1. Chapter 12 Southern Europe

2. Section 1 Physical Geography

3. Countries of Southern Europe Portugal Spain Italy Greece

4. Physical Features Also known as Mediterranean Europe Most countries lie on its shores Stretches 2,300 miles Linked to Atlantic by Strait of Gibraltar

5. The Land 3 Peninsulas Iberian Peninsula Portugal & Spain located here; high rocky plateau Cantabrian & Pyrenees Mountains Italy’s Peninsula Includes: Southern Alps, Apennines, islands of Sicily & Sardinia Greece’s Peninsula Mainland extends into Aegean Sea Mountainous & has more than 2,000 islands Peninsulas lie on coastal lowlands & river valleys Great areas for growing crops & building cities In uplands soils are thin & stony; earthquakes are common

6. The Rivers Ebro River Drains into Mediterranean Found in Iberian Peninsula Douro, Tagus, & Guadalquivir Rivers flow into Atlantic Ocean Po River is the largest in Italy Fertile agricultural region forms

7. Climate & Resources Warm & Sunny Rainfall in mild winter Some flooding & erosion Due to overgrazing & deforestation Sirocco Hot, dry wind from North Africa Picks up moisture from Mediterranean Sea Blows over Italy in spring & summer

8. Sea Important part of trade Many Mediterranean ports Wealth of seafood found in Mediterranean Sea Resources Iron ore, bauxite, chromium, lead, zinc, marble, & hydroelectricity Tourism is also any important part of the economy