6th Grade Social Studies Geography of Europe 6th Grade Social Studies

Mediterranean Sea Location: Between Europe and Africa, touches Asia to the east. Characteristics: Important route for trade and cultural exchange Mediterranean is Latin for “in the middle of the earth”

Danube River Location: Originates in Germany’s Black Forest Flows into the Black Sea Characteristics: 1800 miles long Flows though 10 countries Navigable by ocean ships Canals extend it

English Channel Location: Separates England from Northern France Characteristics: Key Defense: Halting armies Channel Tunnel connects The UK with France by rail (aka The Chunnel)

Rhine River Location: Flows from the Alps into the Black Sea Characteristics: Major trade route More than 40 castles on banks Flows though 5 countries

Iberian Peninsula Location: Separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean Characteristics: Spain and Portugal share it Mountainous terrain

Alps Location: South/Central Europe Characteristics: Divides Northern and Southern Europe Highest mountain range in Europe Fertile valleys, meadows, and forests The Iceman

European Plains Location: North Europe from North Sea to Russia Characteristics: Flat, fertile land Mild climate in east, cold in west Invaded several times in history

Scandinavian Peninsula Location: Northern Europe Characteristics: Consists of Norway, Sweden, Northern Finland Largest peninsula in Europe

Pyrenees Location: Southwest Europe Separates Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe Characteristics: Andorra in mountains Forms a border between France and Spain

Ural Mountains The Stone Belt Location: Separates Eurasia into Europe and Asia Characteristics: Large deposits of silver, nickel, gold, coal, and oil Also known as “The Stone Belt”

Words to Remember Peninsula: landform that has water on three sides. (Florida / Italy) Fertile: highly productive land Terrain: physical features of land Navigable: water that is deep and wide enough for boats and ships