Western Europe Research Paper

The geography of Europe is marked by closeness to the ocean and rapid changes in physical landscape over short distances, factors that influenced human actions over time. Although Europe is the second smallest continent, it includes samples of the world’s entire range of geologic features. This includes the ancient shield areas around the Baltic Sea, the uplands of central Europe, the young folded mountains of the Alps, and the extensive plains in countries around the North and Baltic Seas. Some volcanoes and earthquakes are active along the Mediterranean Sea. Europe’s rich agricultural and industrial diversity made it a center or trade and commerce for centuries. Europe’s navigable rivers and fertile soil made it a dominant economic, social and cultural force. Europe enjoys a usually mild and …show more content…
The marine west coast climate covers much of northwestern Europe and has its own set of agricultural successes. Some crops include wheat, rapeseed and potatoes. Livestock such as sheep and cattle are an important source of meat, dairy and wool products. In the Mediterranean climate, olives and grapes are two important crops that have thrived for more than a thousand years. This climate is in the area of Southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece. Another advantage would be forestry and fishing. Forestry is an important industry in Europe, huge demands for wood to construct ships and for charcoal used in the removal of most natural woodland by around 1600. Europe’s most important forest industries today are woodworking, paper products, construction, and construction and furniture products. Having the Rhine River running throughout Europe and other waterways was a huge advantage for trade and growing industrialization. The transportation uses of the Rhine River are linked to the growing industrialization of its watershed since the late