West-Central Europe

Big Idea

West-Central Europe has a range of landscapes, a mild climate, and rich farmland.

Main Ideas

The physical features of West-Central Europe include plains, uplands, mountains, rivers, and seas.

West-Central Europe’s mild climate and resources support agriculture, energy production, and tourism.

Plains The Northern European Plain is a low, broad

coastal plain. Most of it is covered with flat or rolling terrain.

The region’s best farmland is on the plains.

The region’s largest cities are also on the plain

Uplands The Central Uplands region has

hills, valleys, and plateaus. The Massif Central and Jura

Mountains are part of the uplands.

Forests and coalfields are common in the uplands.

Mountains The Alps and the Pyrenees stretch into West-

Central Europe from Southern Europe.

Europe’s highest mountains are in the Alps.

Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, is in this region

Rivers and Seas Important rivers include the Danube

and the Rhine.

The North Sea lies just north of West-Central Europe. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the English Channel.

The Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean are west of the region.

France is bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea

Climate Most of the region has a marine west coast climate

with mild summers, cold winters, and frequent rain.

The region’s climate is kept mild by a warm ocean current that flows along Europe’s northwestern coast.

Some parts of the region do have different climates: Because of their high elevation, the Alps have a

colder, wetter climate than the rest of West-Central Europe.

Southern France has a Mediterranean climate.

The region’s mild climate and ample rainfall make its farmlands very productive.

Resources• The region’s farmlands support a variety of

crops, including grapes, grains, and vegetables. In addition, upland pastures support the raising of livestock.

Mineral resources of the region include coal in France and Germany, iron ore in France, and natural gas in the Netherlands.

The region’s rivers are a good source of hydroelectric power.

Tourists are drawn to the region’s breathtaking scenery. The Alps are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe