Chapter 3: Europe PDF

Chapter Three: Europe e pl m Sa se lip About the Chapter Ec Europe has been the home to some of the world greatest civilizations from Ancient Greece to the R...

Chapter Three: Europe e pl m Sa se lip About the Chapter Ec Europe has been the home to some of the world greatest civilizations from Ancient Greece to the Roman Empire. It is also home to the birth of democracy. The physical and human characteristics of Europe from a spatial perspective will be highlighted in this chapter. To organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context is the main skill that you will learn in this chapter.  Europe Political Map 2001 e pl m Sa se lip Ec Chapter 3 e Europe pl m Lesson 1: People and Land Sa Lesson 2: Europe’s Famous Rivers Lesson 3: The Rhine River: A Case Study se Lesson 4: Europe’s Famous Mountains lip Lesson 5: The Alps: A Case Study Ec Lesson 1 Chapter 3: Europe People and Land A-The Land of Europe Europe stretches all the way from the Arctic in the north to the Mediterranean Sea in the south, and from the Atlantic Ocean e in the west to the Ural Mountains (in Russia) in the east. The boundaries of the European continent are recognized as the pl Ural Mountains and the Ural River in the east; the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains in the southeast; and the Black Sea and the Bosporus and Dardanelle Straits in the south. m While the Atlantic Ocean borders it in the west and the Arctic Ocean borders it in the north. Sa Europe is one of the world’s seven continents. It is the world’s sixth largest continent. It, together with its adjacent islands, occupies an area of about 4,000,000 square miles (10,360,000 square kilometers), roughly 8 percent of the world’s land area. se B-The People of Europe lip 1- Population Europe is the third most populous continent, after Asia and Africa, with a population of 731,000,000 (2008), 75 percent of whom live Ec in Europe’s cities. Figure 3.1 shows the largest European countries by population. 64 Lesson 1 Chapter 3: Europe e pl m Sa Figure 3.1 Largest European Countries by Population se 2- History and Culture lip Class Discussion Questions: 1- What are the differences between Europe and Asia? Ec 2- Is Europe really a continent – it isn’t surrounded by water? 3- Do you think there is a European culture? Give examples. Some geographers consider Europe as not a real continent, but part of the peninsula of Eurasia which includes all of Europe and Asia. The mountain ranges of the Urals are sometimes used by geographers to mark the boundary between Europe and Asia. (See Figure 3.2) 65 Lesson 1 Chapter 3: Europe e pl m Sa se lip Figure 3.2: Map of Europe However, because Europe has such a distinctive history and culture, it is considered a separate continent. The most significant factors separating Europe from Asia are human features rather Ec than physical features. These human features are related to race, language, and a common set of ethical values that stem from its history. Europe has been the home to some of the world’s greatest civilizations from Ancient Greece to the Roman Empire. History traces the development of democracy in Europe from its origins in ancient Greece up to the present day. Europe has also been the central point of two of the biggest wars in modern history: World War I and World War II. 66 Lesson 1 Chapter 3: Europe Language is a very important part of culture. Languages vary greatly across the entire European continent. Most of the languages of Europe fall into the Indo-European classification, the major groupings of which include the Germanic, Romance, and Slavic families. The languages in each group share a family likeness because they are descended from the same ancestors. For example, Romance languages are descended from Latin, e the language spoken by the Romans. pl m Sa se lip Figure 3.3: Ancient Slavic Family. Ec Figure 3.4: Ancient Roman Family. 67 Lesson 1 Chapter 3: Europe The Germanic group is found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. The Romance group is found in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, southern Belgium, the western part of Switzerland, and Romania. Slavic languages are spoken in eastern Europe. e pl m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.5: Ancient Germanic Family. 68 Lesson 1 Chapter 3: Europe Activity: Bodies of Water Europe is well defined by water to the north, west, and south. Look at the map below. Then answer the following questions. e pl m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.6: Europe: Bodies of Water 1- How many types of bodies of water are shown on the map? 2- Define each type? 4- What ocean lies to the west of Europe? 5- What is the name of the sea to the south of most of Europe? 