The Peninsula of Peninsulas Chapter 12 The Peninsula of Peninsulas

Peninsulas and Islands A peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered on three sides by water. Europe is a large peninsula made up of smaller ones. Because of these peninsulas, most locations in Europe are no more than 300 miles from an ocean or sea.

Mountains and Uplands The mountains of Europe make it difficult for people, goods and ideas to move easily from one place to another. The Alps are the most famous mountain chain in Europe. (France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the northern Balkan Peninsula are contain the Alps).

Linking Europe Rivers act as a major transporting system to bring people and goods together. ( 2 major European rivers are the Rhine and Danube).

European Resources Coal and iron ore are two of Europe’s most important natural resources. Nearly 33% of Europe’s land is suitable for farming. (Grains, grapes and olives). Timber from the Alps and the Scandinavian Peninsula is extremely important.

How resources shape European life Resources directly affect the foods people eat, the jobs they hold, the house in which they live and even their culture.

Climate and Vegetation Snow-packed mountains, hot springs, sunny beaches and other unique natural phenomena all contribute to tourist attractions in Europe.

North Atlantic Drift NORTH ATLANTIC DRIFT- A current of warm water flowing near Europe’s west coast. It warms westerly winds that elevate temperature and carry moisture.

The Mediterranean Parts of Europe that benefit from the Mediterranean are southern Spain and France, Italy, Greece and parts of the Balkans.

Land of the Midnight Sun Trees do not grow in upper Scandinavia because the subsoil is always frozen. The cold weather limits agriculture in southern Scandinavia.

Venice Due to the fact that Venice is made up of islands and canals water transport is extremely important. The city of Venice grew because it is on the Adriatic Sea, which is a good location for a port and for trade. Problems Venice faces today include: sinking, pollution, flooding and algae.

Deforestation Clearing of forests for fuel and building as well as industrial pollution have led to deforestation throughout Europe. Acid rain, caused by sulfur emission from factories combined with water vapor, has affected one-fourth of Europe’s forest land.