#63. Describe the geography of southern South America and how this geography influences economic activity?

my answer:

The three nations of southern South America--Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina--are very different from the rest of the continent. The region of southern South America consists of varying landforms, climates, and vegetations. Also, rivers bind together the regions of southern South America. There are four rivers in the Rio de la Plata estuary system that form national boundaries: the uruguay, the Pilcomayo, the Paraguay, and the Parana. this huge river system provides an inexpensive and efficient way for people to ship goods. The highest peaks of the Andes are in western Argentina. This is where the four highest mountains are located. The Gran Chaco is a hot, interior low land region of savanna and dense shrubs. Temperatures here are mild and change little during the year. Rainfall, however, is seasonal. In summer, the rain turns the area into mud; In winter, the soil is dry and windblown. The pampas of Argentina and Uruguay are one of Southe America's best-known features. These are temperate grasslands which stretch for hundreds of miles and were formerly home to hundreds of cowboys who herded cattle there. Today, the pampas are Argentina's breadbasket and produce about 80 percent of the nation's grain and about 70 percent of its meat. They have warm summers and cold winters with occasional violent winter thunderstorms known as pamperos. Finally, south of the pampas lie the windswept plateau of Patagonia. This is a desolate, dry, and cold plain which is well suited for raising sheep. It also has rich deposits of oil and bauxite.

how's this? i'm not sure if it answers the last part of the question, but it's all i could find.

The only thing I think you should address is why Argentina,Paraguay, and Uruguay have so many in poverty (from geographical factors).

Paraguay is landlocked, and dependent on its neighbors for access to shipping.

Uruguay: No real geographic factors, http://www.photius.com/countries/uruguay/economy/uruguay_economy_economic_crisis_and_~1693.html

Argentina: no geographical factors..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_Argentina

So you might summarize the effects on the economy: Paraguay being landlocked is a factor, but the other countries should be exploding in economic growth because of favorable geographic factors, but have not .

ok, thank you so much

Your description of the geography of southern South America is quite comprehensive and accurate. However, in terms of how this geography influences economic activity, it mainly revolves around the region's natural resources and transportation routes.

The presence of the Rio de la Plata estuary system, with its rivers like the Uruguay, Paraguay, and Parana, provides a vital transportation route for goods, making shipping more affordable and efficient. This promotes trade and economic activities in the region.

The fertile pampas of Argentina and Uruguay, known for their temperate grasslands, contribute significantly to agriculture. These vast plains serve as the breadbasket of Argentina, producing a significant portion of the country's grain and meat. The favorable climate and ample resources support agricultural activities, contributing to the region's economic growth.

The windswept plateau of Patagonia, albeit desolate and dry, is well-suited for sheep farming. This industry has become a significant economic activity in the region due to the availability of grazing land.

Furthermore, Patagonia's rich deposits of oil and bauxite present opportunities for mining and extraction industries. The exploitation of these resources contributes to economic development and job creation.

In conclusion, southern South America's geography, with its transportation routes, fertile plains, and natural resources, strongly influences economic activity in the region, particularly in agriculture, transportation, and extractive industries.

Your answer provides a good description of the geography of southern South America. To address the second part of the question on how this geography influences economic activity, you can elaborate on the following points:

1. River network: The extensive river system, including the Rio de la Plata estuary, serves as an important transportation route for the region. It facilitates the movement of goods, providing an inexpensive and efficient means of shipping. This network is crucial for trade and economic activity, especially for landlocked countries like Paraguay.

2. Agricultural potential: The pampas, a vast area of temperate grasslands, are well-suited for agricultural production. Argentina's breadbasket refers to the pampas, which produce a significant portion of the country's grain (80 percent) and meat (70 percent). The fertile soil and favorable climate contribute to the region's agricultural productivity.

3. Livestock production: The pampas and Patagonia regions are also known for their livestock production. The abundance of grazing land supports large-scale cattle herding and sheep farming. Livestock and their by-products contribute to the region's economy through meat exports, leather industry, and wool production.

4. Natural resources: The geography of southern South America also influences economic activity through the availability of natural resources. Patagonia, with its rich deposits of oil and bauxite, provides opportunities for extraction and exportation of these resources, contributing to the region's economic development.

5. Tourism potential: The diverse landscapes and natural beauty of southern South America, including the Andes mountains and Patagonia's windswept plateau, attract tourists from around the world. Tourism is an important sector that generates income and employment, particularly in areas renowned for their natural attractions.

By expanding on these points, you can provide a more comprehensive answer to how the geography of southern South America influences economic activity.