Category: South America

VEGETATION AND CLIMATE
The precipitation in the Peruvian parts of the Andes falls mainly between November and May, the other months belong to the dry season. The runoff regimes of the rivers flowing into the Pacific are correspondingly uneven. Agriculture in the coastal area is only possible with irrigation, the rivers – they are foreign rivers there – provide the necessary water resources. These rooms are favored by their level terrain and the nutrient-rich fine material layer.

The climatic conditions are reflected in the vegetation zoning. In the west on the coast there is a hot lowland desert with no vegetation and only episodic vegetation (rainfall of less than 200 mm per year). This is followed to the east by the semi-desert, mostly consisting of cacti, which has fog-fed vegetation on hills and exposed locations. This continues to the east at medium altitudes in a belt with fog herbs and shrubs. This is followed by a tropical mountain forest level on the Pacific roof of the Andes at an altitude of about 2000 meters. In rain-shielded areas with mostly their own wind systems, a dry bush forest with many deciduous and sparse trees forms. For more information about the continent of South America, please check ehealthfacts.org.