The Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Puebla-Oaxaca and Querétaro-Hidalgo: A Look from the PhysicalGeographical Perspective

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The geological, geomorphological, and pedological elements that provide the framework for the development of life and biological diversity on Earth come from nature through its physical and geographical environment. This constitutes the most widely accepted definition of the concept of geodiversity. Proposed in the 1990s, this concept has gained relevance in the last decade as it seeks to establish relationships and interactions with various factors (biotic and abiotic) at different spatial and temporal scales. The firm intention is to seek answers regarding ecological dynamics, anthropic activities, and social processes. In this chapter, we offer a broad and general view of the different elements that make up geodiversity, focusing on the arid and semi-arid zones of central Mexico. Additionally, we provide a current overview of the importance of incorporating the physical-geographical environment and its potential for understanding ecological and environmental studies at any scale of work. The actualization of the knowledge of these regions' purposes is the understanding of their environmental dynamic, productive potential, diversity, strategies, and management proposals considering their fragility and susceptibility to climate change. Finally, we establish a physical-geographical comparison based on the similarities and differences between the Puebla-Oaxaca and Querétaro-Hidalgo regions, demonstrating that their different components and characteristics, based on geological history, provide valuable information for identifying numerous environmental services and social benefits that distinguish them from other regions. These studies are mainly based on abiotic factors and their direct relationships as the foundation for the development of the biotic environment.