lecture 9a

Module Nine: The Northern Andean Countries of South America

  • Introduction to the Northern Andean Countries

    • Refers to five countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

    • While Peru and Bolivia are more Mid Andes geographically, they are still included.

Physical Geography and Topography

  • Threefold Classification of Geography:

    • Costa:

    • Refers to the Pacific Coast.

    • Appears as a narrow zone along the coastline.

    • Sierra:

    • Refers to the mountain regions of the Andes.

    • Oriente:

    • Refers to the eastern areas, primarily the Amazon Basin.

  • Country-specific Terminology:

    • Venezuela:

    • Does not use the term "Oriente"; instead references Llano (plains) due to the coastal position along the Caribbean Sea.

    • Colombia:

    • Has both a Pacific Coast and a Caribbean Coast.

    • Uses the term Llanos for eastern regions, sharing it with Venezuela.

    • Ecuador:

    • Exemplifies Costa, Sierra, Oriente classification effectively.

The Andes Mountain Range

  • General Characteristics:

    • Longest mountain range in the world, spanning the entire western part of South America.

    • Extends into Venezuela and produces significant geographical features in Peru and Bolivia.

  • Geographical Features of the Andes:

    • Altiplano:

    • High elevation plateau, similar to the Tibetan Plateau, but smaller in size.

    • Two main ranges within Bolivia and southern Peru; connects back to a single range in northern Peru, transitioning into Ecuador.

    • Divides into three branches as it enters Colombia:

    • Cordillera Occidental (Western branch)

    • Cordillera Central (Central branch)

    • Cordillera Oriental (Eastern branch)

National Parks and Conservation Issues

  • All five Northern Andean countries have established national parks for preservation.

  • Issues:

    • Paper Parks:

    • Parks exist on paper but lack enforcement of conservation laws, allowing illegal activities (logging and mining).

  • Geographical Locations of Such Parks:

    • Many in the Andes and the Guyana Highlands in Venezuela.

Venezuela

  • General Landscape:

    • Mountainous region in the north with Llanos as central plains, and the Guiana Highlands in the south.

    • Lake Maracaibo:

    • Characteristics: Technically not a lake, has an outlet to the ocean; known for its oil industry.

  • Andes Influence:

    • Pico Bolívar: Highest point in Venezuela, prominent in local geography.

    • Major Venezuelan cities, including Caracas, develop within valleys of the Andes.

    • Increased rainfall in Andean regions compared to coastal areas.

Major Cities of Venezuela

  • City Distribution:

    • Most cities located in valleys within the Andes, contradicting the expectation of flatter areas.

    • Notable cities include Caracas, Valencia, and Barquisimeto.

Capital City: Caracas

  • Positioned inland near the Caribbean coast, featuring slums and high-rise buildings juxtaposed.

  • Confronts significant poverty exacerbated by political issues and economic downturns.

Llanos Region

  • Geographical Nature:

    • A vast grassland situated in the Orinoco Watershed, extending into Colombia.

    • The term Llano refers specifically to "plains."

  • Ecological Characteristics:

    • Savannah environment characterized by grasslands and some trees.

    • Distinct wet and dry seasons, with rainfall concentrated in specific months.

Orinoco River

  • Major river of northern South America, functioning as a crucial watershed.

  • Historically significant for the oil industry, now increasingly productive in the Orinoco Lowlands.

Summary and Conclusion

  • Emphasis on the diverse and intricate geography of the Northern Andean countries.

  • Recognition of both environmental beauty and critical conservation struggles in maintaining national parks and preserving ecosystems.