Key Geographical Definitions of Chile and South America
Classified in Geology
Written on in 
English with a size of 5.11 KB
Geographical and Climatic Terminology of Chile
I. Major Landforms and Mountain Ranges
Andes Mountain Range
The chain of mountains in South America that extends almost parallel to the coast of the Pacific, from Cape Horn to the vicinity of Panama.
Coastal Mountains (Cordillera de la Costa)
Extends from Cerro Camaraca to the Taitao Peninsula.
Cerro Camaraca
The point where the Cordillera starts from the coast.
Antartandes
Where the Cordillera of the Andes finishes in the Antarctic.
Patagonian Range (Cordillera Patagónica)
A mountain zone shared with Argentina.
Nahuelbuta Range (Cordillera Nahuelbuta)
Serves as a separation between the VIII and IX regions.
Cerro Vicuña Mackenna
The maximum height of the Coastal Cordillera in the II Region.
II. Relief and Regional Features
Transverse Valleys (Valles Transversales)
Mountain ranges that run East to West.
Fray Jorge and Talinay
An extension of hills and ridges.
Plateau
A high, flat area.
Coastal Plains
Flat strips of terraced forms that lie between the line of lowest tide and the Coastal Cordillera.
Coastal Escarpment (Farellón Costero)
Relief typical of the coastal zone.
Intermediate Depression
Extends from Puerto Montt to the Gulf of Ancud. It is interrupted by transverse ranges (e.g., Copiapó and Aconcagua Rivers).
Santiago Basin
It is part of the Central Depression.
Longitudinal Valley or Plain
A broad, flat area of the Central Depression.
Gulf of Arauco
Located within the coastal plains.
Reloncaví Estuary (Seno de Reloncaví)
It marks the end of the Central Valley.
III. Tectonics, Geology, and Oceanography
Taitao Peninsula
Location where the South American and Nazca plates converge near Antarctica.
Nazca and South American Plates
Major tectonic plates involved in regional geology.
Mesozoic Era
The geological era in which the Cordillera of the Andes was formed.
Tectonic Risk
A phenomenon produced by the movement of tectonic plates.
Pacific Ring of Fire
A zone of intense volcanic activity in the South Pacific.
Dorsal (Oceanic Ridge)
Chains of seamounts.
Oceanic Trench (Fosa Oceánica)
A zone of great maritime depth.
IV. Climate and Weather Phenomena
Elements of Weather
Include air temperature, atmospheric pressure, winds, humidity, and precipitation.
Climate Factors
Include altitude, latitude, and relief.
Tropical Weather
Characterized by an average temperature of 20°C and bright green vegetation.
Camanchaca
Fog produced by the Pacific Anticyclone, common along the coast.
Bolivian Winter
Heavy rains occurring in the Northern regions.
Thermal Oscillation
Differences in temperature, often resulting in extreme cold between day and night.
Climatic Screen
A regulatory factor for temperature.
Atacama Desert
Recognized as the driest desert in the world.
Windward
The direction indicated by the prevailing winds.
V. Hydrology and Water Systems
Glaciovolcanic Lakes (Lagos Glaciovolcánicos)
Lakes formed by glaciers.
Exorheic Rivers (Ríos Exorreicos)
Rivers born in the Cordillera that terminate in the sea.
Endorheic Rivers (Ríos Endorreicos)
Rivers originating in the Cordillera that do not reach the sea.
Arheism
Underground water courses (e.g., Geysers).
VI. Ecology, Settlement, and Economy
Xerophytes (Xerófitas)
Plant species adapted to dry environments.
Mesophytes (Mesofíticas)
Greenery found in medium environments.
Hygrophyte (Rain Plant)
A plant that lives in a humid environment.
Ecumene
Permanently occupied areas by humans.
Anecumene
Unoccupied or blank areas.
Continuous Coast
An area suitable for port installation.
Discontinuous Coast (Costa Batch)
A coastal formation that prevents the construction and installation of port cities.
Alluvial Terraces
Area parceled for farming.
Industrial Agriculture
The application of industrial processes to agricultural products.
Agroforestry
Activities combining agricultural, forestry, and livestock practices.
VII. Boundaries
Concord Line (Línea de la Concordia)
The boundary limitation between Chile and Peru.