Dry Andes

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/dry-andes

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary defining characteristic?Extreme aridity, influenced by the Andean rain shadow effect
2. What is the geomorphological indicator?Distribution of penitentes, with the southernmost well-developed formations on Lanín Volcano
3. What makes the Dry Andes different from the Wet Andes?The Dry Andes are very dry and get almost no rain, while the Wet Andes receive more moisture. The Dry Andes also have special ice shapes like penitentes.
4. Why are there ice formations in a dry place?Even though the area is dry, the high altitude and cold temperatures let ice form. Rock glaciers and penitentes appear because of the cold and very low humidity.

Glacioclimatic Subregion: A geographical area defined by its specific climate and glacial characteristics.
Orography: The study of mountains and mountain ranges, including their formation and impact on weather.
Rain Shadow Effect: A region of significantly reduced rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain range.
Cryosphere: All the parts of the Earth where water is in solid form (ice, snow, glaciers, etc.).