69 Lesson 2 Chapter 3: Europe Europe’s Famous Rivers Hundreds of rivers and their tributaries cross the European continent. The map below shows only some of them. In this lesson you will be introduced to some of Europe’s famous rivers. A-The Volga River e pl The Volga River is the m longest river in Europe. Its basin lies entirely within the Russian Sa federation. The Volga River is often called Mother se Volga by the Russians because it has played an important part in lip the life of the Russian people. Figure 3.8: Europe Rivers Ec Over 40 percent of Russia’s people live near it and it’s tributaries and half of Russia’s farmers live and farm near the Volga. Over half of Russia’s industry is located within its drainage. -Where does the Volga River mouth into? 70 Lesson 2 Chapter 3: Europe B-The Danube River Danube River is the second longest river in Europe. The Danube begins in the Black Forest region of Germany and flows across central Europe. It then forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, turning north across Romania to eventually end in the Black Sea. e The Danube is 1,771 miles (2,850 km) in length, and one of the pl most significant commercial waterways on the continent. It has long provided the chief corridor between central and southeastern m Europe. Map Skills: Look at the map below. Then answer the following Sa questions. se lip Ec Figure 3.9: The Map of the Danube River 71 Lesson 2 Chapter 3: Europe 1- What are the countries that the Danube River flows through? 2- What are the central and eastern European capitals that the Danube River passes through? 3- Where does the Danube River mouth into? C- Loire River e pl m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.10: Loire River Loire River is the longest river in France. It begins in the foothills of the Massif Central, and then flows north and west across the heartland of France, finally ending in the Bay of Biscay. 72 Lesson 2 Chapter 3: Europe Po River Po is the longest river in Italy. It begins in the upper reaches of the Alps, and then flows west to east across northern Italy, ending in the Adriatic Sea as shown on the map. e pl m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.11: The map of the Po River 73 Lesson 3 Chapter 3: Europe The Rhine River: A Case Study The Rhine is one of the most important rivers in Europe. Read the table below: Continent Europe Switzerland, Principality e Countries it flows through of Liechtenstein, Austria, or borders Germany, France and the pl Netherlands Length km 1,232 m Number of tributaries 2 Source Swiss Alps Rotterdam into the North Sa Mouth Sea Figure 3.13: The Rhine River Answer the following questions. se 1- What are the countries that the Rhine flows through? 2- Where does the Rhine begin? lip 3- What is the Rhine’s final journey? Ec 4- How many kilometers does the Rhine run for? The Rhine begins as a small stream in the Swiss Alps but soon gathers speed and volume on its way to Lake Constance, a source of drinking water for large parts of southern Germany. As the Rhine enters Germany it becomes the border between Germany and France. 74 Lesson 3 Chapter 3: Europe A-The Importance of the Rhine to Europe In the past Since ancient times the Rhine has been of historic importance, both as a defensive frontier and as a chief inland trading route. Read the examples below: e 1- In the ancient times the Romans, and later the Franks, fortified pl its banks and used it to hold back the barbaric Germanic peoples to the east. m 2- In the Middle Ages the Rhine was a major communications route between northern and southern Europe. Sa 3- From 1800 into the twentieth century, the river played an important role as a frontier between France and the German states. se lip Ec Figure 2.12: Currier & Ives--View on the Rhine [between 1856 and 1907] 75 Lesson 3 Chapter 3: Europe Today The Rhine is very important to Europe. It has economical, historical and social values. Read the examples below: 1- The Rhine is one of the world’s busiest commercial waterways. It provides people with a cheap and efficient means of transportation. e 2- The Rhine aided the development of numerous cities along its banks. These include Basel, Switzerland’s only port; Strasbourg pl in France; and Rotterdam, one of the world’s busiest ports, in the Netherlands. m 3- In its upper course the Rhine is a source of hydroelectric power. 4- The fertile soils along the Rhine’s banks, and particularly at its Sa mouths, are important to agriculture. 5- Its legends and natural beauty combine to make the Rhine a notable tourist attraction. se A-The Importance of the Rhine to Germany 1- The Rhine River is one of the most important waterways in lip Germany and is linked by canals to other major rivers in western Europe. 2- German manufacturing and industrial cities are located along Ec the Rhine. 3- The Rhine Valley, the heartland of the old Roman Empire, is rich in large numbers of castles. These castles are the main characteristic feature of the river landscape. The Rhine Valley became an interesting and attractive area for visitors and a center of attractions for tourists from many European countries. 