Describe the geography of Southern South America and how this geography influences economic activity?
The geography of Southern South America is characterized by diverse landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, the Pampas plains, and the Patagonian Plateau. This region is home to countries such as Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and parts of Brazil. The geography of this region has a significant influence on economic activity in a number of ways.
1. Mountainous terrain: The presence of the Andes Mountains in this region creates challenges for transportation and communication. However, the mountains also provide valuable natural resources such as minerals and metals, which can contribute to economic development through mining activities.
2. Coastal areas: Southern South America has extensive coastlines along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. These coastlines offer opportunities for maritime trade, fishing, and tourism, contributing to the economies of coastal regions.
3. Fertile plains: The Pampas plains, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, are highly fertile and well-suited for agriculture. The flat terrain and rich soils support the cultivation of crops such as grains, livestock grazing, and dairy farming. Agriculture plays a significant role in the economies of these countries, contributing to exports and earning foreign exchange.
4. Natural resources: Southern South America is endowed with significant natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals, and forests. These resources have a considerable impact on economic activity, providing opportunities for extraction, processing, and export.
5. Climate variability: The region experiences diverse climate patterns, ranging from arid conditions in parts of Chile and Argentina to temperate in Uruguay and more sub-Antarctic in Patagonia. These climatic variations influence the types of economic activities pursued in each area, such as agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy generation like hydropower.
Overall, the geography of Southern South America offers both opportunities and challenges for economic activity. Understanding and leveraging the natural resources, diverse landscapes, and climatic conditions are crucial for sustainable economic development in this region.
To gather more specific information on how the geography of Southern South America influences economic activity, it is recommended to consult various sources such as academic papers, reports from international organizations, economic data from government agencies, and studies conducted by regional experts. These sources can provide in-depth analysis and insights into the relationship between geography and economic activity in Southern South America.
Check the first two sites here:
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=17259,27556,27585&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=effect+of+geography+on+Argentina+and+Chile&cp=42&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=effect+of+geography+on+Argentina+and+Chile&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=c341562a61b59af3