Europe Geographic Setting

Location Vast peninsula along the western edge of the Eurasian Continent Two subregions – Western Europe and Eastern Europe Importance of the seas – served as highways to the rest of the world. Influenced peoples everyday lives

Shape of the Land Plains - one-quarter consists of lowland plains. Fertile land and trade and travel were easy. Contains some of the world’s most productive farm land. Highlands – suitable for grazing Have served as barriers to migration, trade and invaders. Alps, Pyrenees, and Apennines.

Rivers Many of greatest cities developed beside rivers ( London on the Thames, Rome on the Tiber) Longest is the Rhine – flows from the Alps to the North Sea. Rhine Valley is one of the most densely populated and heavily industrialized regions of Europe+

Climate and Resources Atlantic Coast – mild marine – warm winters and cool summers, plenty of rain. Suited to farming. Mediterranean climate in the south – hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Highland climate in the mountains – temps vary according to altitude.

Resources Agricultural – fertile soil in coastal areas – forests have been depleted. Minerals – rich deposits of iron ore, coal uranium, copper. Energy - oil and gas