Comparing the Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental Plateaus

Sierra Madre Occidental (Western Mexico)

• Formed by North American & Pacific plate collision
• High plateau between mountains & Pacific
• Temperate mountains, tropical lowlands
• Coniferous forests (high), tropical rainforest (low)
• Wildlife: wolves, bears, deer
• Economy: agriculture, mining, tourism

Sierra Madre Oriental (Eastern Mexico)

• Formed by North American & Caribbean plate collision
• Gulf Coastal Plain between mountains & Gulf of Mexico
• Tropical lowlands, temperate mountains
• Tropical rainforest (low), coniferous forests (high)
• Wildlife: jaguars, ocelots, monkeys
• Economy: agriculture, oil, tourism

Conclusions

• Both are major physiographic regions shaped by tectonic collisions.
• Distinct climates, vegetation, wildlife.
• Both support key economic activities and tourism.