- The most important natural resources of Sonora
- 1- Fishing resources
- 2- Mineral resources
- 3- Water resources
- 4- Soils
- 5- Forest resources
- 6- Wild fauna
- References
The natural resources of Sonora include mineral resources (the only producer of molybdenum), fishing (its coastline occupies 10% of the Mexican coast) and forestry (highlight its forests of oak and pine).
The state of Sonora is located in the northwest of Mexico. Its capital is Hermosillo. With 72 municipalities, it is the second largest state in the country, after Chihuahua.
Its limits are the North American states of Arizona and New Mexico to the north, Chihuahua to the east, Sinaloa to the south, and the state of Baja California and the Gulf of California to the west.
The eastern region of this entity is mountainous with a mixed semi-arid and sub-humid climate. Towards the western part is the Sonoran desert. This part is covered by low, scattered mountains and wide plains.
The most important natural resources of Sonora
1- Fishing resources
The coastline of this state comprises 10% of the total length of coastline in the Aztec nation. Therefore, seafood is one of the greatest natural resources in Sonora.
Among the most popular species in terms of catch are shrimp and sardines. Other catches in coastal and river waters include largemouth bass, anchovy, dogfish, barge, sole, tuna, crappie, croaker, squid, octopus and many others.
2- Mineral resources
Minerals are another of the most important natural resources in Sonora. This state leads the mining production in the country, and is the only producer of molybdenum.
Both metallic and non-metallic minerals are found in its deposits, including copper, graphite, wollastonite, anthracitic coal, silver, iron, barite, silica, gypsum, salt and zeolites.
3- Water resources
The state of Sonora has surface and underground water resources. Groundwater is one of the most important sources of drinking water and irrigation, especially for arid and semi-arid areas.
Some of the most important aquifers are located in Costa de Hermosillo, Caborca and Mesa Arenosa de San Luis.
On the other hand, the largest river in the state is El Yaqui. It begins near the United States border and flows southwest to the Gulf of California.
In fact, all the rivers of Sonora reach the Gulf of California, none of them flow directly into the sea.
For example, the Mayo River, which is located in the southern part of the state, flows through Chihuahua and Sonora to the Gulf of California.
The Colorado, another of its rivers, forms the natural border between Sonora and the Mexican state of Baja California.
4- Soils
In this entity there are large areas with grassy soils and chestnut. The former are suitable for agricultural activities and the latter for livestock. In general, agriculture plays a relevant role in the state's economy.
In the dry climate of the north and northeast, alfalfa, vegetables, grapes, dates and olives are grown through the use of irrigation systems.
The main crops in the central region are wheat, barley, alfalfa and safflower. Production in the East includes corn, beans, apples, and peaches. The south and southeast are noted for their crops of wheat, corn and beans.
On the other hand, the main types of livestock are cattle, pigs, poultry and goats. Horses, mules and donkeys are raised in the east. To the southeast a particular cheese is produced, spiced with chiltepin, a chili that grows in the desert.
5- Forest resources
Only a little more than 6% of the surface of Sonora is forested area. This corresponds to mountain regions, where pine and oak forests are very common.
Palmilla, jojoba and pitahaya grow in the coastal region.
6- Wild fauna
The wildlife in this state is varied. For example, large mammals such as deer, wild boar, coyotes, cougars, wild rams, and bears are found. The smallest include rabbits, hares, and squirrels.
Chameleons, iguanas and tarantulas, hawks and vultures also inhabit this territory. In addition, the Gulf of California area is home to many birds and marine species.
References
- Sonora. (2016, March 18). Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from britannica.com
- Sonora. (s / f)). Nations Encyclopedia. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from nationsencyclopedia.com
- Sonora. (s / f)). Encyclopedia of the municipalities and delegations of Mexico. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from siglo.inafed.gob.mx.com
- Sonora maintains leadership in fish production in Mexico. (2005, September 27). In MVS news. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from mvsnoticias.com
- Sonora in Mining. (s / f). Government of the State of Sonora. Secretariat of economy. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from economiasonora.gob.mx
- González Enríquez, R. and Castillo Acosta L. (s / f). The hydraulic resources of Sonora: an analysis of their quality and contamination, in a context of strategic planning for their sustainable development.
Technological Institute of Sonora. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from web.uaemex.mx