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 – is the southernmost point of America and Chile, which consists of a group of islands occupying 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, 1930 km long and 300–1000 m high.
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. Due to the enormous 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, the northern part of Argentina, the southern part of Brazil and the southeast of Bolivia are located. 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
There are 6 climatic zones in South America: Northern and Southern subequatorial zones, Equatorial, Tropical, Subtropical and Temperate zones.
The climate of South America in most of its parts is subequatorial and tropical, with clearly defined 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. In the northern plains the temperature is 20-28 degrees all year round. 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 river systems are located on the mainland: Parana, Orinoco, Amazon, Paraguay, Uruguay.
The Amazon is the world's largest river in terms of basin area (7,180 thousand km²), formed by the confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers. Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Brazil owns most of the basin. It flows mainly through the Amazonian lowland and flows into the 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. It divides the Republic of Paraguay into Northern and Southern Paraguay, and in its southern part it is the 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 Casichiare 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 (according to various sources) from 50 to 250 meters. This lake is also one of the oldest lakes.
Titicaca (titi - puma, kaka - rock) is the largest lake in terms of fresh water reserves and the second in area 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. Large hydroelectric power stations are located on it. Salt, fish and oil are mined here.
Flora of South America
Thanks to the warm climate and huge amounts of rainfall, the plant world in South America is very diverse. Each climate zone has its own flora. A large area is occupied by jungles, which are located in the tropical zone. Here grow: chocolate and melon trees - papaya, rubber trees, various palm trees, orchids.
To the south of the jungle, deciduous and evergreen plants grow in equatorial forests. Here grows a tree called quebracho, which has very durable wood. In the 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, jaguars, anteaters, parrots, hummingbirds, toucans and many other animals. In the Amazon jungle there are crocodiles, anacondas, piranhas, the rodent - copybara, river dolphins. Only here you can meet a wild cat - an ocelot, similar to a leopard. The savanna 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.
South America is considered the wettest continent on the planet, as it receives a large amount of rain every year. The northern part of the continent lies in the equatorial zone. Characteristic here, especially in summer time, heavy rains, of which more than 3000 mm falls per year. The temperature remains virtually unchanged throughout the year, ranging from +20 to +25 degrees Celsius. There is a huge forest in this area.
Subequatorial belt
The subequatorial belt is located above and below the equatorial zone, located in the southern and northern hemispheres of the Earth. The further inland the continent, the more continental the climate becomes. On the border with the equatorial belt, precipitation falls up to 2000 mm per year, and variable-humid forests grow here. In the continental zone, precipitation falls less and less: 500-1000 mm per year. The savannah begins in this area. The rainy season falls in June-August in the north of the continent, and in the south - in December-February. The cold season comes in different times years, depending on the distance from the equator.
Tropical zone
South of the subequatorial zone lies the tropical zone in South America. The climatic conditions here differ significantly from the tropics of Australia and Africa. There is a significant influence of warm currents here, which contributes to uniform moistening of the territory and prevents the emergence of large deserts; only in the west there is the Atacama Desert with a unique climate, which is isolated from humid air. The continental tropical climate region occupies the central part of the continent. About 1000 mm of precipitation falls annually here, and there are savannas. In the east there are variable-humid forests with high rainfall. Summer temperatures are above +25 degrees, and winter temperatures are from +8 to +20.
Subtropical zone
Another climatic zone of South America is the subtropical zone, located below the tropics. Here the air is drier and steppes begin, and semi-deserts and deserts form in the interior of the continent. Intermediate level precipitation per year – 250-500 mm. In the west, more rain falls and evergreen forests form. In January the temperature reaches +24 degrees, and in July the readings can be below 0.
The southernmost part of the continent is covered by a temperate climate zone. It was here that a large number of deserts were formed from the influence of cold air masses. Precipitation falls no more than 250 mm per year. The temperature in this area is always low. In January, the highest figure reaches +20, and in July the temperature drops below 0.
