Physical Features of South America South America is a diverse continent located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth. It is the fifth largest continent i...
Physical Features of South America
South America is a diverse continent located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth. It is the fifth largest continent in the world and is home to a wide variety of physical features, including mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests.
Mountains
South America is known for its towering mountains, which stretch across the continent from north to south. The highest mountain in South America is Mount Everest, with a summit elevation of 8,848.86 meters above sea level. Other notable mountains include Cotopaxi (7,482 meters), Ancobol (6,951 meters), and Mount Chimborazo (6,476 meters).
Rivers
The continent is also home to some of the longest and most important rivers in the world. The Amazon River, which flows through South America, is the largest river by volume and the second longest river in the world. Other major rivers include the Orinoco, Congo, Parana, and Rio Grande.
Deserts
South America is a region with a wide range of climates and therefore a wide range of deserts. The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, is located in the heart of South America. Other notable deserts include the Pantanal, the Patagonian, and the Dry Chaco.
Forests
Despite its arid climate, South America is home to some of the most diverse and extensive forests in the world. The Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world, and it is home to a wide variety of animals, including the giant tree species that form the basis of the rainforest's ecosystem. Other important forests include the Pantanal wetlands, the Atlantic Rainforest, and the Cerrado