Physical Features of Europe

Shannon River Longest river in Ireland Divides western Ireland from the east and south Major physical barrier Important waterway for 1000s of years

Seine River Important commercial waterway in France Flows through Paris and empties into the English Channel Famous for its 37 Parisian bridges Main water supply for Paris

Rhone River One of the major rivers of Europe Begins in Switzerland and runs through southeast France Before roads the Rhone was a major transportation route

Rhine River Runs from the Swiss Alps and into Germany Vital and navigable waterway for centuries One of the most important rivers in the world for industrial transport

English Channel Separates southern England from northern France Site of many invasions into and out of England Over 500 ships cross a day Site of the Channel Tunnel

Mediterranean Sea Means = in the middle of land To the north is Europe and to the south is North Africa Reaches the Atlantic via the Strait of Gibraltar Very important trade route Resources like oil Cultural exchange

Strait of Gibraltar Connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea Separates Spain and North Africa/Morocco by 8.9 miles Immigration issues into Europe from N. Africa

Pyrenees Forms the natural border between France and Spain 305 miles long Renowned for hot springs

Alps Cross eight countries, however, the Swiss and French Alps are the most well known Highest peaks are Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn Strong Alpine cultural identity Discovery of Otzi- 3,300 BCE

Volga River Longest river in Europe (2,294 miles) Flows through central Russia 11/20 of the largest cities in Russia, including the capital Moscow are in the drainage basin of the Volga Viewed as the national river of Russia, referred to as ‘Mother Volga”