Europe: Physical Characteristics & Important Cities Francisci WG.4

The Landmass Europe is part of a huge landmass called Eurasia because it sits on the continents of Europe and Asia. Fjords: long, narrow steep-sided inlets in Norway carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

Climates of Europe Marine West Coast Climate: The Gulf Stream and its northern extension, the North Atlantic Drift, bring warm Atlantic Ocean waters to the west coast of Europe. This climate dominates the British Isles, northwest Spain, western France, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Climates of Europe Mediterranean Climate: the area bordering the Mediterranean Sea experiences hot, dry summers. The vegetation consists of shrubs and small trees such as olive and date trees.

Climates of Europe Humid Continental Climate: the interior European countries experience cold winters and hot summers. The type of vegetation found here consists of mixed forests.

Climates of Europe Subarctic & Tundra Climate: the Scandinavian peninsula has subarctic and tundra climates. The vegetation ranges from taiga (frozen forest) in the subarctic regions to very little vegetation in the tundra regions.

Important Cities Berlin: capital of Germany (united now) At one time Berlin was split into the democratic West Berlin and the communist East Berlin. London: capital of the United Kingdom Located on Thames River where it narrows. Westminster Abbey and Big Ben

Important Cities Paris: capital of France Madrid: capital of Spain located on Seine River; Contains the Louvre and Eiffel Tower Madrid: capital of Spain

Important Cities Rome: capital of Italy Pisa: city in Italy Center of Roman Empire Built on a hilltop Contains the Colosseum Pisa: city in Italy Site of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Important Cities Athens: capital of Greece Warsaw: capital of Poland Site of ancient Greek civilization Contains Parthenon Warsaw: capital of Poland

Important Cities Gibraltar: British colony located at the Strait of Gibraltar. Important trade location to the Mediterranean Sea Vatican City: independent country located within Rome. Site famous for St. Peter’s Basilica and headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church.