Chapter 10.1

Mexico

Pg. 221

Landforms

• 3 times the size of Texas• Rugged central plateau, called the Mexican

plateau.• Three great mountain ranges: Sierra Madre

Occidental, Sierra Madre Del Sur, Sierra Madre Oriental.

• Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico.

Mexican Plateau

Mountains in Mexico

continued

• Mountains southeast of Mexico City include volcanoes.

• Earthquakes are also common.

• Mexico forms an isthmus – a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas..

• Yucatan Peninsula is the flattest region and includes Cancun.

Climate, Biomes, and Natural Resources

• Climate varies by region. • Desert to tropical.• Northwestern Mexico is very dry, especially

in Baja California. Rains sweep into Mexico mostly from the east and southeast (Gulf of Mexico). Forested plains of southeastern Mexico have a tropical humid climate.

Mexico Climate Zones

Continued

• Hurricanes hit Mexico’s east coast, but can also happen on the Pacific Coast also.

• Climate changes with Mexico’s elevation.• Mexico does not have any major rivers.• Many mineral resources. Leading silver

producer.• Petroleum is Mexico’s most valuable

resource. (exported to U.S.)

Hurricane Dean

Mexico Pics