Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 7 Geography Chapter 12 Europe Location Area Political and Physical Features

THINK AND ANSWER

Question : Why doesn’t Europe have a cold climate more similar to that of Alaska and northern Canada though it lies on the same latitudes ?
Answer:
It is because most of Europe has advantage of warm ocean currents coming north from tropics. There is little interaction with colder air masses and colder ocean currents so overall. Europe remains warmer than Alaska and Northern Canada.
The North Atlantic Drift is a powerful warm current that brings heat from the Caribbean all the way to Europe's shores. This prevents the harbors in Western Europe from freezing over even in the middle of winter.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the warm ocean currents as a giant radiator that keeps the whole continent cozy!
Exam Tip: Mention the term "North Atlantic Drift" to specifically identify the warm current for extra points.

VALUES AND LIFE SKILLS

Question : Switzerland is one of the major tourist attractions. The Swiss government has taken many steps to make the country attractive for tourists from all over the world. The people also help to keep the country clean and secure. What does it tell us about the Swiss people ? What can you learn from them ?
Answer:
1. Switzerland is one of the major tourist attractions. People residing in the Swtizerland are brilliant as they are taking advantage of the god gifts which are in the form of scenic beauty. They are smart enough to make money out of these scenic places. They keep their places neat and clean.
2. We can leam many moral values from the people of Switzerland. They keep their place cities neat and clean. They are smart enough to make money by attracting touristers.
However, one should keep their place neat and clean and always take out the full oppurtunity whenever we can.
By keeping their environment pristine, the Swiss people ensure that their natural beauty remains a sustainable source of income for generations. Their sense of civic duty shows that a clean country is a direct result of the effort of every single citizen.
Teacher's Tip: A clean environment isn't just nice to look at; it's a "scenic asset" that helps the economy grow.
Exam Tip: Use the words "sustainability" and "civic responsibility" to describe the Swiss lifestyle.

EXERCISES

A. Give geographical reasons

Question 1: Europe is rightly called the ‘peninsula of peninsulas’.
Answer:
Europe is called ‘Peninula of Peninsulas’ as whole Europe containing 50 countries juts out westward from Euraisa and surrounded by Arctic Ocean in North Atlantic in West and Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea in South.
Because the continent itself is a giant peninsula, many smaller peninsulas like Italy, Scandinavia, and the Iberian Peninsula branch out from it into the sea. This unique shape gives Europe an incredibly long and varied coastline compared to its total land area.
Teacher's Tip: A peninsula is land with water on three sides; Europe has this feature so many times that it gets this special nickname!
Exam Tip: List at least two surrounding water bodies (like the Atlantic or Mediterranean) to prove your answer.

Question 2: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg are called the Low countries.
Answer:
Netherlands, and Luxembourg are called the Low countries because they lie in the low-lying plains in the west.
Much of the land in these nations is actually at or even slightly below sea level, requiring complex systems of dikes to keep the water out. Their flat terrain made them very easy to develop for farming and transportation over the centuries.
Teacher's Tip: Think of "Low" as being close to the water level, which is why these countries are so flat.
Exam Tip: Remember these three countries as the "Benelux" group: BElgium, NEtherlands, and LUXembourg.

Question 3: The Central European Plains are densely populated.
Answer:
As the lands are very fertile and good for agriculture, so it is most densely populated.
The flat land makes it very easy to build large cities, factories, and extensive railway networks that connect different countries. Additionally, the availability of fresh water from major rivers supports both large-scale farming and industrial needs.
Teacher's Tip: People always settle where it is easy to grow food and easy to build houses!
Exam Tip: Link the word "fertile" to "alluvial soil" provided by rivers for a stronger geographical answer.

Question 4: The Caspian Sea is a lake.
Answer:
The Caspian Sea is a lake as it is surrounded by land on all sides.
Even though it is called a sea due to its massive size and salty water, it does not have a direct natural connection to the world’s oceans. It is officially the largest landlocked body of water on the entire planet.
Teacher's Tip: Don't let the name fool you; if land goes all the way around it, it's a lake!
Exam Tip: Use the term "land-locked" to earn full marks when describing the Caspian Sea.

