SS6G10.b Location, Climate, and Natural Resources Germany and Italy

Key Question How do location, climate, and natural resources affect where people live in Germany?

Location of Germany North-central Europe on European Plain Densely populated (many people in an area) 85% of population live in urban areas Land-3 zones 1. Alps (south) 2. Hilly – mountainous (middle) 3. Plains (north)

Rhine River- trade 800 miles long used for transportation of goods and people

Germany- travel and trade excellent highway system ports (exports & imports) airports (14 major airports) Which would be easier for transportation of good, the Alps or the European Plain? Why?

Climate Marine climate (warm, humid) waters of the Gulf Stream warm the region in winter and cool it in the summer brings moisture to land produces good crops

Natural Resources Many Natural Resources Mining: iron, coal, potash (various mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form.) Nuclear Fuel: Uranium (metal) Nickel, natural gas, copper Renewable Resources timber Arable Land- 1/3 (used for crops)

Questions What type of climate is found in Germany? What types of resources are found in Germany?

Italy

Location Southern Europe Peninsula Northern border-Alps Shares a border with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia About ½ the people in Italy live in the most northern 1/3 of the country.

Landforms- Alps, Apennine Mountains Islands: Sicily, Sardinia (located in the Mediterranean Sea)

Ships- Long history of trade because of its location on the Mediterranean Sea. It ships to and from Europe and Asia. 7 major airports 8 major seaports Excellent highways, bridges, and tunnels

Climate Mediterranean Climate- temp is comfortable most of the year Dry summers-Rain is rare in summer Sea helps it from getting too hot in summer and too cold in winter The Alps block cold air coming down from the north. The Sahara Desert sends warm dry air into Italy for much of the year.

Different Climate Zones Mountains- climate changes with the altitude (Alps and Apennines have snowy winters) South is drier than the north Northern Italy gets enough rain for growing crops

Natural Resources Few mineral resources Natural gas is the most valued- used to help supply the energy needs of the country Marble and granite (buildings and artwork) Coal, mercury, zinc, and potash

Arable land small farms cover Italy grow grapes and olives top wine making country Sea fishing -anchovies and sardines (important to the economy) gather sponges and coral

Questions What geographic feature makes it more difficult for Italian merchants to trade with countries north of Italy? Alps Mountains What has helped Italian merchants become successful traders? Ships- because of its location on the Mediterranean Sea. It ships to and from Europe and Asia. Describe the Italian climate. Mediterranean Climate- temp is comfortable most of the year What industry is MOST helped by Italy’s arable land and good amounts of rainfall? small farms - grapes and olives; top wine making country