a large area in southern Argentina, which has a small population and many sheep farms. Semiarid scrub plateau, southern Argentina. It is the largest desert region in the Americas, with an area of about 260,000 sq mi (673,000 sq km). Its approximate boundaries are the Colorado River in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the Coig River in the south, and the Andes Mountains in the west. A region of vast and virtually treeless plains, it has a variety of wildlife, including llamas, pumas, and eagles. Natural resources include petroleum, iron ore, copper, uranium, and manganese