Unit 6: Eastern Europe and Russia Physical Geography PDF

Unit 6: Eastern Europe and Russia Physical Geography (pg. 336-340; 358-362) Landforms Water Systems Climate, Biomes + Resources Mountains and Barriers**:...

Unit 6: Eastern Europe and Russia Physical Geography (pg. 336-340; 358-362) Landforms Water Systems Climate, Biomes + Resources Mountains and Barriers**: Proximity to Seas**: Climate Zones**: - The **Ural Mountains** act as a natural boundary - Access to the **Black Sea**, **Baltic Sea**, and - **Tundra and Subarctic Zones**: In northern Russia, harsh between Europe and Asia, influencing trade, cultural **Caspian Sea** has been crucial for trade, especially for climates with permafrost limit vegetation to mosses, exchanges, and political boundaries. landlocked nations. lichens, and small shrubs. - The **Carpathian Mountains** and other ranges in - Russia’s port cities, like **St. Petersburg** and - **Continental Climate**: Much of Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe serve as barriers, limiting interaction with **Novorossiysk**, connect it to global markets despite central Russia experiences cold winters and warm summers, neighboring regions but also fostering distinct cultural challenges posed by seasonal freezing. supporting forests, grasslands, and agricultural activities. and economic zones. - **Steppe Region**: South-central Russia and Ukraine feature semi-arid grasslands ideal for grain cultivation but Plains and Accessibility**: Importance of Rivers** prone to drought. - The **Northern European Plain**, which stretches 1. **Transportation and Trade**: across much of Eastern Europe and into western Russia, - Rivers like the **Danube** in Eastern Europe and the **Volga** 2. **Physical Features Affecting Climate**: provides fertile soil for agriculture and a natural corridor in Russia are vital for transporting goods and people. - The absence of major mountain ranges in the west allows for migration and trade. - The Danube connects several countries, promoting economic cold Arctic air to flow south, contributing to colder winters. - This plain has also historically made the region integration and trade with Western Europe. - Conversely, warm air from the Black Sea region vulnerable to invasions, influencing the development of 2. **Economic Development**: moderates temperatures in southern areas. defensive strategies and alliances. - Rivers provide hydroelectric power, particularly in areas like the **Volga River basin**, contributing to industrial growth. 3. **Vegetation**: - They also support industries like fishing and tourism, boosting - Dense **taiga forests** dominate much of Russia, local economies. providing timber and influencing settlement patterns. 3. **Cultural and Historical Significance**: - In Eastern Europe, fertile areas like the **Black Earth - Rivers have historically served as boundaries, sites of Belt** support significant agricultural production, including settlement, and pathways for cultural diffusion. wheat, corn, and sunflower crops. 4. **Environmental Impact**: - Many rivers are subject to pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff, impacting ecosystems and water quality. - Efforts to manage flooding, such as dam construction, have altered natural landscapes and habitats. Unit 6: Eastern Europe and Russia Physical Geography Landforms Water Systems Climate, Biomes + Resources 1. How have the Balkan Mountains defined 1. Why are the Danube and Vistula Rivers 1. What are the general climate conditions in the region? important to economic activity in Eastern much of Eastern Europe? The Balkan Mountains have served as a natural barrier, Europe? They are crucial trade routes connecting Eastern Europe to the rest of Eastern Europe experiences a temperate climate, with cold influencing the development of distinct cultural and political Europe. The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and passes winters and warm summers. Precipitation is moderate, groups. They provide a rugged landscape that limits large-scale through multiple countries, supporting shipping, agriculture, and energy supporting agriculture in many regions. agriculture and creates isolated communities, fostering diverse production. The Vistula is central to Poland’s economy, facilitating trade languages and traditions. The mountains also serve as a and transportation. source of resources like timber and minerals. 2. Explain how waterways facilitate trade 2. What are the general climate conditions in between Eastern Europe and other much of Russia? regions of the world. European Russia: Continental climate with cold winters and 2. How do interconnected mountain ranges Waterways like the Danube and Black Sea provide access to warm summers. and plains shape human activities in international markets. These rivers connect landlocked countries in Siberian Russia: Subarctic and tundra climates with long, harsh Russia? Eastern Europe to the Mediterranean Sea and global trade routes, winters and short, cool summers. They serve as barriers to movement and natural climate supporting export-import activities and the movement of goods. dividers, while the vast plains like the West Siberian Plain and 3. What role do rivers of Russia play in the 3. How does climate affect human activities European Plain facilitate agriculture and settlement. These economic activities of the region? in this region? Climate impacts agriculture, settlement, and economic activities:Eastern plains are rich in fertile soil, making them centers of Rivers in Russia, such as the Volga, Ob, and Lena, are Europe: Favorable conditions support farming and dense population agriculture and major urban development. critical for transportation, trade, fishing, and irrigation. centers. They also support industries by providing water for Russia: The harsh climate in Siberia limits agriculture and settlement, while the 3. Which mountains form a natural boundary manufacturing and power generation. European part is more habitable and agriculturally productive. Long winters increase between European Russia and Siberian heating costs, while waterways freeze, impacting transportation and trade. Russia? 4. Which river provides western Russia with hydroelectric power? 4. How has extraction of natural resources The Ural Mountains form the natural boundary The Volga River provides western Russia with impacted the environment of this region? Deforestation: Logging and mining lead to habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and soil erosion, between European Russia and Siberian Russia. hydroelectric power through dams and reservoirs. especially in Russia’s taiga. Pollution: Mining and industrial activities contaminate air, soil, and water, impacting the Volga River and Lake Baikal. Habitat Destruction: Resource infrastructure disrupts ecosystems, endangering species, particularly in Siberia. Climate Impact: Fossil fuel extraction and deforestation contribute to global warming, with melting permafrost releasing methane. Water Depletion: Industrial use lowers river and reservoir levels, harming aquatic life and water supply.