Section 1: Physical Features

Section 2: Climates and Biomes

Section 3: Natural Resources

CHAPTER 13Natural Environments of Europe

SECTION 1

Physical Features

Question:What are the major bodies of water in Europe?

SECTION 1

Physical Features

Seas

North Sea, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea

Rivers

Rhine, Danube, Guadalquivir, Elbe, Seine, Thames

Oceans

Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean

Straits

Bosporus, Gibraltar, English Channel

Europe’s Major

Bodies of Water

SECTION 2

Climates and Biomes

Question:What are the locations, plants, and animals of Europe’s biomes?

SECTION 2

Climates and Biomes

Temperate forest

• covers most of Europe

• ash, beech, maple, oak trees

• badgers, deer, many birds

Mediterranean scrub forest

• southern Europe

• small trees, shrubs, drought-resistant plants

• wild boars, wild sheep

Boreal forest

• northern and central Europe

• spruce, pine, fir trees

Tundra

• far northern Europe

• treeless, frozen ground most of the year

• migratory birds, reindeer, foxes

SECTION 3

Natural Resources

Question:What resources are found in each of Europe’s physical regions?

SECTION 3

Natural Resources

Northwest Highlandscoal, oil, natural gas, iron ore, hydroelectricity, nuclear power

Northern European Plain

fertile soils, coal, natural gas, nuclear power

Central Uplandsfertile soils, coal, nuclear power

Alpine mountain system

hydroelectricity, marble, lead, zinc, other metals

Europe’s Natural and

Energy Resources

1. How have tectonic processes shaped the physical environment of Europe?

2. Where can you find glacially scoured landscapes in Europe? What are these landscapes like?

3. What are Europe’s three major climate types?4. Which biome do large parts of northern and central

Europe have? How have people affected it?

5. Where are Europe’s best fisheries located?

1. How have tectonic processes shaped the physical environment of Europe?

2. Where can you find glacially scoured landscapes in Europe? What are these landscapes like?

3. What are Europe’s three major climate types?4. Which biome do large parts of northern and central

Europe have? How have people affected it?

5. Where are Europe’s best fisheries located?

CHAPTER 13

Chapter Wrap-Up