Download Chapter 8, Section 1: Physical Geography

Chapter 8, Section 1:
Physical Geography
Central America and the Caribbean
The Big Idea
• The physical geography of Central
America and the Caribbean islands
includes warm coastal lowlands,
cooler highlands, and tropical forests.
Physical Features
Central America
• The region of Central America is the
southern part of North America.
• Central America is an isthmus, or narrow
strip of land that connects two larger land
areas.
• The ruggedness of the mountains and
volcanoes plus lack of water routes makes
travel difficult.
Physical Features
Caribbean Islands
• The Caribbean is made up of hundreds of
islands known as an archipelago.
• The two main island groups in the Caribbean
are the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles
• Many Caribbean islands are tops of
underwater mountains and volcanoes. They
are located along edges of tectonic plates.
Movement of these plates cause earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions.
Climate and Vegetation
• Central America and the
Caribbean islands are
generally sunny and
warm.
• Inland mountain areas
contain cool, humid
climates, some are
covered with cloud
forests which are home
to numerous plant and
animal species.
Climate and Vegetation (continued)
• Temperatures do not change
much throughout the year.
• Seasons are marked by
changes in rainfall: Winter is
usually dry. Summer, rains
almost daily.
• Hurricane season is between
June and November bringing
heavy winds and flooding.
Resources
• The regions best resources are
its land and climate.
• Tourism is an important industry.
Warm climate and rich soil make
the region a good place to grow
coffee, bananas, sugarcane, and
cotton.
• Central America and the
Caribbean have few mineral and
energy resources.