Chapter 8, Section 1: Physical Geography Central America and
the Caribbean
Slide 2
The Big Idea The physical geography of Central America and the
Caribbean islands includes warm coastal lowlands, cooler highlands,
and tropical forests.
Slide 3
Physical Features Central America The region of Central America
is the southern part of North America. Central America is an
isthmus, or narrow strip of land that connects two larger land
areas. The ruggedness of the mountains and volcanoes plus lack of
water routes makes travel difficult.
Slide 4
Physical Features Caribbean Islands The Caribbean is made up of
hundreds of islands known as an archipelago. The two main island
groups in the Caribbean are the Greater Antilles and Lesser
Antilles Many Caribbean islands are tops of underwater mountains
and volcanoes. They are located along edges of tectonic plates.
Movement of these plates cause earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions.
Slide 5
Climate and Vegetation Central America and the Caribbean
islands are generally sunny and warm. Inland mountain areas contain
cool, humid climates, some are covered with cloud forests which are
home to numerous plant and animal species.
Slide 6
Climate and Vegetation (continued) Temperatures do not change
much throughout the year. Seasons are marked by changes in
rainfall: Winter is usually dry. Summer, rains almost daily.
Hurricane season is between June and November bringing heavy winds
and flooding.
Slide 7
Resources The regions best resources are its land and climate.
Tourism is an important industry. Warm climate and rich soil make
the region a good place to grow coffee, bananas, sugarcane, and
cotton. Central America and the Caribbean have few mineral and
energy resources.
