Europe and Spain: Geography, Resources, and Industries
Europe: A Geographical Overview
Europe is a large landmass on the Eurasian peninsula, bounded to the north by the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea. Its prominent mountain ranges include the Alps and the Pyrenees.
European Climates
Europe experiences diverse climates:
- Oceanic Climate: Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.
- Mediterranean Climate: Found in the south.
- Continental Interior Climate: Located inland.
- Polar and High Mountain Climates: Found in specific regions.
Key seas in Europe include the Baltic and the Adriatic. Rivers in the Atlantic climatic area are long and flowing, such as the Thames. Continental area rivers, like the Danube, are also long, and Europe has lakes like Constance and Lake Balaton.
Spain: Location and Geography
Spain is located in southwestern Europe, situated between the European and African continents, and includes the Canary and Balearic Islands.
- Canary Islands: Of volcanic origin, featuring Mount Teide.
- Balearic Islands: Mountain ranges extending from the Betic Cordillera.
The surrounding seas are the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Cantabrian.
Spanish River Systems
Spanish slopes have different river systems:
- Atlantic Rivers: Long and flowing, such as the Guadalquivir and Guadiana.
- Mediterranean Rivers: Not very abundant and irregular, like the Segura and Júcar.
- Cantabrian Rivers: Short, born near the sea, such as the Nervión and Bidasoa.
Natural Resources and Their Significance
Natural resources are materials and substances that produce assets. These include land, plants, the atmosphere (providing energy), water (providing minerals), and underground resources like coal and oil.
Primary Sector Activities
Primary sector activities extract resources from nature, such as agriculture, livestock farming, and fisheries. Agricultural activity is influenced by physical and human factors, including climate, relief, water, vegetation, fauna, and social factors like land ownership. Land tenure can be private or collective, direct or indirect. Social customs, economic, and political factors also influence land division, technological development, and agricultural practices.
Agricultural Landscapes
Agricultural landscapes vary:
- Traditional Agricultural Landscapes: Characterized by low development, backward technology, labor-intensive practices, and production for own consumption. These are often found in Africa and America.
- Advanced Agricultural Landscapes: Characterized by high-level development, advanced technology, and production for markets.
Fishing: An Important Activity
Fishing is an activity designed to obtain seafood. Fisheries are practiced where many fish are concentrated. Types of fishing include:
- Artisan Fishing: Uses small boats and traditional technology.
- Industrial Fishing: Uses large boats and modern technology.
Fishing can be inshore (along the coast, daily) or offshore (lasting weeks). Problems in fishing include water pollution and overfishing.
Raw Materials and Industry
Raw materials are natural resources that industry transforms. They can be of organic origin. Energy sources are natural resources that provide industry with power, such as petroleum and charcoal. These can be renewable or nonrenewable and may use alternative or traditional methods.