Upload
georgina-gray
View
218
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
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.