Unit 4 Europe

Introduction

Physical Features

Landforms

Europe stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Ural Mts. And from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.Islands

Great BritainIrelandIceland

Peninsulas

ScandinavianIberianItalianBalkan

Four Major Landform Regions

Northwest HighlandsNorthern European PlainCentral UplandsAlpine Mountain System

Northwest Highlands

Ancient eroded region of rugged hills and low mountainsIncludes the hills of Ireland and England, Scottish Highlands and mountains of Scandinavia, Northwest France, and parts of iberian Peninsula.

Northern European Plain

Stretches from Frances Atlantic coast to the Ural Mts.Mostly less than 500 ft above sea level.Many rivers, river towns, and port cities.Europe’s most important farming and industrial area.

Central Uplands

Stretches Northeastward across Southern Germany to the Bohemian Highlands.Area of hills and small plateaus, with forested slopes and fertile valleys.Includes Massif Central of France and Jura Mountains.Old eroded region with low, rounded mountains and hills.

Alpine Mountain System

Stretch from France’s Mediterranean coast to the Balkan Peninsula.Large, peaked mountains up to 14,000 feet.Large snowfields and glaciers.Avalanches are common.

Water

Europe is nearly surrounded by water.Hundreds of good, natural harbors.

Most are located near the mouths of navigable rivers.

The Rhine and Danube are Europe’s most important rivers.

Climates

Three major climate typesMarine West CoastHumid ContinentalMediterranean

Other smaller climate TundraSubarcticHumid SubtropicalSemiarid

North Atlantic Drift

Warm ocean current.Originates off the coast of North America and is fed by tropical waters of the Gulf StreamWestern Europe enjoys relatively mild climates compared to the rest of Europe because of the North Atlantic Drift.

Plants and Animals

Human activities and pollution have severely affected wildlife.Many animals have become extinct.Some animals only thrive in protected areas.

Natural Resources

Most original forests were cleared centuries ago.Causes:

ClearingOvergrazingPollution/Acid Rain

Good soils for farming.LemonsOrangesMany different vegetables

Other crops:GrapesOlivesPotatoesWheat

Energy and Minerals

Relies heavily on importsLack sufficient supplies of critical natural resources.

Oil, iron and other metals.

Oil and natural gas deposits beneath the North Sea.