Chapter 13.1 Physical Geography of Southern Europe Southern Europe has 3 peninsulas that extend into the Mediterranean Sea: Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) Italian Peninsula (Italy) Balkan Peninsula (includes Greece)

Landforms: ¾ of land in Southern Europe is mountainous Pyrenees: boundary between Spain and France Apennines: “spine” of Italy Alps: highest in Europe, are in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France Pindus: cover much of Greece Mountains extend into the sea, where they form islands

Water is central to European life (food & travel) Water Features Water is central to European life (food & travel) Surrounding seas include: Mediterranean Sea Adriatic Sea Aegean Sea Ionian Sea Major rivers include: Tagus and Ebro Rivers on the Iberian Peninsula Po and Tiber on the Italian Peninsula

Climate and Resources Southern Europe is famous for its pleasant Mediterranean Climate Warm, sunny days and mild nights most of the year Little rain in the summer; rain during the mild winter The climate is a valuable resource Good for growing crops: citrus fruits, grapes, olives, and wheat Tourism: climate, beaches, and scenery Shipping: ports ship goods worldwide Fishing industry: fish and shellfish