Europe can be divided into four major physical regions, running from north to south:
Western Uplands: Also known as the Northern Highlands, they trace a curve at the western end of Europe and define the physical landscape of Scandinavia. They are characterized by their hard and ancient rocks that were shaped by glaciation. As the glaciers receded , they left a number of distinct physical features, including an abundance of marshlands, lakes and fjords. A fjord is a long and narrowinletof the sea that is surrounded by high ruggedcliffs.Many of Europe’s fjords are located in Iceland and Scandinavia.
North European Plain: It extends from the south of the United Kingdom towards Russia to the east. It includes parts of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Baltic States and Belarus. The climate is suitable for a wide variety of seasonal crops.Most fjords are located in Iceland and Scandinavia.
Central Uplands: It extends from east to west through central Europe and include the western part of France, Belgium, southern Germany, the Czech Republic and parts of northern Switzerland and Austria. This region is sparselypopulated, except in the Rhine, Rohne, Elbe and Danube river valleys
Alpine Mountains: Includes mountain ranges in the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, northern Spain and southern France. These diverse mountain ranges are the Alps themselves, the Pyrenees, the Apennines, the Dinaric Alps, the Balkans and the Carpathians.High elevations, ruggedplateaus, and steeply sloping land define the region. The highest peak in Europe is Mount Elbrus, located in the Caucasus mountains of Russia. The Alpine region also includes active volcanoes such as Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius in Italy.
