- The main natural resources of Michoacán
- 1- Forest resources
- 2- Mineral resources
- 3- Soils
- 4- Water resources
- 5- Flora and fauna
- References
The natural resources of Michoacan are diverse. The foresters stand out among them, for their pine forests and their resin production; and the miners, where iron and zinc deposits stand out.
Michoacán de Ocampo is located in the center-west of Mexico. Its limits are the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, the states of Colima and Jalisco to the west, Guanajuato to the north, Querétaro to the northeast, the state of Mexico to the east and Guerrero to the south. Its capital is Morelia.
Sierra Michoacana. Source: Jessicatena / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
It is said that the name of the state derives from the Nahuatl words "michin" (fish), "hua" (those who have) and "can" (place), and means "place of fishermen."
In terms of climate, conditions are hot and humid in the narrow coastal plain to the west, while to the east is a cold and semi-arid Sierra Madre del Sur, an area of great volcanic activity.
The main natural resources of Michoacán
1- Forest resources
A little more than a quarter of the soil in this state is forest. This state is considered one of the main natural lungs of the Aztec nation.
In Michoacán there are large pine forests and, to a lesser extent, oak and fir forests. These coniferous plants place this territory in the first place of resin production.
On the other hand, the silvicultural production of tropical species -such as parota, cueramo, granadillo and ironwood- does not reach 1%.
2- Mineral resources
One of the main natural resources of Michoacán is mineral. The role of mining has been significant in the state's economy.
Approximately thirty-two municipalities have substantial iron ore deposits. Gold deposits have also been found in Angangueo and Churumuco.
Copper, for its part, is produced in Coalcomán and Tingambato. Additionally, this entity has deposits of sulfur, coal and zinc.
3- Soils
The soils of Michoacán offer multiple advantages for the development of agriculture. This activity is one of the largest sources of employment for the entity.
Michoacán is the largest avocado producer in the country. It also ranks first in the production of chickpeas, lemons, sesame and sorghum. Other crops include sugar cane, corn, wheat, mangoes, strawberries, and papayas.
Likewise, cattle breeding has a preponderant place. Pork, beef, and poultry are the main meat products.
The state is also known for its production of milk, eggs, honey, and beeswax.
4- Water resources
Michoacán stands out for its underground and main water resources. The state has several waterways, lakes, springs, and aquifers. Its aquifers (21 in total) recharge almost two thousand hectares of cubic meters per year.
The main rivers are the Lerma, which flows into Lake Chapala in the northwest; and the Balsas and the Tepalcatepec, which merge on the southern border. Unfortunately, their flows have been reduced by large-scale irrigation projects.
5- Flora and fauna
Michoacán's diversity of natural resources is due in large part to its varied ecosystems.
This state is home to many types of animals, such as mountain lions, foxes, coyotes, armadillos, squirrels, and various reptiles. The tropical regions are home to eagles and parrots. And on the coast there are sharks, whales and porpoises.
In addition to pines and other conifers, its flora includes oaks and cedars; in the same way, there are areas with vegetation of thorny scrub and grasslands.
References
- Michoacan. (2012, November 21). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from britannica.com
- Michoacan. (s / f). In Go gringo. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from gogringo.com
- Michoacan. (s / f). At Nations Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from nationsencyclopedia.com
- Lee, S. (Editor) (2002). Mexico and the United States. New York: Marshall Cavendish.
- Mercado Vargas, H. and Palmerín Cerna, M. (s / f). The state of Michoacán and its tourist regions. In Eumed.net, Virtual Encyclopedia. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from eumed.net
- Casillas Mendoza, S. (2013, March 22). In Michoacán, poor infrastructure limits access to water. In Cambio de Michoacán. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, from Cambiodemichoacan.com.mx
- Michoacán de Ocampo. (s / f). In Encyclopedia of the Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico. State of Michoacán de Ocampo. Retrieved on September 20, 2017, desiglo.inafed.gob.mx