B. Give two examples from Europe for each of the following
1. High peaks
2. Long rivers
3. Large freshwater lakes
4. Young fold mountains
5. Mediterranean countries
Answer:
1. Mont Blanc (4,807 m), Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m)
2. Volga, Danube, Rhine
3. Lake Ladoga in Russia, Vanem, Vattern and Malaren in Sweden.
4. The Alps, Sierra-Nevada.
5. Spain and Portugal.
These examples showcase the diverse geography of Europe, from the frozen lakes of the north to the sun-drenched coasts of the south. Knowing these landmarks helps us identify different regions on a political or physical map.
Teacher's Tip: Learn these names while looking at a physical map of Europe to see where they sit.
Exam Tip: If you are asked for two examples, try to provide three just in case one of your spellings is slightly off.

C. Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1: What are the chief physical divisions of Europe?
Answer:
There are four main physical divisions of Europe. They are :
(a) The Northern Mountains.
(b) The Central European Plains.
(c) The Southern Plateaux and Highlands.
(d) The Alpine Mountain System.
Each of these regions has a different landscape that influences how people live and what kind of jobs they have. For instance, the plains are for farming while the Alpine regions are famous for tourism and skiing.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Europe like a layer cake with four distinct geographical layers from North to South.
Exam Tip: Make sure to list all four divisions to ensure you don't lose any marks for an incomplete list.

Question 2: Why are the Ural and Caucasus mountains important?
Answer:
The Ural Mountains in the east and the Caucasus Mountains in the south-east separate it from Asia.
These mountain ranges serve as a natural border that defines the limits of the European continent. They are also rich in minerals and provide a habitat for many unique species of wildlife.
Teacher's Tip: Think of these mountains as the "Great Walls" that divide Europe from Asia.
Exam Tip: Use the compass directions "East" for Urals and "South-East" for Caucasus to show geographical accuracy.

Question 3: Name four countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Also name the capitals of these countries.
Answer:
The countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea are Spain, Portugal, France and Italy.
The capital’s of these countries are :
Spain - Madrid
Portugal - Lisbon
France - Paris
Italy - Rome
These countries are part of Southern Europe and are famous for their warm weather and ancient history. Their capitals are some of the most visited cities in the world due to their rich culture and architecture.
Teacher's Tip: These countries are often called the "sunny side of Europe"!
Exam Tip: Always double-check that you have paired the correct capital with the correct country.

Question 4: Identify two countries that belong to each of the following groups and state why they are so called:
1. Low countries
2. Balkan states
3. Scandinavian countries
Answer:
1. Low countries - The countries that lie in the low-lying plains in the west - Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
2. Balkan States - The countries in the Balkan Peninsula - Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro.
3. Scandavian countries - the north European countries - Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.
These groupings are based on either shared geography, such as being on the same peninsula, or physical features like the height of the land. For example, the Scandinavian countries are grouped together because they occupy the cold northern part of the continent.
Teacher's Tip: Grouping countries makes it much easier to memorize the map of Europe.
Exam Tip: For Balkan states, naming just three from the list is usually enough for a short answer question.

Question 5: Name any four major important cities of Europe.
Answer:
Some important cities of Europe:
1. London - is the capital of the United Kingdom, a major centre of international trade and a flourishing port.
2. Paris - is the capital of France and an important centre of science, technology, culture, and art.
3. Berlin - Berlin is the capital city of Germany and also its largest city. It is an important river port.
4. Moscow - Moscow is the capital of Russia and is situated on a tributary of the Oka River which joins the river Volga.
These cities are not only political centers but also serve as the heart of European industry and history. Most of them are located on major rivers, which was vital for their growth during the industrial revolution.
Teacher's Tip: Notice how almost every important city in Europe is built on a river!
Exam Tip: When naming cities, always state which country they belong to for a complete answer.

Question 6: What are fiords? How are they formed ?
Answer:
Fiords are narrow but deep inlets of water with steep sides that break and indent the coastline Scandinavian making it irregular. In the coastal regions, fiords have been formed because of the drowning of glacier valleys.
During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers carved deep U-shaped valleys into the hard mountain rocks along the coast. When the ice melted and the sea level rose, the ocean filled these valleys, creating the narrow inlets we see today.
Teacher's Tip: Think of a fiord as a "drowned mountain valley" made by ancient ice.
Exam Tip: The word "glacier" is the most important part of explaining how fiords are formed.

