The Physical Geography Of South America

The Physical Geography of South America, the eighth volume in the Oxford Regional Environments series, presents an enduring statement on the physical and biogeographic conditions of this remarkable continent and their relationships to human activity. It fills a void in recent environmental literature by assembling a team of specialists from within and beyond South America in order to provide an integrated, cross-disciplinary body of knowledge about this mostly tropical continent, together with its high mountains and temperate southern cone. The authors systematically cover the main components of the South American environment - tectonism, climate, glaciation, natural landscape changes, rivers, vegetation, animals, and soils. The book then presents more specific treatments of regions with special attributes from the tropical forests of the Amazon basin to the Atacama Desert and Patagonian steppe, and from the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific coasts to the high Andes. Additionally, the continents environments are given a human face by evaluating the roles played by people over time, from pre-European and European colonial impacts to the effects of modern agriculture and urbanization, and from interactions with El Ni?o events to prognoses for the future environments of the continent.

For decades, the prevailing sentiment was that, since geography is unchangeable, there is no reason why public policies should take it into account. In fact, charges that geographic interpretations of development were deterministic, or even racist, made the subject a virtual taboo in academic and policymaking circles alike. 'Is Geography Destiny?' challenges that premise and joins a growing body of literature studying the links between geography and development. Focusing on Latin America, the book argues that based on a better understanding of geography, public policy can help control or channel its influence toward the goals of economic and social development.

This book traces the development of settlements and economic systems, as well as provide up-to-date information and interpretation of the contemporary problems of South America.

"First published in 2016 by The Watts Publishing Group"--Title page verso.

Latin America, physical geography -- Latin America, shaped by its history -- Cultures of Latin America -- Mexico and Central America -- The Caribbean -- South America -- Reference section: DK atlas; Glossary of geographic terms; Gazetteer; Glossary.

Within a strong geographical and historical framework, this edition discusses contemporary Latin American issues such as environmental problems, population pressure, migration, drugs and economic development. It includes updated maps and photographs and new interludes on Cancun and the Yucatan.

A family reference work containing alphabetically arranged articles, with charts, maps, and photographs, covering physical and human geography.