Ak samenvatting
1 The influence of the Gulf Stream
Europe has a varied climate due to various factors. Latitude plays a major role in the
temperature differences. