Chapter 12 Review Questions Main Ideas

1. How do the mountain ranges of Europe impact the lives of the people who live near them?
The mountains are viewed as walls because they separate groups of people. They make it diffcult for people and for trade. These landforms also affect climate.

2. Why are the rivers of Europe an important aspect of its geography?
Europe has a network of rivers that bring people and goods together. These rivers used to transport goods between coastal harbors and inland region, aiding economic growth.

3. Where are the most important oil fields of Europe located, and which countries pump oil from them? Oil and natural gas are found beneath the North Sea floor. Norway, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Denmark pump oil from rigs as far as 400 miles out in the ocean.

4. How do the prevailing westerlies affect the climate of Europe? Explain which part of Europe is most affected?  The prevailing westerlies, which blow west to east, pick up warmth from the North Atlantic Drift and carry it over Europe.

5. In which climate area of Europe would you find citrus fruits growing? Explain why.
Sunny Mediterranean climate in Europe; you will find fruits growing, because of the rainfall that occurs there along with wind and perfect sunshine.

6. What types of vegetation are found in the northernmost region of the Scandinavian Peninsula? Mixed forests and farmland can be found in the Scandinavian Peninsula.

7. Why did the Dutch build seaworks?
The seaworks are used to control the sea's destructive impact on human life. These seaworks include dikes and high earthen plaforms called terpen. The dikes hole back the sea, while the terpen provide places to go for safety during floods and high tides.

8. In what ways have the people of the Netherlands changed the physical geography of their land? A broad waterway called the Grand Canal flows between San Marco and Rialto. Since people started building in the Nertherlands, most of their islands are starting to sink due to construction.

9. What kinds of pollutants are found in the Venice canals?
Severe water pollution threatens Venice along with industrial waste, sewage, and saltwater are combining to eat away the foundations of buildings and damage the buildings themselves. Erosion has allowed increased amounts of seawater into the lagoon. Floods have occured because of this.

10. Why were forests chopped down in Europe? The chopped forests are being used to help burn fossil fuels and help with industrailion for the country.