Geography of South America
South America, a continent, forms the southern portion of the Americas, situated south and east of the Panama Canal. Its topography is dominated by the Andes, a Cenozoic mountain range, running along the western edge. East of the Andes lies a vast central lowland, drained by the Amazon and Paraná rivers, and the Brazilian and Guiana Highlands.
Climate
South America's climate is shaped by the Hadley model of atmospheric circulation, characterized by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where ascending air and precipitation occur. The ITCZ's position varies seasonally, influencing rainfall patterns. South America is also subject to the South American monsoon system (SAMS), which involves various subcomponents such as the Pacific and Atlantic subtropical highs, the Gran Chaco thermal low, the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ), polar outbreaks, the Low Level Jet (LLJ), westerlies, the Bolivian High, and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). These factors combine to create diverse climate patterns, including tropical rainforests in the Amazon, savannas in the llanos and campos, and arid deserts like the Atacama.
Regions
South America's largest country by area and population is Brazil. The continent is divided into regions: the Andean States along the Andes, the Guianas in the northeast, and the Southern Cone at the southern tip.
Islands
South America includes various islands, primarily belonging to countries on the continent. The Caribbean territories are grouped with North America, while the Caribbean South America includes Colombia and Venezuela, bordering the Caribbean Sea.
Geology
The continent was formed by the collision of the Nazca and South American plates, resulting in the uplift of the Andes. The Andes are still seismically active and host high-altitude valleys and the world's highest capitals. The Brazilian and Guiana Highlands are older and rugged, containing unique geological features like the tepuis of Venezuela.