In geography, there are seven main climatic zones. One of them is the subequatorial belt. It is divided into 2 types - northern and southern. They are located in the corresponding hemispheres, which border the equatorial and tropical zones.
The territories of subequatorial belts extend up to 20° N. w. and 20° S. w.
Natural zones of the subequatorial climate zone
Due to the fact that the belt is transitional, different air masses dominate here - equatorial air masses in summer, and tropical air masses in winter. Average monthly temperatures range from +15 to +32 degrees. And the temperature of the water surfaces is almost stable, it is +25 degrees.
Equatorial masses bring with them a period of heavy rainfall in the summer. In winter it is always dry here, because the influence of tropical air begins. But, despite the change of seasons, it is always hot here.
Proximity to the equator affects the amount of precipitation - the closer, the more. Most of the precipitation falls in the form of heavy summer rains. Cloudy periods accompanied by thunderstorms and rain can last up to 9 months. During this time, 250-2000 mm of precipitation falls here. In areas distant from the equator, the period heavy rains reduced to 3 months. The highest amounts of precipitation are recorded in the mountains, which are under the influence of the summer monsoons - 12,000 mm of precipitation falls here per year.
There are quite a lot of rivers and lakes in the territories of the subequatorial belt. In summer they overflow their banks and dry up in winter.
The territories located near the equator are covered with deciduous evergreen tropical forests. Behind them are monsoon forests. And low-moisture areas are suitable for savannas and woodlands.
From the animal world there are artiodactyls, predators, rodents, birds, insects, snakes and others. Their habitats directly depend on their life adaptability. For example, forest animals find shelter in monsoon forests. And species that can live in open spaces live in both forests and savannas.
Human activity has significantly affected the natural areas of these places. The landscapes of the subequatorial belt have undergone special changes. Trying to grow cultivated plant species, breeding, fertilizing and polluting the surface of the earth, people have made their own ambiguous contribution to these territories.
Temperature values
(averaged, approximate for the subequatorial climate zone)
~ July +24 °C,
~ January +24 °C.
Countries of the subequatorial climate zone
Subject to the subequatorial climate zone: Southern part North America, parts of the Caribbean Islands, northern South America, the Brazilian Plateau, parts of Africa, much of South and Southwest Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
In America, this belt includes Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela and Guiana.
The African savannah belt from Dakar to Somalia is also located in the subequatorial climate zone.
India, Bangladesh, Burma, Indochina, South China, the Philippines - all these territories are subject to the influence of the subequatorial belt.
Wetter.
The formation of climate is influenced by the main factors: geographical location, configuration of the territory, relief, ocean currents, atmospheric circulation. (Study the ocean currents off the coast of the mainland on the map and draw a conclusion about their influence on the climate.)
Geographical position between 12° N. w. and 56° S. w. defines high level solar radiation over almost the entire continent with the exception of the extreme south. The mainland is heating up well. The air pressure above it is always lower than above the surrounding oceans, from which trade winds and westerly winds bring a lot of moisture. The warm Guiana and Brazilian currents off the coast increase the flow of water to the mainland. South America is the wettest continent. The Andes serve as an important climatic barrier, isolating the western territories from influence, and the eastern ones from the Pacific. The western coast of the mainland (10°-30° S) receives incomparably less precipitation. The extreme south of the continent is influenced by westerly winds of temperate latitudes.
Climate zones of South America
South America is located within six: , two subequatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate.
The equatorial belt covers the entire Amazonian lowland and the adjacent slopes of the Andes. Characterized by uniform high temperature air (+26 ... +28 °C) and heavy precipitation throughout the year (1500-2500 mm). On the slopes of the Andes and on the coast Pacific Ocean precipitation increases to 5000 mm per year.
