Physical Geography of Southern Europe Chapter 12: Lesson 1 Physical Geography of Southern Europe

Essential Question Why does Southern Europe’s climate make it popular with tourists and ideal for agricultural activates?

Ch. 12:1 - Physical Geography of Southern Europe Landforms Southern Europe is made up of three peninsulas: Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy on the Italian Peninsula, and Greece on the southernmost part of the Balkan Peninsula. Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City are smaller countries in the interior, while the island nations of Malta and Cyprus serve important functions in the Mediterranean Sea. Mountain ranges like the Pyrenees and the Alps form a natural border with Northwestern Europe.

Swiss Alps

Massif: a body of mountain ranges formed by fault line activity

Tungsten: an extremely rare heavy metal element essential in high tech industry

Ch. 12:1 - Physical Geography of Southern Europe Water Systems Although important to the ecology of the region, Southern Europe’s shallow rivers are not viable transportation or trade routes. The Ebro River in Spain provides hydroelectric power and water for agriculture. The drainage from the Po River in Italy feeds the country’s most fertile plain. Italy’s Tiber River is the primary water source for the capital city of Rome.

Climate, Biomes, & Resources Ch. 12:1 - Physical Geography of Southern Europe Climate, Biomes, & Resources The Alps block Atlantic winds from the north, causing the warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters of this Mediterranean climate. The subregion is well suited for growing grapes, olives, shrub herbs, and raising livestock. Tungsten, one of Spain’s many natural resources, is essential to the high-tech industry. Italy has few mineral resources, while Portugal has large deposits of copper.

Italian Farm near the Mediterranean Sea

World Map Project: label and color map of Southern Europe Spain Italy Portugal Greece Andorra, San Marino Vatican City Malta Cyprus Mediterranean Sea Pyrenees Mountains Alps (Mountains) Ebro River Po River Tiber River

Review Question: Chapter 12 : Lesson 1 Read pages 294-298 and answer Review Questions on page 298 Hand in Google Class Room.