Physical Geography of Europe Chapter 10 Section 2

Physical Geography of Europe Chapter 10, Section 2 Climate Regions

Climate Regions

Wind and Water • Although further north than most of the USA, Europe enjoys a milder overall climate Ocean Currents o Gulf Stream o North Atlantic Current Westerlies (winds) Warm African winds Cool Asian winds

Climate Zones • Marine West Coast NW & Southern Europe Mild Temperatures o Long growing season – up to 250 days a year o Summers are shorter farther north in this zone o Wider range of temps farther from the ocean Abundant precipitation o Drier in the mountains o Thriving forests § Coniferous in cooler temps § Deciduous in warmer temps

Climate Zones • Humid Continental Eastern & some areas of Northern Europe Cool, dry winds from the Arctic and Asia o Cooler summers o Colder winters Less precipitation than coastal zones o Marshy lowlands o Limited evaporation Mixed forests

Pop Quiz 1. Name the current that most effects the European “marine west coast” climate region. 2. What two climate characteristics define the “marine west coast” climate region? 3. Why does the “humid continental” climate region have marshy lowlands and limited evaporation? 4. Where do the cold, dry winds come from that affect temperatures in the “humid continental” climate region?

Climate Zones • Mediterranean Much of Southern Europe Hot, dry summers o Low shrubs and grasses o Olive trees and grapevines Mild, wet winters o No snow o Alpine mountain region blocks cold Arctic winds from reaching the southern coasts Mistral: Cold, dry wind across southern France Sirocco: Hot, dry African winds across Italy

Climate Zones • Subarctic and Tundra Extreme Northern Europe Subarctic o Much of Scandinavia o Short growing season o Cooler temps year round Tundra o Iceland northern Scandinavian countries o Treeless plains o Low shrubs and moss o Sunless winters and daylight summers

Pop Quiz 1. What is the mistral? 2. What is the sirocco? 3. What role does the Alpine Mountain range have in preserving the Mediterranean climate region? 4. What is the most common livestock in the Subarctic climate region? 5. Name one of the two most common plant types that grow in the Tundra.

Climate Zones • Highland Alpine and Carpathian Mountain regions Precipitation and temperature ranges depend heavily on location, elevation, and wind direction Sturdy trees that disappear above the timberline Scrub brush and weeds above the timberline

Climate Zones • Other Climate Zones Steppe Zone: Southern Ukraine o Treeless grassland much like prairie in the USA o Drier than most, but not desert Humid Subtropical: Small sliver of land north of the Adriatic Sea o Hot, wet summers o Mild, wet winters

Climate Zones • Climate Change Average global temps rising slowly Glaciers steadily eroding 2003: Europe’s greatest heat wave since the middle ages Greenhouse Effect Global Climate Cycles Possible Effects: o Polar melting o Rising seas / flooding o Change of vegetation

Pop Quiz 1. What is unique about the Highland climate region when it comes to things like precipitation, temperature, and winds? 2. What causes an Ice Age? 3. What is a greenhouse gas? 4. Where is the European Humid Subtropical climate region? 5. What is your name?