Europe: Physical Environment

Major Geographic Qualities of Europe. The European natural environment displays a wide range of topographic, climatic, vegetative, and soil conditions and is endowed with many industrial resources. Major Geographic Qualities of Europe.

Major landform Regions Western Highlands Northern Lowlands Central Uplands Alpine Region Major landform Regions

Western Highlands Mostly in northern and western Europe Low mountains and rugged hills Oldest landforms, eroded by glaciers and time Western Highlands

Northern Lowlands Broad coastal plain Farming region Major cities Rivers made travel and trade easy Northern Lowlands

Central Uplands North of the Alps Rounded mts and hills Major coal deposits Industrial areas Central Uplands

Alpine Region High mountains Glaciers and snowfields Mountain passes used for travel and trade Caused by collision of tectonic plates Alpine Region

Water Surrounding seas important for fishing and trade Natural harbors near navigable rivers Canals connect rivers on the plains Water

Climate Regions Marine West Coast Humid Continental Mediterranean Subarctic Highland Climate Regions

Marine West Coast Marine West Coast High rainfall areas with mild temperatures Temperate forests Marine West Coast

Humid Continental Humid Continental Interior regions Four seasons – brutal winters Mixed forests Humid Continental

Mediterranean Mediterranean coastal areas Rainy winters dry summers Scrub woodland Mediterranean

Subarctic Long winters, short summers Evergreen forests Subarctic

Highland Varies by elevation Tree line Highlands

Natural Resources Wide areas of fertile farmland with mild climate Excellent fishing banks Mineral deposits Rivers for trade and hydroelectric power