D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs

Question 1: Briefly describe the location of Europe in relation to the other continents. What special advantage has Europe enjoyed due to its location?
Answer:
Europe lies almost in the middle of the northern hemisphere with North America to its west beyond the Atlantic Ocean, Asia to its east and Africa to its south. It stretches from 35°N to 73°N and most of its lies within the temperate zone. Longitudinally, it stretches from 25° W to 65° E.
Because it is centrally located in the Northern Hemisphere, Europe has easy access to major world shipping routes across the Atlantic. Its location in the temperate zone also means it enjoys a mild climate that is perfect for human settlements and large-scale agriculture.
Teacher's Tip: Europe is in the "Goldilocks Zone" - not too hot and not too cold!
Exam Tip: Include the degrees of latitude and longitude (35°N to 73°N) to show you have studied the text carefully.

Question 2: Write a short note on the capital city of Russia.
Answer:
Moscow - Moscow is the capital of Russia and is situated on atributary ofthe Oka River which joins the river Volga. The city has a dozen rail routes and the terminus of the Trans- Siberian Railway. Moscow is a great administrative centre as well as the centre of a large industrial region. Red Square is the heart of Moscow. On one side ofthe Red Square are the colourful onion-domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral erected by a Russian master architect in the 16th century. On the other side is the tomb of Lenin.’ Also located in Moscow is the Kremlin, an incredible complex which encloses the offices of the Russian Government, palaces, churches, and towers. There are over 100 museums in Moscow.
Moscow is the political and cultural heart of Russia, where ancient history meets modern government. Its famous landmarks, like the Kremlin, symbolize the long and powerful history of the Russian people.
Teacher's Tip: The Red Square is not red because of politics, but because the old Russian word for "red" also meant "beautiful"!
Exam Tip: Mentioning the "Trans-Siberian Railway" shows you understand why Moscow is a vital transport hub.

Question 3: Describe the Northern Mountains of Europe.
Answer:
These old fold mountains in the north and north-west extend from Norway and Sweden to Scotland. They are made up of very hard crystalline rocks and were once very lofty and rugged. However, after facing the erosive action of glaciers for millions of years, they have been reduced to low hills with gentle slopes. In the coastal regions, fiords have been formed because of the drowning of glacier valleys. Fiords are narrow but deep inlets of water with steep sides that break and indent the coastline, making it irregular.
These mountains are much older than the Alps, which is why they look more like rounded hills today. Their rugged coastlines provide deep, protected harbors that have been important for fishing and trade for centuries.
Teacher's Tip: "Old" mountains look smooth like old teeth, while "Young" mountains like the Alps are sharp and jagged!
Exam Tip: Use the term "crystalline rocks" to describe the geological makeup of these mountains.

Question 4: Write a note on the Central European Plains.
Answer:
These plains are partly covered with glacial deposits and partly by alluvium deposited by the many big rivers such as the Don, the Dneiper, the Volga and the Ural. These plains are not absolutely flat but are rolling lands with hills. However, they are very fertile and good for agriculture. Some of the most densely populated parts of Europe lie in this region.
This region is the agricultural "breadbasket" of Europe, producing the majority of the continent's grain. The mix of river soil and glacial minerals makes the ground perfect for growing a wide variety of crops.
Teacher's Tip: Rolling plains mean the land goes up and down gently, like waves on the sea.
Exam Tip: Name at least two rivers (like the Volga or Don) that help form these fertile plains.

Question 5: Describe briefly the major young fold mountains of Europe.
Answer:
The Alpine Mountain System consists of chains of young fold mountains that lie south of the above mentioned plateaux, from the Atlantic Coast in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east. They have high peaks, deep valleys and rugged slopes. They are made up of several parallel ranges. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common here. The Alps is the most important mountain system which extends like an arc separating Italy from France and Switzerland. Mont Blanc (4,807 m) is the highest peak in the Alps. In the west are the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain and the Pyrenees, which form a natural boundary between Spain and France.
These mountains are called "young" because they were formed relatively recently in Earth's history, meaning they haven't been worn down by weather yet. Their high, snow-capped peaks are essential for Europe's water supply as they feed many major rivers.
Teacher's Tip: "Fold" mountains are formed when the Earth's crust gets pushed together like a crumpled piece of paper!
Exam Tip: Always mention "Mont Blanc" as the highest peak when discussing the Alpine system.

