C HAPTER 17 W EST -C ENTRAL E UROPE

P HYSICAL G EOGRAPHY OF W EST -C ENTRAL E UROPE Section 1

S ECTION V OCABULARY Northern European Plain (p. 424) North Sea (p. 426) English Channel (p. 426) Danube River (p. 426) Rhine River (p. 426)

The countries in West-Central Europe are: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, and Germany.

P HYSICAL F EATURES 3 major landforms in this region: plains, uplands, and mountains The Northern European Plain stretches from the Atlantic coast into eastern Europe. Most of this plain is flat or rolling. Region’s best farmland is there.

The Central Uplands are found in central West-Central Europe and include the Massif Central (an elevated region), a plateau region and the Jura Mountains (French- Swiss border). Also includes the Black Forest

The Alps and Pyrenees are in this region (so they cover Southern AND West-Central Europe) Several bodies of water are important to West- Central Europe. The North Sea and English Channel lie to the north. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west.

The Danube River flows in Germany, Austria into Eastern Europe.  The Rhine River flows from the Netherlands into France/ Germany. 

C LIMATE AND R ESOURCES Most of West-Central Europe is a marine climate. Winters can get cold, and summers are mild. Rain and storms occur often. Southern France is part of the Mediterranean climate. The mild climate allows for farming: grapes, grains, and vegetables. (also livestock) Coal, iron, and natural gas are natural resources. Rivers provide hydroelectric power. Tourists are frequent.

Mr. & Mrs. Miskewicz in Austria