Northern Europe Physical Geography

Landforms Northern Europe is made up of five countries: Norway and Sweden on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Denmark on the Jutland Peninsula, Finland in the eastern part of the region, and the island country of Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean.

1 = Norway 2 = Sweden 3 = Finland 4 = Denmark 5 = Iceland

The Sub Region Physical geography shaped by glaciers and plate tectonic activity Cold northern climate has influenced the lives of people in this sub region

Glaciation Glaciation is the primary physical process by which the landforms of Northern Europe came to be as they are today. During the last ice age, ice filled the valleys and carved out fjords that are now filled with seawater, creating steep, rugged mountains.

Fjord A fjord is a long, steep-sided glacial valley now filled by seawater.

Peninsulas Scandinavian Peninsula Jutland Peninsula

Scandinavian/Jutland Peninsulas Scandinavian Peninsula: Norway, Sweden, and part of Finland are on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Surrounded by the Barents Sea, Baltic Sea, Norwegian Sea, and North Sea. Jutland Peninsula: Denmark is on Jutland. Surrounded by the North Sea and Baltic Sea

Jutland The country of Denmark is on Jutland.

Norway Mostly mountainous Glaciers from last ice age left thousands of lakes (to include Sweden and Finland) Many deep fjords lie on the Atlantic coastline Tectonic activity helped to form the islands of Svalbard…located 400 miles North of Norway

Sweden Like Norway, very mountainous up North In the South, lowlands slope gently to the Baltic Sea Glaciers from last ice age left thousands of lakes (to include Sweden and Finland)

Finland Mostly flat with a few hills and mountains Over 10% covered with lakes and rivers Rugged coastline deeply indented with bays and inlets Offshore dotted with thousands of small islands Glaciation helped to form Finland's rugged topography

Denmark Located on Jutland Peninsula Includes Greenland, and Faeroe Islands Considered part of the cultural region of Scandinavia Glaciers deposited sand and gravel on the Jutland’s flat western side and carved fjords on the eastern coastline Flat plains make up most of the Jutland interior

Iceland Formerly a possession of Denmark 621 miles west of Norway Sits on Mid-Atlantic Ridge (area of high tectonic activity) Around 200 volcanoes Abundant geothermal energy and hydropower from rivers and waterfalls Has numerous mountains

Iceland Countless hot springs, rivers, small lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and geysers.

Geothermal Energy A form of energy conversion that captures heat energy from within the earth

Hot Spring A spring whose water issues at a temperature higher than that of its surroundings.

Geyser A spring that throws forth intermittent jets of heated water and steam.

Activity #1 Step 1: Among your groups, discuss some of the physical processes that affect Northern Europe, and list them on a sheet of paper. Step 2: The reporter from each group will describe them to the class (everyone must write them down).

Activity #2 In your notes handout, answer the questions on the last page by using your textbook (pages ).

Activity # 3 Use the graphic organizer (on last page of your notes handout) worksheet and list the landforms, water systems, climate regions, and resources of Northern Europe. Use the text book (pages ).

Water systems Glaciation left hundreds of thousands of lakes in Northern Europe. Iceland’s rivers consist of glacial debris, making them cloudy. Many of the rivers on the Scandinavian Peninsula contain falls and rapids that hamper transportation between cities. The countries of Northern Europe harness the power of these falls and rapids to run hydroelectric power plants.

Iceland Physical Map

Rivers in Scandinavian Peninsula are: Short Don’t provide easy connections between cities Stem from Norrland Mts. Flow toward SE

Climates, Biomes, and Resources The climate patterns and biomes of Northern Europe are affected by latitude, landforms, wind patterns, ocean currents, and distance from water. Natural vegetation varies from forests to tundra plants. While the area has oil and natural gas resources, the countries of the region are leaders in developing renewable energy.

Climates, Biomes, and Resources Finland’s most important resource are trees Sweden has iron ore, copper, gold, lead and zinc. Forest products are a major source of revenue. Also has much hydroelectric power. Norway one of the leaders in hydroelectric power. Europe’s largest oil producer, and 2 nd in the world for natural gas production Denmark has oil and natural gas, however, ranks #1 in world for electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind energy. Iceland has vast resources. Geothermal energy provides heat, and steam for industrial energy and greenhouses

Natural Resources

Northern Europe Climates

Northern Europe Vegetation

North Atlantic Ocean Current