Question

Name the physical features of South America. Write a short note on the Eastern Highlands.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain the physical features of South America.
• Explain the Eastern Highlands.

Solution:

The continent of South America is divided into four major
physical features.
The Andes mountains run along the western coast of South America. We can see the western coastal plains between the
Andes and the coast. Towards the central part, we have the
central lowlands. As the name suggests, these are the plains.
Going further east, we can see the eastern highlands.

Highlands refer to plateaus. The eastern highlands comprise the Guiana Highlands, Brazilian Highlands and the Patagonia Plateau. These plateaus are made up of old crystalline rocks.

• Guiana Highlands:
  • The Guiana Highlands lie between the Amazon river and the Orinoco river. Heavy forests cover the region.
  • The world’s highest waterfall: Angel Falls, is located in the Guiana Highlands.
• Brazilian Highlands:
  • The Brazilian Highlands cover most of Brazil's Eastern, Southern, and Central parts. The major rivers that flow in the region are the San Francisco river and the Parana river. These rivers eventually empty into the Atlantic ocean. The western part of the Brazilian Highlands is called the Mato Grasso plateau region.
• Patagonia Plateau:
  • The Patagonia Plateau lie in the south of the continent. The region is close to the Andes, forming a vast sandstone tableland. The dry, cool, and windy climate make the region a cold desert.