Physical Geography of Mexico

Bienviedos a Mexico!

Please click me!

In this lesson we are going to explore the physical geography of Mexico! Let's begin!

Mexico is one of the countries that make up North America. It is located south of the United States and north of Central and South America.

Hint: Which of these photos do you think is of Mexico?

What do you think the physical geography of Mexico is like?

All of the photos on the previous slide are of Mexico!

Click on each region of Mexico to learn about the landforms, waterways, and other physical features present there!

In the center of northern Mexico is an area of flatlands called the Mexican Plateau. Much of northern Mexico has a dry, desert climate.

Northern Mexico

The Rio Grande in Northern Mexico

Central Mexico

Central Mexico is home to many of Mexico's mountains. Much of the region has a highland climate. The mountains are bordered by rich grasslands, which have a tropical climate and receive a lot of rain.

The Sierra Madre Mountains in Central Mexico

Central Mexico is also home to Popocatépetl, an active volcano!

In northwestern Mexico, the Baja California Peninsula is a strip of land that extends south alongside the coast of mainland Mexico. This peninsula is mostly made up of deserts, with a hot and dry climate. These conditions make it somewhat difficult for people to live in the area.

Baja California

The Baja California Peninsula is in the west and juts into the Pacific Ocean.

Mexico's gulf coast stretches along the eastern part of the country, which borders the Gulf of Mexico. To the south, the Yucatán Peninsula juts into the Gulf of Mexico. This area has a mostly tropical climate, with rich grasslands and rain forests.

Gulf Coast

Mexico's Gulf Coast is known for having beautiful beaches which promotes tourism!

Mexico's Gulf Coast also has great soil for farming because of its tropical climate!

Let's Play Guess Which Region!

Let's explore the natural resources of Mexico!

Exit Ticket, Let's Travel!

• Northern Mexico borders the United States, and Tex-Mex cuisine is very popular.
• Mexican enchiladas are different than Tex-Mex, as they are lighter "corn tortillas dipped in a chile sauce and then stuffed with a light filling".
• Gaujillos are a Mexican dried pepper.

Enchiladas Mineras

Salsa guajillo-dipped tortillas with roasted chicken and queso fresco

• This recipe from the Yucatan originated from the Mayan people who used to live in this region. (We will talk about them Monday!)
• Because of the fertile soil for growing crops, tropical fruits like orange and lime thrive in this region and star in this dish.
• The Maya used to cook this over a fire, and smoke is still a crucial element in this recipe.

Poc Chuc

Orange and lime marinated grilled pork

• These shrimp tacos are from Mazatlan, a town on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
• Why do you think shrimp are used as the meat in this taco rather than another protein?

Tacos Gobernador

Buttery shrimp tacos with toasted flour tortillas and melted cheese.

• Originates in Morelos, just south of Mexico City.
• "The Spanish brought pigs, cows, wheat, and methods for making cheese to México, but before their arrival, the indigenous people had a very plant-forward diet. They ate mostly vegetables..."
• This regional recipe uses produce native to Central Mexico prior to the influence of colonization.

Tlaltequeadas

Spinach and Squash Blossom Fritters with Roasted Tomato and Jalapeño Salsa