West-Central Europe

 Big Idea  West-Central Europe has a range of landscapes, a mild climate, and rich farmland.  Main Ideas  The physical features of West-Central Europe include plains, uplands, mountains, rivers, and seas.  West-Central Europe’s mild climate and resources support agriculture, energy production, and tourism.

Plains  The Northern European Plain is a low, broad coastal plain. Most of it is covered with flat or rolling terrain.  The region’s best farmland is on the plains.  The region’s largest cities are also on the plain

Uplands  The Central Uplands region has hills, valleys, and plateaus.  The Massif Central and Jura Mountains are part of the uplands.  Forests and coalfields are common in the uplands.

Mountains  The Alps and the Pyrenees stretch into West- Central Europe from Southern Europe.  Europe’s highest mountains are in the Alps.  Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, is in this region

Rivers and Seas  Important rivers include the Danube and the Rhine.  The North Sea lies just north of West- Central Europe. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the English Channel.  The Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean are west of the region.  France is bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea

Climate  Most of the region has a marine west coast climate with mild summers, cold winters, and frequent rain.  The region’s climate is kept mild by a warm ocean current that flows along Europe’s northwestern coast.  Some parts of the region do have different climates:  Because of their high elevation, the Alps have a colder, wetter climate than the rest of West-Central Europe.  Southern France has a Mediterranean climate.  The region’s mild climate and ample rainfall make its farmlands very productive.

Resources The region’s farmlands support a variety of crops, including grapes, grains, and vegetables. In addition, upland pastures support the raising of livestock.  Mineral resources of the region include coal in France and Germany, iron ore in France, and natural gas in the Netherlands.  The region’s rivers are a good source of hydroelectric power.  Tourists are drawn to the region’s breathtaking scenery. The Alps are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe