MESA CENTRAL

also called Mesa De Anhuac, or Mesa Central Del Sur, high plateau region in central Mexico. The Mesa Central comprises the southern section of the Mexican Plateau extending south from the Zacatecas Mountains to the Bajo, a fertile region at the northern base of the Neo-Volcnica Range. Lying at elevations of 6,000 to 7,500 feet (1,800 to 2,300 m), the Mesa Central is considerably higher and wetter than the Mesa del Norte (Northern Plateau). In areas of high volcanic activity, numerous blocked streams and rivers have formed extensive shallow lakes and swamps on the mesa; the Toltec name, Anhuac, means land on the edge of the water. Significant lakes in the area include Chapala, Ptzcuro, and Cuitzeo. The Mesa Central was explored by the Aztecs in the early 1300s. The area is densely populated and encompasses urban centres such as Guadalajara, Len, Queretaro, and Pachuca. A temperate climate, relatively abundant rainfall, and rich alluvial and volcanic soils create favourable agricultural conditions, and much of the land supports extensive farming as well as cattle grazing in some of the drier pockets. Significant crops include corn (maize), beans, wheat, and sugarcane; sugar refineries and grain mills are located in Guadalajara. Other important industries are textiles, cement, and chemicals.