76 Lesson 3 Chapter 3: Europe 4- The Rhine has a cultural value. For example, The Rhine is the subject of several German songs, including a national song, stories and myths surround the castles and cliffs that line e the Rhine. Through music, art, and literature the river is pl strongly tied to the German people. m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.13: Anglers on the Rhine Oil Painting by August Macke Figure 3.14: Illustration of the Rhine castles landscape Source: castle-liebenstein.com 77 Lesson 4 Chapter 3: Europe Europe’s Famous Mountains Europe has several high and mighty mountains. The two most famous mountain ranges in Europe are Pyrenees and Alps. The highest mountain in Europe is Mount Elbrus, in the Caucasus Mountains, on the border between Russia and Georgia. The highest mountain in western Europe is Mont Blanc, in the Alps, e on the border between France and Italy. In this lesson you will be introduced to some of Europe’s Famous Mountains. pl A- The Pyrenees Mountains m The Pyrenees Mountains form the natural border between France and Spain. Sa The mountains extend for about 270 miles from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. The highest point is Pico de Aneto at 11,168 ft. (3,404 m) se lip Ec Figure 3.15: Map of the Pyrenees Mount 78 Lesson 4 Chapter 3: Europe B- Balkan Mountains These mountains extend from Yugoslavia across Bulgaria. Additional ranges run through Albania, Greece and Macedonia. e pl m Sa se lip Figure 3.16.: Balkan Mountains The Balkan Range has dense beech forests that cover its lower Ec slopes. On the higher altitudes cragged rocks rise up over its rolling hills. Many high waterfalls are the origin of clear water streams running fast in the steep gullies. Bears, wolves, deer, and boar are among the Balkan’s animals. 79 Lesson 4 Chapter 3: Europe C-Ural Mountains The Ural Mountains are located mostly in Russia, with the southern end in Kazakhstan. The Urals extend from the northern-edge of the Russian Federation down through Kazakhstan, extending 1,500 miles from the Kara Sea and Arctic Ocean in the north nearly to the Aral and Caspian Seas in the south. e The location of the Ural Mountains creates separation of Asia pl from Europe. They are one of the higher mountain ranges in Eastern Europe. m The Polar Region of the Urals Sa The Polar region of the Urals has large glaciers which were formed over the past few hundred thousand years. Many large glacial lakes are represented in the polar landscapes of the north; the large lakes were created by retreated glaciers millions of years se ago. lip Ec Figure 3.17: The Polar Region of the Urals 80 Lesson 4 Chapter 3: Europe D-Monte Rosa Monte Rosa is covered in snow all year round. It is is nearly 15,203 feet (approx. 4,634 meters) higher than the sea level. Monte Rosa lies near Swiss-Italian frontier. Monte Rosa is the highest mountain of Switzerland, the second highest both of the Alps and Western Europe, and is the second highest massif in e Italy. pl This mountain is ideal for climbing from the normal north side route in summers. It is also a famous ski mountaineering destination. m Sa se lip Figure 3.18: Monte Rosa ski mountaineering destination Ec 81 Lesson 5 Chapter 3: Europe The Alps: A Case Study A- Fold Mountains Fold mountains are the most common type of mountains. The world’s largest mountain ranges are Fold mountains. These ranges were e formed over millions of years. Fold mountains make up some of the highest mountains in the world. The Alps are an example of a range pl of Fold mountains. A Fold mountain is created when two tectonic Plates come together. m The movement of the two plates forces sedimentary rocks upwards into a series of folds. This causes them to rise out of the Earth. Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.19: Fold mountains are formed when a tectonic plate bends under pressure and folds upwards. 82 Lesson 5 Chapter 3: Europe Study the map below. Then answer the following questions. e pl m Sa Figure 3.20: The world distribution of young fold mountains 1- What are the major young fold mountains in Europe? 