MEXICAN PLATEAU: CHARACTERISTICS, FLORA, FAUNA, RELIEF - GEOGRAPHY - 2024

The Mexican Plateau, also called the Mexican Plateau or Central Table of Mexico, is a wide plateau that extends from the vicinity of the Rio Grande in the north, to the Neo-volcanic Axis, in the south. It is worth mentioning that some specialists include the Neo-volcanic Axis as part of this zone.

The Mexican Plateau comprises a large part of the northern and central states of the country, such as Chihuahua, Nuevo León, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis de Potosí, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Sonora, Jalisco, Querétaro and the Federal District.

This geographical area is also characterized by a variety of landscapes and climates, as it also includes other physiographic regions, such as the northern mountain ranges and plains, the Neo-Volcanic Axis and the center table.

Due to its location, it is a place prone to earthquakes and the eruptions of some volcanoes that are currently in an active state.

Main features

-It limits the north with the Rio Grande, to the south with the Neo-volcanic Axis, to the east with the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental to the west. Both mountains are part of the most important mountain system in Mexico.

-The maximum elevation of the plateau is in the south and is also called the South Central Table.

-The plateau of the Central Table is interrupted by three transversal mountains: Sierra de Zacatecas, Sierra de la Breña and Sierra de San Luis.

-As you move further north, the altitude decreases. In the area there is rather a presence of plains that, up to certain points, converge in deserts.

-In the Central Table there are small valleys. These were home to lakes and other river sources.

-Thanks to its location, the Mexican Plateau presents an interesting variety in relation to the climate. For example, in the south, rains and cold winters are more common; while in the north, the environment is warmer and more desert.

-Because it also makes contact with the Neo-volcanic Axis, the region is prone to earthquakes and eruptions from volcanoes found in that area.

-There are numerous rivers, lakes and lagoons. The rivers flow into hydrological sources such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

Main formations of the Mexican Plateau

The mountain ranges and plains of the north

They occupy part of the Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora regions, between the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental. It is located about 1,300 meters above sea level, so its climate ranges from hot to desert.

Central Table

It is a plain that is interrupted by three mountain ranges: Sierra de Zacatecas, Sierra de la Breña and Sierra de San Luis.

These mountains subdivide the region into two zones: one that is more in the north, with a semi-arid climate and little rainfall; and another, in the south, which is known as the Anáhuac plateau and where the environment is a little colder.

Neo-volcanic axis

Also called the Eje Volcánico or Neo-volcanic mountain range, it is a mountain system made up of volcanoes.

This system starts from the vicinity of the Pacific Ocean, passing through the Federal District, to the Los Tuxtlas region. It has the name "neo" because the last volcano that was formed, Paricutín, was formed in 1943 and is considered the youngest in the world.

Flora

Towards the south it is common to find other plant species. Coniferous forests predominate, where pines, ceiba and fir trees stand out.

Likewise, in this same area is the holm oak, also called chaparro, which is a small tree whose fruit is the acorn. In addition, in some areas of the south grasses coexist.

In hot desert areas the following vegetation can be found:

Cactus

The most prevalent species is the candelabra cactus, so named because its stem branches out and resembles a candelabrum.

After this species, the hedgehog cactus stands out, which blooms during spring and produces fruits similar to strawberries. Formerly its oil was used for cooking.

Maguey

The maguey is a raw material for the production of alcoholic beverages such as mezcal and tequila.

Ocotillo

Because it is a thorny tree, it needs very little water to survive. It has strong branches to resist the winds and thorns to protect its flowers.

Fauna

In the colder environments of the Mexican Altiplano, it is common to find rodents such as the mountain rabbit and the shrew.

Some other animals that can be found in the Mexican Highlands are the following:

American black vulture

It is a rooster-sized carrion bird that feeds on decomposed organic matter.

Kangaroo rat

Its form of movement is similar to the marsupial.

Gila monster

It is considered one of the most poisonous lizards in the world.

Relief

In general terms, the Mexican Plateau refers to a central plateau. However, it also includes other characteristics such as plains, valleys and mountains.

To the north, the altitude ranges between 1000 and 1300 meters above sea level, losing altitude until reaching the Rio Grande. The same does not happen if you go to the south, since there the height is greater and can even ascend to 2000 m, so it is a mountain environment.

Enclosing the plateau are the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental; the latter is an extension of the Sierra Nevada in the United States. The Sierra Madre del Sur is also part of the complex, and sometimes the Neo-volcanic Axis is also included.

In contrast to deserts, plains, and mountain ranges, the Mexican Plateau is home to a chain of mountains and volcanoes. The most important volcanic formations are Orizaba, Popocatépetl, El Climatario, Nevado de Toluca and La Malinche.

Weather

As already mentioned, the climate in the north tends to be drier than in the south, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 40 ° C, especially during spring and summer.

For example, thanks to the mountain ranges, in the Central Table there is an effect that limits rainfall, producing a climate that allows xerophilous vegetation.

As one descends towards the Neo-volcanic Axis, the climate is more humid and with more precipitation due to the increase in altitude. Even tropical storms and moderate to heavy rains can occur.

In the southern part of the plateau, some mountains that are part of the Neo-volcanic Axis are covered with snow at certain times of the year. The formation of glaciers is also possible, which serve as a source of fresh water for the country.

References

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4. Hernández, Fernando Carlos. (2001). The Mexican Plateau or Mexican Plateau. In Veterinary Expressions. Retrieved: February 16, 2018. In Veterinary Expressions of Veterinary Expressions.blogspot.pe.
5. Center table. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: February 16, 2018. In Wikipedia at es.wikipedia.org.
6. Mexico: relief. (2007). In the guide. Retrieved: February 16, 2018. In La Guía de geografía.laguia2000.com.
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