Subequatorial belts
The Northern Hemisphere belt occupies the entire northern part of the continent, including the coast and the Guiana Plateau. The Southern Hemisphere belt occupies the southern part of the lowland, the north of the Brazilian Plateau, part of. Distinctive feature zones - a clearly defined seasonality in the distribution of precipitation. In summer, humid equatorial air brings showers. In the Southern Hemisphere, the rainy season associated with the equatorial monsoon lasts from approximately December to May. In winter, dry tropical air prevails, and for several months there may be no precipitation at all. The total amount of precipitation reaches 1000-2000 mm per year. Air temperatures are high throughout the year +20 … +30 °C.
The tropical zone consists of three climatic regions: humid, continental and desert. (Determine their position and amount of precipitation on the map.)
In the humid type of climate (eastern Brazilian Plateau), the trade winds blowing onto the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean and bringing heavy rainfall have a great influence. Rain falls on the coast and on the slopes of the Brazilian plateau. The climate allows for the cultivation of maize, melons, pumpkins, tobacco and other crops.
As you move west, the climate becomes more continental. In the tropical continental climate on the Gran Chaco, temperatures in winter are +12 ... +15 °C, in summer +28 ... +30 °C. It is here that the absolute maximum temperature on the mainland is recorded - +47 °C. The amount of precipitation decreases from east to west from 1000 to 500 mm.
The climate of coastal deserts (garua) is characteristic of the western coast between 5° and 28° south. w. Less than 50 mm of precipitation falls here. More moisture comes from dew (up to 200 mm). Temperature in summer +20 °C, in winter +15 °C. This climate is most pronounced in the Atacama Desert.
In Atacama, water can only be found in the roots and trunks of trees and the stems of cacti. Often dew is the only source of moisture. The Peruvian cools the lower ones and prevents precipitation.
The subtropical zone is formed south of 30° S. w. The southeast of the mainland (southern edge of the Brazilian Plateau, interfluve and eastern part of Pampa) lies in the region of a subtropical humid climate. In summer, moisture is brought by northeastern trade winds. In winter, precipitation occurs due to the polar front. Summers here are hot (+24 °C), and winters are mild (0 °C). The areas inland (Western Pampa) are characterized by a subtropical continental climate (no more than 500 mm per year). There are sharp temperature fluctuations.
On the Pacific coast from 28 to 36° S. w. subtropical prevails with dry, but not very hot summers (up to +20 °C) and humid, warm (about +10 °C) winters. The climate is favorable for people's life and economic activities.
The narrowest part of the south of the continent is located in the temperate zone. On the west coast, westerly winds constantly blow, conventionally called the “roaring forties” latitudes due to their great strength. They bring large amounts of precipitation to the western slopes of the Andes - more than 2500 mm per year. It is no coincidence that the southern part of Chile is called the “wet corner” of South America. It is formed as a temperate one with humid, cool summers (+15 °C) and relatively warm winters (+5 °C).
On the east coast, the climate is temperate continental with dry, warm summers (+20 °C) and cool winters with little snow (0 °C). Precipitation falls only 300-400 mm per year.
In the Andes, altitude is clearly expressed. When climbing mountains, a change occurs with altitude: from the characteristic belt at the foot of the mountains to the polar one. A change in climatic zones occurs not only when ascending the mountains, but also with geographic latitude when moving south (from the equatorial zone to the temperate zone).
The bulk of South America receives enormous amounts of solar heat. The mainland receives a lot of rainfall, but not regularly. Thanks to this climate, all heat-loving crops ripen almost everywhere on the continent. In the equatorial, subequatorial and tropical regions, perennial plants, mainly trees and shrubs, are grown. As a rule, several harvests a year of cocoa, coffee, and tea are collected. One of the common crops is sugar cane. In South America, field work is carried out almost everywhere throughout the year. The exception is in areas where the dry season is pronounced. In the Andes, conditions are not always favorable for the cultivation of cultivated plants.
