Physical Geography and Climate Zones of Europe and Spain

European Geography and Relief Features

Europe's Boundaries

Europe is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the Ural Mountains, on the south by the Caucasus Mountains, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean.

Relief Features in Europe

Europe has a medium-low average altitude (approximately 300m), characterized by three main relief units:

• Ancient Massifs: Located in the north and center of the continent.
• European Plains: Vast lowlands situated between the northern massifs and the southern mountain ranges.
• Young Fold Mountains: Located in the south, near the Mediterranean Sea.

Major Climate Zones of Europe

Oceanic Climate

Located in the European Atlantic area, characterized by abundant and regular precipitation, mild winters, and cool summers.

Oceanic Vegetation

• Deciduous forest
• Heathland
• Grassland

Mediterranean Climate

Located on the coasts and islands of Southern Europe. Precipitation is moderate, winters are mild, and summers are warm.

Mediterranean Vegetation

• Perennifolio (Evergreen) Mediterranean forest
• Scrubland

Continental Climate

Located deep within the continent. Precipitation is moderate, winters are very cold, and summers are hot.

Continental Vegetation

• Northern coniferous forests (Taiga)
• Southern grasslands (Steppe)

European River Systems

Atlantic Rivers

These rivers are typically long, have high flow rates, and are regular.

Mediterranean Rivers

These rivers are generally short, have low water volume, and are irregular.

Continental Rivers

These rivers are long and deep.

Geography of Spain

Spanish Coastal Relief

• Cantabrian Coast: Characterized by steep cliffs.
• Atlantic Coast: Characterized by low, sandy coasts.
• Mediterranean Coasts: Features a mix of cliffs and sandy coastal lowlands.

Factors Influencing Spanish Climate

Temperature Factors

• Latitude: Temperatures generally decrease from south to north.
• Relief (Aspect): Sunny slopes are warmer than shaded slopes.
• Distance from the Sea (Continentality): Results in milder temperatures on the coast and greater temperature contrast (extremes) inland.

Precipitation Factors

• Latitude: Precipitation generally decreases moving south from the north.
• Terrain (Altitude): Precipitation increases with altitude.
• Proximity to the Sea: The interior of the Iberian Peninsula currently experiences high aridity due to lack of maritime influence.

Climate Zones of Spain

Oceanic Climate (Atlantic Spain)

Located in the north of Spain. Characterized by abundant precipitation, mild winters, and moderate summers.

Oceanic Vegetation (Spain)

Deciduous forest, primarily composed of oak and beech.

Mediterranean Climate (Southern Spain)

Dominant in the south and east, characterized by irregular precipitation. This climate has two main sub-types:

• Coastal Mediterranean Climate
• Continental Mediterranean Climate (Inland)

Mountain Climate

Found in high mountain systems. Characterized by abundant precipitation and low temperatures.

Mountain Vegetation

Forests at lower altitudes and shrubs/grasslands in upland areas.

Subtropical Climate

Found in the Canary Islands. Characterized by very rare precipitation and mild temperatures throughout the entire year.

Subtropical Vegetation

Unique endemic species.