PHY - Europe [LESSON]
Europe
Morning view on Bernese range above Bachalpsee lake a popular tourist attraction in the Switzerland Alps, Grindelwald Valley, Europe.
Welcome! Bienvenidos! Bonjour! Guten tag! Your virtual tour guide is ready to explore another world region with you! We’ve already covered the vast majority of the western hemisphere! Now, in this lesson, we will explore the enchanting continent of Europe! “Enchanting” is a fitting word to use to describe Europe, since many of the fairytales American children grow up learning were based amidst the physical features of this continent. Physical features like what, you ask? Well, that mountain range in the photo for starters, The Alps. Additionally, we will visit the Pyrenees and Ural Mountains, which get less publicity than the Alps, but have an equally large impact on the region. Also, we will sail the waters of the Rhine, Danube, and Seine Rivers on a continent lacking a dominant river, but instead with a network of them. As we travel, we will also take note of the climates and natural resources for an overview of how these all work in concert to influence human settlement patterns in this region. So, are you ready?
Guide Point 🧭
Europe
Physical Features
The Alps Mountains
The Alps from the Titlis Peak
Like a monarch’s crown nestled atop the center of the continent, the Alps mountains are a majestic physical centerpiece. However, these colossal mountains have been more than a scenic backdrop. They have been the architect of human settlement patterns. With their rugged terrain and soaring heights, they have historically acted as natural barriers, protecting flourishing ancient civilizations like the Roman Empire. Their fertile valleys, on the other hand, have provided ample opportunities for humans to establish thriving civilizations for ages.
Pyrenees Mountains
Large waterfall in the Cirque de Gavarnie, Pyrenees National Park, France.
As our expedition unfolds, we encounter another significant mountain range. While the Pyrenees may not be as majestic as the Alps, they are one of the premier examples in the world of a mountain range creating a natural boundary between two distinct people groups. They form the natural border between France and Spain. Additionally, within the Pyrenees Mountains are home to microstates like Andora, autonomous regions like Catalonia, and people groups like the Basques. Mountain ranges often divide, and this is clearly the case in the Pyrenees.
Ural Mountains
Speaking of divisions, as we travel to the far stretches of eastern Europe, we encounter a mountain range that barely compares in grandeur to the Alps or Pyrenees but may have the greatest impact on how we view the world. The Ural Mountains serve as a dividing line between the continents of Europe and Asia. The landmass of “Eurasia” is so large that geographers divide it into two continents, Asia and Europe. Not only do the Ural Mountains split Eurasia into two continents, but they also divide the world’s largest country, Russia, into two parts. West of the Urals is the “European” part of Russia, the most inhabitable portion of Russia, home to major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. East of the Urals we find the “Asian” part of Russia, more commonly referred to as “Siberia.” Although Siberia is much larger than the western part of Russia, it is much less populated due to its climate.
An aerial view of the Long Mountains Ridge. The beginning of the Ural Mountains. Orenburg region.
Rhine River
Laufenburg, a border town at the Rhine River between Switzerland and Germany.
Our journey leads us to the captivating Rhine River, winding through the heart of Europe. As we sail its waters, castles perch proudly on the hills, telling tales of medieval splendor. The Rhine, a vital trade route and source of fresh water, has witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations, its currents entwined with the pulse of European history. Cities like Cologne and Strasbourg grace its banks, demonstrating its impact on human settlement patterns over time.
The Danube River
Our odyssey continues along the Danube, the river that weaves through the heart of Central Europe. From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube connects an array of landscapes and cultures. Cities like Vienna and Budapest stand as living testaments to the Danube's influence, their architecture and traditions influenced by its serene flow.
View of Budapest parliament at sunrise, Hungary
The Seine River
Our expedition takes a poetic turn as we glide along the Seine, cradling the iconic city of Paris in its gentle curves. The Seine is more than a river; it's a muse to artists, a witness to revolutions, and the lifeblood of France's capital. From the Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower, the Seine reflects the soul of Paris.
Europe Map | Practice Activity
Click the features to explore the map.
Additional Physical Features
Picturesque sunrise on famous view resort over Oia town on Santorini island, Greece, Europe.
The journey is not complete with just three mountain ranges and three rivers, however, the world’s longest continual plain, the vast Northern European Plain, stretches from France to Russia, boasting fertile soil that has nurtured agricultural production on the continent for centuries. Major cities like Paris, Berlin, and Warsaw have flourished in the embrace of this lowland. Transitioning south to the Mediterranean Sea, history unfolds against sun-soaked landscapes, as this crossroads of cultures has fostered trade and artistic expression from the ancient shores of Greece and Italy. Finally, the Scandinavian Peninsula invites exploration of its fjords.
Climate
By now in our virtual tour around the world, it should come as no surprise to you that the climates of regions vary based on latitudinal position, proximity to large bodies of water, and impact of physical features. It’s nothing different in Europe. The Arctic tundra blankets the northern reaches, challenging inhabitants with its frigid temperatures. Moving south, the Scandinavian Peninsula transitions into a subarctic climate, still embracing very cold winters. Western Europe experiences maritime influence, bringing milder temperatures and consistent rainfall to regions along the Atlantic coast. The Central European core encounters a continental climate, marked by distinct seasons of hot summers and cold winters. As you journey southward, the Mediterranean climate emerges, blessing southern European nations with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, ideal for agricultural growth.
Natural Resources
Fuel & Energy
Europe's landscape is imbued with a rich array of fuel and energy resources that have fueled both its industrialization and economic prowess. Notably, countries like Norway harness the power of hydroelectricity, tapping into the energy potential of cascading rivers such as the mighty Rhine. The North Sea, flanking the British Isles and Scandinavia, hosts extensive offshore oil and gas reserves, contributing significantly to the continent's energy portfolio. Additionally, the rolling hills of Scotland are adorned with wind turbines, capturing the brisk winds to generate clean and sustainable wind energy.
Detail of wind turbine in Cadenbronn, Moselle, Lorraine, France
Agriculture
The fertile plains of the Northern European Plain have been the breadbasket of Europe for centuries, fostering extensive agricultural activities. Grains like wheat and barley sway in the breeze, sustaining a robust farming tradition. The vineyards of Southern Europe, nurtured by the Mediterranean climate, produce renowned wines. From the olive groves in Spain to the vast fields of sunflowers in the French countryside, Europe's agriculture mirrors its geographical diversity.
Mineral Resources
Europe's subterranean wealth is unveiled through its diverse mineral resources. The Ural Mountains, stretching across Russia, are renowned for their deposits of precious metals like gold and platinum. The Scandinavian Peninsula hosts iron ore mines, contributing significantly to the global iron and steel industry. The British Isles boast rich coal reserves, which played a pivotal role in powering the Industrial Revolution. These mineral treasures have shaped Europe's economic history and continue to influence its contemporary industrial landscape.
Reflection
As we conclude our virtual European odyssey, take a moment to reflect on the intricate dance between geography and human development. The landscapes we explored are not just picturesque. They are the silent narrators of civilizations, trade routes, and cultural mixtures. May this virtual journey through Europe kindle a deeper appreciation for the interplay between the physical and human geography. Until our next adventure, fellow travelers!
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