Most of South America has a warm and humid climate. There are no vast dry areas here, like in Australia. The Andes Mountains serve as a climatic barrier dividing the continent into western and eastern parts, which differ in climatic conditions. In general, the climate of South America, which is characterized by an abundance of heat and moisture, creates favorable conditions for farming.
- subequatorial (occupies a significant part of the continent’s territory);
- equatorial (occupies mainly the Amazonian lowland);
- tropical (located south of subequatorial);
- subtropical (south of tropical);
- moderate (occupies the south of the mainland).
There are 5 (FIVE) climatic zones that are characteristic of South America, and the weather conditions here do not quite correspond to the conditions in similar zones.
- Equatorial, this is the northern part of the country.
- And the subequatorial zone occupies the territory both above and below the equatorial zone, as if encircling it.
- The middle part of the continent - the climate changes to tropical.
- Even lower and closer to the south, the climate is already subtropical.
- The northernmost tip of the continent is already located in the temperate zone.
The equatorial zone is hot and has high humidity.
Tropical zone - the climate, depending on the seasons, is humid or desert (continental), especially on the western coast of the Brazilian Plateau there is practically no rain.
Subequatorial zone - The climate is hot, but the summers are humid, the winters are hot and dry, and quite a lot of precipitation falls on the eastern slopes of the plateaus.
The south of South America is located in the temperate zone, the climate is temperate maritime, cyclones move to the mainland from the west, there are sub-zero temperatures throughout the year.
Subtropical zone - the climate in the east is warm and humid, and in the central regions it is dry continental; on the Pacific coast there is a Mediterranean climate.
Due to the large area of the continent and its special geographical location, South America is located in five climatic zones:
- A significant part of the continent occupies subequatorial climate zone.
- Also at the level of the subequatorial climate zone is the equatorial climate zone.
- Below (south) is the tropical climate zone.
- Even lower is the subtropical climate zone.
- And in the very south of the continent there is a temperate climate zone.
Considering the area and geographical location of South America, there are plenty of climatic zones from North to South! Almost all the belts that are found on Earth! These are equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, temperate and even subantarctic! This big...South America! For clarity, I’ll post a couple of pictures:
South America is located in five climatic zones: subequatorial, equatorial, tropical, subtropical and temperate.
South America is a continent located mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. There are five climatic zones on its territory. Let's look at them from south to north. The island of Tierra del Fuego, almost all of Argentina and Chile, as well as part of Uruguay and Paraguay with Bolivia are located in temperate zone. Peru, southern Brazil and northern Paraguay in Subtropical zone. Central Brazil, northern Peru, Ecuador are located in tropical zone. North central Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Guiana, northern Venezuela and Colombia in Subequatorial belt. And the area near the Amazon River in northern Brazil, southern Colombia and Venezuela - in Equatorial.
South America is located in such a way that almost all climatic zones are present on its territory.
South America is also considered the wettest continent on the planet.
The northern part of the continent is located in the equatorial belt.
The subequatorial climate zone encircles the continent twice, passing above and below the equatorial belt.
The central part of the continent has a tropical climate.
The tropical climate becomes subtropical.
And the northernmost part of South America has a temperate climate.
South America is one of the hottest continents in the world. Here you will not find the Arctic or subarctic belt, but all other belts are available. The extreme south of the continent, Patagonia, that is, parts of Chile and Argentina, lies in the temperate zone. Closer to the north, again Chile, Argentina and Uruguay have a warm subtropical climate with moderate rainfall. The tropics stretch from the Peruvian coast to the Chilean Atacama and Nazca deserts, to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Almost the entire Amazon, impenetrable equatorial forests, the lungs of the planet lie in the equatorial belt, and around them from the north, east and south is the subequatorial belt, the largest belt of the continent.
South America is the continent of the Western Hemisphere. The main (larger) part of the continent is located south of the equator.
Washed by the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is the wettest continent on the planet.
Climatic zones of South America: