Natural Environments of Europe and North America

Natural Environment

Europe

The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living elements found on the Earth's crust. Weathering, driven by natural phenomena, continuously shapes and reshapes our planet.

Location and Geography

Europe, situated on the Eurasian tectonic plate, is separated from Asia by the Ural Mountains, Caspian Sea, and other geographical features. The Mediterranean Sea forms a natural boundary between Europe and Africa. Europe's landscape is characterized by numerous gulfs, bays, and peninsulas, including the Iberian, Scandinavian, Italian, and Balkan peninsulas. The continent boasts a diverse topography, with significant variations in elevation and landforms within relatively small areas.

Climate and Biogeography

Several factors influence Europe's climate:

• Location: Europe's position in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere plays a crucial role in shaping its climate.
• Maritime Influence: The proximity to large bodies of water, such as the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, moderates temperatures and contributes to precipitation patterns.
• Relief: The varied topography, including mountain ranges and lowlands, creates distinct climatic zones across the continent.

Climate Zones

Europe encompasses a range of climate zones, each with its characteristic temperature, precipitation, vegetation, and fauna:

• Maritime: Mild temperatures (0-15°C) with minimal variation, high precipitation (800-2500mm), temperate or deciduous forests, and fauna such as deer, foxes, wolves, seals, and water birds.
• Mediterranean: Warm temperatures (7-20°C), moderate precipitation (300-700mm), vegetation like maquis and thickets, and fauna including lynx, foxes, and boars.
• Continental: Cooler temperatures (0-10°C), moderate precipitation (200-700mm), taiga forests dominated by pines, and fauna such as martens and minks.
• Alpine: Cold temperatures below 0°C, high precipitation (800-2500mm), coniferous forests and alpine pastures, and fauna like chamois and marmots.
• Polar/Subarctic: Extremely cold temperatures below 0°C, low precipitation (around 380mm), tundra vegetation, and fauna such as reindeer and seals.
• Oceanic: Mild temperatures around 15°C, high precipitation (1000mm), and diverse vegetation.
• Canarian: Warm temperatures (17-20°C), moderate precipitation (800-1500mm), and unique flora and fauna.
• Humid Subtropical: Warm temperatures (15-25°C), high precipitation, forests and mangroves, and fauna including alligators and manatees.
• Tropical Desert/Semi-Desert: Contrasting day and night temperatures, minimal precipitation (<100mm), and adapted desert vegetation and fauna.

North America

Northeastern United States

Located between the Tropic of Cancer and the North Pole, the northeastern United States features diverse geographical elements, including the Appalachian Mountain range, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountain system. The region experiences cold climates, and efforts are underway to conserve its natural treasures through various forms of protection:

• Natural Parks: Designated areas preserving natural landscapes and ecosystems.
• Biosphere Reserves: Sites promoting sustainable development and conservation.
• UNESCO World Heritage: Sites recognized for their outstanding universal value.
• Wetlands: Areas saturated with water, providing critical habitats for numerous species.