NE - Physical Geography Lesson

Physical Geography

Climate

The Dominant Climate Types of Europe

The climate of Northern and Eastern Europe varies between C, D, and E climates. The countries with long coastlines benefit from their proximity to large bodies of water and have milder climates than would be expected. Norway, with its long coast, lies within the Arctic region; yet manages to remain free of ice and snow throughout the winter. People living further away from the coasts and in the landlocked countries of Eastern Europe typically encounter the colder continental type D climates. The southern section of eastern Europe has the Mediterranean Sea to moderate its temperature and provide the shoreline with a type C climate. Interestingly, Type C climates meet up with type E climates at or near the Arctic Circle in both Norway and Iceland.

Dividing Up the Region 

The countries of Northern and Eastern Europe are frequently grouped by their geographic traits. Common divisions include Nordic, Scandinavian, Baltic, and Balkan.  

Northern Europe

Northern Europe has traditionally included Iceland, Finland, and the three Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. These countries are often referred to as the Nordic countries. The colder northern climate has helped shape the cultural activities and the winter sports that are part of the region's heritage. Peripheral isolation from the rest of Europe because of their northern location and dividing bodies of water have allowed the northern culture to be preserved for centuries and shape the societies that now exist in northern Europe.

The Balkan Republics

The three republics along the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea share similar climates, terrain, and histories as republics that were once ruled by the Soviet Union. For northern countries, these have a mild climate which can be attributed to the Baltic Sea winds that blow across the land and keep it from becoming too hot or cold. The terrain of the region is mostly plains and forested low hills.

Poland and the Landlocked Nations

South of the Baltics lies Poland, a country with a long northern coastline as its only natural border. It is famous for its forests and unique bogs. Unfortunately for Poland, the absence of a mountainous natural border has often made the country an easy land to invade. Further south are some of Europe's landlocked nations. Approximately twenty percent of the world's nations are landlocked without access to an ocean or sea. Nations without access to water have fewer ways to transport goods, which often impacts their economy. The Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary are all landlocked countries which experience a continental climate of cold winters and hot summers. Nestled between the mountains and rolling hills, the fertile plains in these countries provide the region with a wide variety of foods. 

The Balkans

The Balkan Peninsula lies between three seas: the Adriatic, Black, and Mediterranean. Its mountainous terrain is divided into the countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The coastal areas of the peninsula have often attracted tourists with their warmer climates and beautiful views.

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RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.