West-Central
Europe
 Big
Idea
 West-Central
Europe has a range of
landscapes,
a mild climate, and rich farmland.
 Main
Ideas
 The
physical features of West-Central Europe
include plains, uplands, mountains, rivers,
and seas.
Europe’s mild climate and
resources support agriculture, energy
production, and tourism.
 West-Central
Plains
 The
Northern European Plain is a low, broad
coastal plain. Most of it is covered with flat or
rolling terrain.
 The
 The
region’s best farmland is on the plains.
region’s largest cities are also on the
plain
Uplands

The Central Uplands region has hills,
valleys, and plateaus.

The Massif Central and Jura
Mountains are part of the uplands.

Forests and coalfields are common
in the uplands.
Mountains
 The Alps
and the Pyrenees stretch into WestCentral Europe from Southern Europe.
 Europe’s
highest mountains are in the Alps.
 Europe’s
highest peak, Mont Blanc, is in this
region
Rivers and Seas
 Important
rivers include the Danube
and the Rhine.
 The
North Sea lies just north of WestCentral Europe. It is connected to the
Atlantic Ocean by the English
Channel.
 The
Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic
Ocean are west of the region.
 France
is bordered to the south by the
Mediterranean Sea
Climate

Most of the region has a marine west coast climate with
mild summers, cold winters, and frequent rain.

The region’s climate is kept mild by a warm ocean
current that flows along Europe’s northwestern coast.

Some parts of the region do have different climates:


Because of their high elevation, the Alps have a
colder, wetter climate than the rest of West-Central
Europe.

Southern France has a Mediterranean climate.
The region’s mild climate and ample rainfall make its
farmlands very productive.
Resources
•
The region’s farmlands support a variety of
crops, including grapes, grains, and
vegetables. In addition, upland pastures
support the raising of livestock.
 Mineral
resources of the region include coal in
France and Germany, iron ore in France, and
natural gas in the Netherlands.
 The
region’s rivers are a good source of
hydroelectric power.
 Tourists
are drawn to the region’s
breathtaking scenery. The Alps are one of the
most popular tourist destinations in Europe