Europe: Physical Characteristics & Important Cities

Francisci WG.4

The Landmass

• Europe is part of a huge landmass called Eurasia because it sits on the continents of Europe and Asia.

• Fjords: long, narrow steep-sided inlets in Norway carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

Climates of Europe• Marine West Coast

Climate: The Gulf Stream and its northern extension, the North Atlantic Drift, bring warm Atlantic Ocean waters to the west coast of Europe.– This climate dominates

the British Isles, northwest Spain, western France, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Climates of Europe

• Mediterranean Climate: the area bordering the Mediterranean Sea experiences hot, dry summers.– The vegetation consists

of shrubs and small trees such as olive and date trees.

Climates of Europe

• Humid Continental Climate: the interior European countries experience cold winters and hot summers.– The type of vegetation found here consists of mixed forests.

Climates of Europe

• Subarctic & Tundra Climate: the Scandinavian peninsula has subarctic and tundra climates.– The vegetation ranges

from taiga (frozen forest) in the subarctic regions to very little vegetation in the tundra regions.

Important Cities• Berlin: capital of Germany

(united now)– At one time Berlin was split

into the democratic West Berlin and the communist East Berlin.

• London: capital of the United Kingdom– Located on Thames River

where it narrows.– Westminster Abbey and Big

Ben

Important Cities

• Paris: capital of France– located on Seine River;

Contains the Louvre and Eiffel Tower

• Madrid: capital of Spain

Important Cities

• Rome: capital of Italy– Center of Roman Empire– Built on a hilltop– Contains the Colosseum

• Pisa: city in Italy– Site of the Leaning

Tower of Pisa

Important Cities

• Athens: capital of Greece– Site of ancient Greek

civilization– Contains Parthenon

• Warsaw: capital of Poland

Important Cities• Gibraltar: British colony

located at the Strait of Gibraltar.– Important trade location

to the Mediterranean Sea

• Vatican City: independent country located within Rome.– Site famous for St. Peter’s

Basilica and headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church.