I. Resources of Western Europe This region has become successful and wealthy because of its natural resources, such as fertile soil, water and fuels. A. Fertile Soil -Wind has deposited loess in the soil. -plenty of rain and a long growing season = abundant crops B. Abundant Water - Rivers have been dammed to produce hydroelectric power. - Most of Norway gets electric power this way. - Rivers have been dammed to produce hydroelectric power. - Most of Norway gets electric power this way. C. Fuel Deposits - Western Europe has an abundance of coal, iron ore, natural gas, and oil making this region a leading industrial power.

II. Resources of Eastern Europe - Coal deposits, oil, and natural gas have created major industrial centers here. - The most important resource is the soil, making farming extremely important. - Coal deposits, oil, and natural gas have created major industrial centers here. - The most important resource is the soil, making farming extremely important. III. Resources of Russia - greater supply than the U.S., but can’t access that supply (harsh climate and limited navigable rivers) - lack the key elements for farming- climate, fertile soil, and plenty of water - greater supply than the U.S., but can’t access that supply (harsh climate and limited navigable rivers) - lack the key elements for farming- climate, fertile soil, and plenty of water A. Fossil Fuels and Minerals - largest supply of natural gas - one of the 5 leading oil producers - large deposits of minerals - largest reserve of iron ore (steel) This is why most industry is west of the Ural Mountains on the continent of Europe. - largest supply of natural gas - one of the 5 leading oil producers - large deposits of minerals - largest reserve of iron ore (steel) This is why most industry is west of the Ural Mountains on the continent of Europe.

B. Forest, Fishing, and Energy Resources - world’s largest forest reserve - important fishing industry (Pacific, Caspian Sea, Black Sea, lakes) - Fossil fuel resources and hydroelectric plants make Russia one of the world’s largest producers of electricity. - world’s largest forest reserve - important fishing industry (Pacific, Caspian Sea, Black Sea, lakes) - Fossil fuel resources and hydroelectric plants make Russia one of the world’s largest producers of electricity. C. Challenges to Using Russia’s Resources - Fuel resources and ¾ of the forest are in Siberia. - Russia is so large, transporting resources is a problem. Most rivers flow into the Arctic, not toward major cities. They use pipelines and railroads. - nuclear waste and air pollution