1. Unit 2:Europe

2. Europe

3. Physical Features Landforms and Waterways
Europeans have been influenced by landforms and waterways.
Europe has a long coastline.
Only a few countries are landlocked, meaning they do not border any water.
However rivers give these landlocked countries access to larger bodies of water.

4. Physical Features
Because of access to water, Europeans developed skills in boating and fishing.
Having skills to navigate on the water has allowed European cultures to spread to other areas of the world.
Peninsulas and Islands
Europe is a huge peninsula…what is a peninsula? What other peninsulas are in Europe?

5. Physical Geography
How might the many peninsulas and islands affected Europe’s history?
Many different cultures developed because people were separated by seas, rivers, and mountains.
As a result 47 countries have developed.

6. Physical Geography Plains What are plains? Why are they important?
Produce crops and raise livestock.
Mountains/Highlands
Europe’s highest mountain range is the Alpines, stretching from Spain to the Balkans.
Highest point is Mont Blanc 15,771 ft.
Mountains here are not very tall compared to those of Asia.

7. Physical Geography
Passes, or low areas between mountains have allowed people and goods to move throughout the continent.
Waterways
Europe has many rivers, lakes, and seas.
Most rivers are navigable, or easy for ships to use, making transportation easier.

8. Physical Geography Energy Resources
½ of the world’s coal comes from Europe.
Coal mining provides jobs in Europe.
Petroleum and natural gas found here.
European countries tax gasoline heavily to discourage dependence of it.
Europe pays some of the highest gas prices in the world.

9. Physical Geography
Europeans moving toward more “clean” energy like hydroelectric power and wind power.
Forests, for the most part, have been cleared to use the wood for building and fuel.
Europe has fertile soil for growing grains and potatoes (most in the world).
Waters around Europe provide fish.

10. Physical Geography Air Pollution/Acid Rain/Water Pollution
Industrial growth has lead to increased pollution (car exhaust and smoke).
This results in breathing problems, eye irritations, and other health problems
Vegetation has become weaker and more vulnerable to disease. Fish and other wildlife are being poisoned and dying.
Leaders looking for ways to protect the environment (recycling, treating waste/sewage, encouraging less fertilizer by farmers)
Video: Europe: Land and Resources