2- What are the major young fold mountains in Asia? se 3- What are the major young fold mountains in North America? lip B-The Location of the Alps The Alps occupy a vast area of Europe, stretching eastward for nearly 1,290 kilometers (about 800 miles) across the southern Ec part of Europe. The Alps are located in south-central Europe, to the immediate north of the Mediterranean Sea. They extend from the coastline of southern France (near Monaco) into Switzerland, then through northern Italy and into Austria, and down through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro - then ending in Albania on the rugged coastline of the Adriatic Sea. 83 Lesson 5 Chapter 3: Europe C-Settlement People have been living in the Alps since Paleolithic times, 60,000 to 50,000 years ago. After the retreat of the Alpine glaciers, 4,000 to 3,000 years ago, the valleys were inhabited by Neolithic peoples who lived in caves and small settlements, some of which were built on the shores of the Alpine lakes. e pl m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.21: One of Alpine lakes Today the Alps are the most densely populated mountain area in the world. They are home to eleven million people. The economy of this region is based on the exploitation of the coniferous forest, pasturing dairy cattle, and tourism. 84 Lesson 5 Chapter 3: Europe D-Hydropower Hydropower presents a significant energy resource in the Alps region. The use of hydroelectric power as a source of energy is common in the Alps. This is because the Alps are an ideal location for the production of hydropower as there are steep slopes to produce fast flowing streams. The area has high rainfall e and the snow melts in the spring and summer. There are over one hundred large hydroelectric dams in the Alps region with an pl installed capacity of over 28 Gigawatt [GW], producing over 46 Terawatt-hours electricity each year. m The development of hydroelectric power in the Alps led to the establishment of electricity-dependent industries in the lower Sa valleys, manufacturing aluminums, chemicals, and specialty steels. se lip Ec Figure 3.22: Example of Alpine dam of the hydroelectric power station 85 Lesson 5 Chapter 3: Europe E-Forests Alps conifer and mixed forests stretch across the countries of France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Coniferous trees are the main species of trees in the Alps. Their cone-shaped feature stabilizes the tree in windy conditions. The downward sloping, springy branches allows the snow to slide off e the tree without damaging its branches. pl About 4,500 species of vascular plants, 200 breeding bird species, and 80 mammal species inhabit the Alps forests. m Sa se lip Ec Figure 3.23: Example of Alpine forests. 86 Lesson 5 Chapter 3: Europe F-Farming The valley floor of the Alps makes the area ideal for farming because the land is flatter and the soil is fertile. The main type of farming is dairy farming. In the more extreme upland areas, goat herding is the main type of farming. Vineyards can be found in warmer areas. e pl m Sa se lip Figure 3.24: Diary Farming in the Alps Ec 87  Famous Landmarks and Cultural Monuments in Europe e pl m Sa Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany main symbol of Berlin and today also a symbol for the reunited Germany. se lip Ec Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy  e pl m Sa Big Ben, the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster, London, UK is a symbol for London as well as an icon for the British way of life. se lip Ec Eiffel Tower, Paris, France a symbol for the French way of life The Roman Legacy in Europe The Roman Empire contributed many things to Europe, such as e the western calendar, aspects pl of modern classic architecture and the Roman m extensive system of roads ,which Sa some of them still last to this day. The Roman Empire also contributed its form se of government, which influences various constitutions lip including those of most European countries, and Ec that of the United States. During the reign of the Roman Empire, doctors and surgeons accompanied the Roman armies throughout Europe. Supplies of the most important drugs and plants were imported and carried everywhere the armies travelled. It is in this way that Roman drugs and medical knowledge found their way around Europe.  TERMS AND VOCABULARY Crag: A steep rugged mass of rock projecting upward or outward. Drainage: A system of drains. Exploitation: The utilization of a resource to its greatest possible advantage. Gully: A deep ditch or channel cut in the earth by running water e after a prolonged downpour. pl Hydroelectric power: Generating electricity by conversion of the energy of running water. m Indo-European: A family of languages consisting of most of the Sa languages of Europe as well as those of Iran, the Indian subcontinent, and other parts of Asia. Massif: A large mountain mass or compact group of connected mountains forming an independent portion of a range. se Neolithic: The cultural period of the Stone Age beginning around 10,000 B.C. in the Middle East and later elsewhere, characterized lip by the development of agriculture and the making of polished stone implements. Pension: A sum of money paid regularly as a retirement benefit. Ec Phenomenon: An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses. Glacial retreat: A condition occurring when backward melting at the front of a glacier takes place at a rate exceeding forward motion. Tectonic Plates: The two sub-layers of the Earth’s crust.