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II. Water
A. Europe’s long coastline has hundreds
of good natural harbors.

These harbors are located near the
mouths of navigable rivers, making
Europe ideal for trade by sea. A
navigable river is one that is deep
enough and wide enough for shipping.
Canals connect many rivers in
Europe.

The Rhine and Danube are Europe’s
most important rivers. Many cities
are located along their banks and barges

carry goods along their courses.
B.
The Rhine flows northwestward
through Germany and the Netherlands
before entering the North Sea. The
Danube flows eastward through
central & eastern Europe and empties
into the Black Sea.

III. Climates and Biomes
A. Compared to world regions of similar
latitudes, much of Europe enjoys mild

climates.
Winter temperatures are particularly
mild for such high latitudes. These
mild temperatures are influenced by
the North Atlantic Drift.
B.
The North Atlantic Drift is a warm
ocean current. It originates off the
coast of North America and is fed by

the warm tropical water of the
Gulf Stream.
The North Atlantic Drift warms the air
above and these westerly winds carry this
warm moist air across much of
northwestern Europe. The winds bring
mild temperatures and rain.
IV. Natural Resources
A. Most of Europe’s original forests were
cleared centuries ago.

Clearing and overgrazing in ancient
times destroyed nearly all of the
original oak woodlands. Air pollution
and acid rain have destroyed many more
trees.
As a result, most European countries
must now import lumber.
B.
1. Temperate forest – maple and oak
trees. Badgers, deer, and variety of
birds.

2. Mediterranean scrub forest – small
trees and shrubs. Wild boars and
sheep.
3. Boreal forest – Where most of
Europe’s limited timber is located.
4. Tundra – treeless land that is frozen
most of year. Reindeer and foxes.
C.
Europe produces many crops, such as
large amounts of grapes, olives,
potatoes, and wheat.

Throughout history, fishing has been
an important part of the European
economy.
Coastal waters, particularly where the
warm North Atlantic Drift mixes with
cold polar waters are excellent fishing
areas.
D.
Europe does have large deposits of
coal. Some countries, such as
Germany, Britain, and Poland, have

mined coal for hundreds
of years.
During Europe’s industrial era
(18th -19th century), coal and iron were
essential to the creation of steel and
manufacturing industries.
