Geography and Climate

South America consists of mountains and highlands, river basins, and coastal plains. Mountains and coastal plains are generally run in a north-south direction. On the other hand rivers and highlands run in an east-west direction (Society, N.G, 2012).

The primary mountain system is the world's longest, Andes. The three major river basins are the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Parana. According to National Geographic (2012) The Orinoco River flows north of the Amazon, it originated in the Guiana Highlands of northern Brazil and discharges in the Atlantic Ocean in Venezuela. The Orinoco River basin covers an area of about 948,000 square kilometers (366,000 square miles) and ranges across approximately 80 percent of Venezuela and 25 percent of Colombia. Lastly, The Paraguay/Paraná River basin covers 1,081,000 square miles of southeastern Brazil and Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. The Paraná River empties into the Rio de la Plata estuary (where tides and streams meet) between Argentina and Uruguay.

Natural Resources

According to National Geographic, Sao Paulo, Brazil is the highest urban area and for every square kilometer, there are 57 people of all South America (2012). South America is diverse in agricultural products, many in which include, mineral wealth and fresh water. Cash crops include coffee and cacao, products which are from Brazil. Native crops through the tropical areas include cashews and fruits such as avocado, pineapple, papaya, and guava. Mahogany and Rosewood, are native high- value trees to the rain forest. Lumber from these trees are exported to foreign markets to be used as cabinets and floors. Some countries one including Chile have tree plantations which is an important exporter of wood chips, plywood, and paper pulp, being a major supply (Society, N.G, 2012). These resources make South America extremely valuable through many markets, various products they produce have become part of our daily lives and used to make items for our lives.

Climate

South America is considered to be known for its humid and wet climate. There are parts of South America where it’s hot and others that are a bit colder. The Amazons are between 70 and 90 degrees fahrenheit. The highest temperature of South America recorded as 110 is in Gran Chaco, Argentina. The wettest place in South America; Quibdó, Colombia, receives an annual rainfall of 350 inches (South America Climate, 2016). There is a variety of climates which differ through various zones of South America. And each of them benefit the country in many ways.

The following seasons and their respective dates are as follows (Maps of World, 2016):

Spring (September, October, and November)

Summer (December, January, and February)

Autumn (March, April, and May)
Winter (June, July, and August)