Chapter TenChapter TenMexicoMexicoSection OneSection One

Geography of MexicoGeography of Mexico

The Heartland RegionThe Heartland Region

• The central plateau is Mexico’s most important and populous region, with several large cities.

• It has rich soil and plenty of rainfall.

• It is Mexico’s best farmland and home to 80% of Mexico’s population.

Natural HazardsNatural Hazards

• Mexico’s central plateau is geologically unstable.• It lies at the intersection of four tectonic plates.• These plates move against each other and form

jagged mountain ranges.• Some of the mountains on the southern edge

are active volcanoes.• Earthquakes often shake the land. In 1985, a

strong earthquake struck Mexico City, killing 10,000 people and causing $4.1 billion in damage.

Climate FactorsClimate Factors

• Mexico’s central plateau has a desirable climate.• The northern part of the plateau receives less than 4

inches of rain per year, while the southern part receives up to 40 inches per year.

• Elevation is a key factor in the climate. • The average elevation in this region is 7,000 feet.• Mexico City is in this region and enjoys average

temperatures of 74F In the summer and 70F in the winter.

• This is a major draw for millions of people who have moved into Mexico City’s slums.

• Many people are unemployed or under-employed.• They live in vast slums without sewage or running water.

The Coastal RegionsThe Coastal Regions

• The coastal plains are found along the northern Pacific coast, the southern Pacific coast, and the Gulf Coast.

• In the northern Pacific coast and Gulf coast, the plains stretch 80 miles inland.

• Along the southern Pacific coast they stretch only 15 miles inland.

Northern Pacific CoastNorthern Pacific Coast

• This region is dry, hot, and sparsely populated.• The city of Tijuana is the only exception with

over one million people.• This is one of Mexico’s best farmland due to

irrigation.• Irrigation- the artificial watering of farmland by

storing and distributing water drawn from reservoirs or rivers.

• Baja California is a long peninsula, 760 miles, of mostly mountainous desert.

Southern Pacific CoastSouthern Pacific Coast

• This region is bordered by the Sierra Madre Del Sur mountain range.

• The region’s tropical climate make this an ideal tourist destination.

• The resort cities of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan are located here.

Gulf Coastal PlainGulf Coastal Plain

• This region is vitally important to Mexico’s economy.

• Along the plain and offshore, in the Gulf of Mexico, are vast deposits of petroleum and natural gas.

• This has helped make Mexico one of the world’s major oil producing nations.

The Yucatan PeninsulaThe Yucatan Peninsula

• This region is mostly flat.• It is bedrock made of limestone.• When it rains, this causes the water to seep into the rock

and produces sinkholes.• Sinkhole- a hole formed when limestone is dissolved,

causing the land above to collapse.• This region has a sparse population.• The largest city is Merida with a population of 500,000.• Cancun is a major tourist destination. It’s streets are

lined with towering hotels and lavish resorts.• Ancient Mayan ruins attract tourists and archeologists.