Final answer:
Central Mexico is characterized by the Mexican Plateau, mountain ranges like the Sierra Oriental and Cordillera Neovolcánica, and the Chihuahuan Desert. The area has diverse climates ranging from hot deserts to cool mountainous elevations with different land uses from agriculture to tourism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical features that make up much of central Mexico are primarily comprised of mountainous areas, plateaus, and valleys with a variety of climates. The Sierra Oriental is a significant mountain range in the region, which is integral to the physical landscape. Central Mexico is distinguished by the presence of the Mexican Plateau, also known as the Mexican Altiplano, specifically a broad valley between mountain ranges. The central Mexican landscape includes rolling hills and fertile valleys well-suited for farming and ranching. Additionally, the Mexican Altiplano is split into northern and southern sections, with the northern portion containing the expansive Chihuahuan Desert. The mountainous regions have different climates depending on the elevation, with higher areas presenting cooler climates. Meanwhile, the coastal plains in the region are leveraged for economic activities like fishing and tourism due to their rich natural resources.
Mexico's diverse climates range from hot and humid to arid, affecting the natural environment and biodiversity. The climate in northern deserts can be extreme, with the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts experiencing temperatures exceeding 110 ℉. In contrast, the mountainous regions can experience snow at higher elevations year-round. Additionally, the Cordillera Neovolcánica is a prominent volcanic mountain range that stretches across central and southern Mexico, marking the division between North and Central America and featuring peaks exceeding 16,404 feet that are snow-capped throughout the year.