1. Physical Features of Brazil
On a sketch map of Brazil, please locate the following features.
Rivers: Amazon
Seas: North and South Atlantic Ocean
Mts: Brazilian Highlands, Plateau of Mato Grosso
Cities: Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro
BRAZIL

2. RELIEF
The most important physical features in Brazil are the Brazilian Highlands and the Amazon Basin.
The South-east of Brazil is mountainous, up to 3000m and it forms part of the Brazilian Plateau which makes up 60% of the country. The rest of the country is made up of lowland plains.

3. The drainage basin of the Amazon occupies almost one
The drainage basin of the Amazon occupies almost one
Third of Brazil. The basin is made up of lowlands, swamps,
floodplains and rainforests.
Brazil has one of the largest river systems in the world. It has
eight major drainage basins. The drainage basins of the rivers Amazon, Tocantins and Araguaia drain over 56% of the area.

5. EQUATORIAL
Hottest part of Brazil = 32+ / rainfall 750mm
Sun overhead most of the year – temps 32 degrees C = hot and humid. Temps at night 22 . Rainfall >2,000mm
Semi-arid
Temps > . 25 – rainfall <500mm
Tropical
Oceanic - Maritime
– dry winter -60mm–
Humid summer >18
– influenced by the sea – cool summers – sea breezes – mild winters
Sub -Tropical
Temps – little variation – most rain in December

6. Temps in Brazil
Above 25
20-25
<20

7. SOILS IN BRAZIL
1 The Terra Rossa Soil. - this occurs in the state of Sao Paulo and it is a dark red soil that contains much humus. It is used mainly for the growth of coffee trees. It is produced by the weathering of limestone rock under hot conditions – this causes iron oxide (rust) to form in the clay giving it its red colour.
2 In the Amazon Basin the main soil is fertile alluvium which is deposited along the flood plain of the river. It is used to allow the development of cattle ranches and agriculture in the deforested areas of the Amazon Basin.
3 Latosol soils exist under rainforests. This is the name given to a soil from which all the minerals have been leached due to heavy rainfall following deforestation. Minerals are washed downwards and can form a hardpan