Global Climate Zones and European Landscapes

Warm Landscapes

Located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, these regions include jungles, savannas, and deserts.

The Jungle

Characterized by an equatorial climate with temperatures around 25°C and frequent precipitation. The vegetation is exuberant, and the fauna is highly varied, including insects, reptiles, birds, and abundant water sources. While traditionally home to gathering and hunting societies, forests are currently exploited for wood, minerals, and arable land.

Savanna

Located in the tropical zone, this region features high temperatures and rainfall that is not abundant throughout the year. Vegetation consists of high grasses with scarce, scattered trees. The abundance of grass supports large herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, lions, and panthers.

The Desert

As we move away from the equator, vegetation becomes scarce, transitioning from shrubs and steppes to barren desert. The dryness of the air causes extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night, which leads to the erosion of the relief. The population is clustered in oases where water is available, supporting nomadic pastoralists.

Mild Climate Landscapes

These regions range from cold to warm areas across both hemispheres, featuring moderate temperatures and rainfall with four distinct seasons:

• Summer: Hot air affects temperate lands.
• Spring and Autumn: Two intermediate seasons.

Cold Climate Landscapes

Characterized by very low temperatures and scarce annual rainfall. Vegetation is limited; trees and shrubs struggle to grow, and meadows exist only where ice is absent. These areas are sparsely populated, and life is difficult. Economic activity focuses on timber exploitation and cattle grazing.

European Landscapes

Oceanic or Atlantic Landscape

Found on the western facade of Europe and North/Northwest Spain. It is characterized by mild, year-round rain, which favors deciduous forests and meadows. Agriculture focuses on corn, fodder, potatoes, and apples. Settlements are often scattered, though there are significant industrial urban areas with developed communication networks.

Mediterranean Landscape

Located near European coasts and islands. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are cool. Rains are abundant in spring and autumn. Vegetation includes evergreen forests, and crops include wheat, vineyards, and olive trees. These areas are densely populated and attract significant tourism.

Continental Landscape

Found in the interior lands of Europe, featuring contrasting temperatures with hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall occurs mostly in summer. Vegetation includes taiga forests (birch) and steppes further south. The population is concentrated in large towns.

Landscapes of Spain

The diversity of Spanish landscapes is influenced by latitude, distance to the sea (which softens temperatures and favors precipitation), and altitude (where temperatures decrease and precipitation increases).

Types of Spanish Landscapes

• Atlantic Oceanic
• Mediterranean
• Interior
• Mountain
• Canary Islands