Question 6: What is the significance of the many big and small rivers of Europe?
Answer:
There are many rivers that radiate out in different directions from the Alpine Mountain System in southern Europe. The rivers are navigable and are inter-connected by canals to form an efficient system of waterways. Thus, several big towns and cities have sprung up along the banks of these rivers. The rivers are important for industries too. Large rivers such as Volga, Danube and the Rhine flow through many countries and are considered ‘international rivers’. There are many small rivers in Europe too. They are important for navigation in the countries through which they flow
European rivers serve as natural highways that allow goods to be transported cheaply between countries. They also provide water for massive industrial factories and cooling systems for power plants.
Teacher's Tip: An "international river" is a river that crosses many borders, connecting different cultures along its path.
Exam Tip: Mention that rivers are "navigable" to show you understand they are deep enough for large boats.

E. In your atlas, locate the major and minor rivers flowing through Europe. Note the names of important cities/towns that have developed on the banks of these rivers. Then tabulate your observations in your notebook using the headings given here :
1. Name of the river
2. Countries through which it flows
3. Important town/cities situated on its banks.
Answer:
The Danube - Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and bulgaria - Sofia, Trimisorra, Budapest, Vienna, Munich, Belgrade, Zagreb, Bratislava
The Elbe - Germany & Czech Republic - Dresden, Prague & Berlin
The Loire - France - Nantes, Lyon, Geneva
The Rhine - Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France & the Netherlands - Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg, boron, Mainz, Basel, Mannbein, Rhein, Duisburg.
The Volga - Russia - Volgograd, Kazan, Saratou, Nizhny Novgorod, Astrakhan
The Don - Russia - Novomoskoosk, Tula, Rostov on Don.
River Po - Italy - Monviso.
This table shows how water has determined where Europe's biggest civilizations and trade centers were built. Each river acts as a lifeblood for the countries and cities it passes through.
Teacher's Tip: Use different colors for each river on a blank map to see how they connect different countries.
Exam Tip: If asked to make a table, use neat lines and clear headings just like the textbook suggests.

F. The Scandinavian coutnries are generally considered to have a separate cultural identity. Form groups in your class and search the Internet to gather information on these countries and then hold a discussion under the following points.
1. employment
2. education
3. law and order
4. care for the aged
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden are famous for their high standard of living and excellent social welfare systems. They prioritize taking care of all citizens, ensuring everyone has access to good jobs and free education.
Teacher's Tip: Scandinavia is often called the "happiest" part of the world because of how they take care of their people!
Exam Tip: When discussing "care for the aged," look up the term "social security" to understand how it works.

G Map work:
On the outline map of Europe, use different colours to mark and label the following:
1. Oceans - Arctic, Atlantic
2. Seas - Mediterranean, Baltic, North Sea
3. Straits - Dover, Gibraltar
4. Plateau - Central Massif, Meseta
5. Mountains - Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians
6. Rivers - Danube, Rhine, Volga
7. Lakes - Ladoga, Onega, Vanern
8. Capitals - Paris, Moscow, Berlin
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Maps are the most important tool for a geographer because they help us visualize where things are in the world. Labeling these features yourself helps you remember the layout of the entire continent.
Teacher's Tip: Always use light blue for water bodies and brown for mountains to follow standard map rules.
Exam Tip: Label your map in neat capital letters so that your teacher can read the names easily.

H. Picture Study:
The photograph shows the highest peak in Europe.
1. Name the peak.
2. Name the mountain range in which it lies.
Answer:
1. MtElbru
2. Caucasus Mountains.
Mount Elbrus is actually a dormant volcano that remains covered in snow and ice all year round. It stands much higher than the famous peaks in the Alps, marking the roof of the European continent.
Teacher's Tip: Even though the Alps are more famous, the highest point is tucked away in the Caucasus range!
Exam Tip: Remember that Mt. Elbrus is located in Russia, right near the border with Asia.

LET’S DO SOMETHING

Refer to the physical map of Europe in your atlas. Moving in an anti-clockwise direction starting from the Arctic Ocean and the White Sea, observe and note down the names of all the surrounding water bodies such as seas, bays, gulfs, straits, etc. Then mark each of them on an outline map of Europe.
Answer:
Refer to the atlas for identifying water bodies like the Norwegian Sea, North Sea, English Channel, Bay of Biscay, and Strait of Gibraltar.
By tracing the coast, you will see exactly why Europe is called the "Peninsula of Peninsulas" as water touches almost every part of the continent. This activity helps you understand the sea routes that have been used for trade for thousands of years.
Teacher's Tip: "Anti-clockwise" means moving in the opposite direction of a clock's hands, so you start at the top and go left!
Exam Tip: List the water bodies in order to show you followed the anti-clockwise instruction correctly.