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Physical Geography of Europe

Physical Features of Europe

Europe is made up of peninsulas, islands, mountains, and large plains. The entire continent is in the Northern Hemisphere. Europe is less than half the size of North America. It is considered the third-smallest continent on Earth. In this interactivity, you will become familiar with the major physical and environmental features of Europe. Click the player to begin.

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Climate Regions

Climate Regions of Europe: Detailed Description

Europe has a variety of middle and high latitude climate regions. The northern parts of the Italian and Balkan Peninsulas have a humid subtropical climate. Most of Eastern Europe has a humid continental climate. A highland climate region can be found in the area near the Alps. Tundra and subarctic climate regions are located in the high latitudes of northern Scandinavia and Iceland. Low latitude tropical climates are not found in Europe.

Most of Southern Europe has a Mediterranean climate. Mediterranean climate regions have warm, dry summers and mild winters. Low bushes, scrub, and other chaparral vegetation are common in this type of climate. Most of the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan Peninsulas have a Mediterranean climate. Most of the islands in the Mediterranean Sea have this climate as well.

Northwestern Europe has a marine west coast climate. This climate region extends along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, from northern Spain to eastern Germany. This climate is also in the islands of Great Britain, Ireland, and Iceland, as well as the southern Scandinavian Peninsula. A marine west coast climate has heavy precipitation and dense forests. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, most of the forest has been permanently cleared for agricultural use or timber.

North Atlantic Drift and Prevailing Westerlies

A marine west coast climate covers much of Western Europe. This type of climate has mild winters, cool summers, and abundant rainfall. If you compared the climate of Western Europe with that of North America, you might be surprised. The U.K lies between 50° and 60° North latitude. This is the same latitude as much of Canada; however, winters in Western Europe are not as cold as winters in Canada.

Path of the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift: Detailed Description

The North Atlantic Drift is one of the reasons Western Europe has a warmer climate compared to similar latitudes. The North Atlantic Drift is a strong ocean current that extends from the Gulf Stream. Warm waters are carried across the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico to northwestern Europe. These warm waters help raise the temperature of the region.

Wind is another factor that helps warm the European climate. Powerful winds, called prevailing westerlies, blow across the Earth from west to east. The prevailing westerlies bring warm, moist air across the Atlantic Ocean toward Western Europe. These winds influence the mild temperatures and heavy precipitation of the region.

 

Physical Geography of Europe Review

Now that you have learned about the major physical regions, landforms, and water features of Europe, review your knowledge in this interactivity. Click the player to get started.