4.1Physical Geography of Central America
MS: Middle School
Created on November 9, 2024
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Lesson 4.1: Physical Geography of Central America
Central and South America
Unit 4
Central America
Explore
Biodiversity
Language
Population
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Land Area
Slightly more populated than California
45 Million people
Mountains
In Central America, the mountains are very tall, with some reaching over 10,000 feet high. These mountains change the land and the lives of the people who live there. Many of the mountains in Central America are part of bigger mountain ranges that go through North America, especially the Sierra Madre range, which goes from northwest to southeast through Mexico. Many of these mountains were made by volcanoes. This means they used to be volcanoes that erupted and created high peaks. Even though these volcanoes are not active now, they still show us how strong nature can be.
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Farming
Living in the shadows of these mountains brings both advantages and challenges.
Volcanos
Central America
Infographic
- In the top image, you can see two tectonic plates, the Cocos and the Caribbean, meet at the western edge of Central America.
- Below, the image shows one tectonic plate (oceanic crust) subducting, or sliding under another (continental crust).
Central America
Lowlands
In Central America, the lowlands are large flat areas of land that go across the region. They are surrounded by mountains to the north and south. These lowlands have a tropical climate, which means it is warm and humid all year long. The weather in the lowlands is affected by how close they are to the equator, so the temperature does not change much throughout the year.
Central America
Altitude ZOnation
What does this infographic show us? Why do certain plants thrive at different elevations? Disucss.....
Central America
Lakes
Lake Nicaragua is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the region. This lake is very important for the environment in Nicaragua and the nearby areas. It is home to many different kinds of plants and animals, like freshwater fish, birds, and water plants. Some of these species are special to the lake and can only be found there. It is the only freshwater lake that has ocean animals, such as sharks, swordfish, and tarpon. Also, Lake Nicaragua is a key source of water for farming, drinking, and transportation for the people who live near it.
The Panama Canal is an amazing piece of engineering found in Central America. It connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. This canal is a man-made waterway that goes through a narrow piece of land called the Isthmus of Panama. An isthmus is a thin strip of land with water on both sides that links two bigger areas of land.
Cetnral America: Engineering Marvel
The Panama Canal
Central America
Tips
Panama Canal's Impacts
Before the Canal
- A ship traveling from New York to San Francisco had to sail around the southern tip of South America, a voyage of almost 16,000 miles. The creation of the Panama Canal cut that journey in half.
Central America
Exit Ticket
- Identify the major physical features in Central America
- Describe how different elevations affect plant and animal species
- Understand the importance of the Panama Canal
Because the mountains are very rough and steep, it is hard for people to talk to each other and to travel. Since there are not many easy ways to get through the mountains, people who live in these areas can feel cut off from other places.
Mount Chirripó is the highest peak in Costa Rica, with an elevation of 12,536 feet.
Over time, as one plate is pushed under the other, the rubbing between the two plates creates heat. This heat melts rock deep inside the Earth. As the pressure builds up, this hot, melted rock can come to the surface as lava.
Learners can:
- identify the major physical features of Central America
- describe how differences in climate affect plant and animal species
- explain the importance of the Panama Canal and its location
When lava from volcanic eruptions cools down, it turns into rock. Over thousands of years, this rock breaks apart and mixes with organic matter, like dead plants and animals, to create rich soil.
The Panama Canal is a key route for shipping goods around the world. It connects the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, allowing ships to move items like cars, electronics, grains, and oil quickly and cheaply. This helps businesses and people everywhere. The canal provides a safe and efficient path for all types of ships, including cargo ships, container ships, and cruise liners. Because of its special location, the Panama Canal is also important for military and defense reasons. It influences the decisions and plans of countries all over the globe.
At the lowest elevations, you will find the tropical lowlands, where the climate is warm and humid with an average temperature between 82 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. These areas are often covered in dense rainforests teeming with life, including vibrant plants and exotic animals like monkeys and toucans.
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One important reason for the rich soil of Central America is the Central American Volcanic Belt. This belt was created by a process called subduction. Subduction happens when two tectonic plates push against each other with a lot of pressure.
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The Panama Canal and Its Lowlands In Panama, there's a special area called the Canal Zone lowlands. This is where the Panama Canal connects two big oceans: the Atlantic and the Pacific. The weather in this area is tropical, which means it's usually hot and humid. There are two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season happens from May to December. During this time, it rains a lot, and sometimes the rain can cause problems like flooding and landslides. This can be dangerous for nature and the people who live there. A tugboat is shown moving through the Panama Canal. The lowlands were a great choice for building this canal because it connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Continuing upward, you will reach the temperate zone, where temperatures are even cooler and forests consist mainly of evergreen trees like pine and oak. This zone is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer and various bird species. Finally, at the highest elevations, you will find the alpine zone, where the climate is cold (average of 35 to 40 degrees) and harsh, and only the hardiest plants and animals can survive.
The Central American Volcanic Belt, along the dotted line, lies along the western side of Central America, along the Pacific Ocean.
Capybaras
As you climb higher, you enter the subtropical zone, where temperatures are cooler, between 77 and 82 degrees, and forests give way to cloud forests. Here, you might encounter unique species like the quetzal bird.
Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama Central America is a land bridge that connects North and South America. It's considered an isthmus because it connects two larger land masses. The region is known for its tropical climate and beaches along the Caribbean Sea
Jaguar
Fishing is a major industry in the region, providing livelihoods for thousands of people who rely on the lake for their sustenance and income. The lake's waters are also used for transportation, with boats and ferries carrying goods and passengers between the numerous islands and coastal communities that dot its shores,
Bull Sharks: Freshwater Sharks
Panamanian Coffee Pickers
The Importance of Central America's Lowlands Central America's lowlands are special places, even though they face challenges like heavy rain and tropical storms.
Terrace Farming
Unique Features of the Lowlands: The Mosquito Coast has mangrove forests, wetlands, and nice beaches. The Canal Zone is known for its thick rainforests and many animals.
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The steep slopes can make it difficult to plant and harvest crops, requiring special techniques and tools. Erosion, soil washing away due to natural forces, is another concern, as heavy rains or wind can strip soil from the land and damage crops.
One advantage is the rich soil that comes from volcanic ash. This soil is fertile, able to support new life, and perfect for farming, allowing crops like coffee, bananas, and cocoa to thrive.
Locks in the Canal The canal has special structures called locks that help boats move safely up and down the waterway. When a ship enters a lock, the gates at both ends close, making a water-filled area. If the ship is going uphill, water is added to lift it. If it’s going downhill, water is taken out to lower it. Once the ship is at the right level, the gates open, and the ship can continue its journey.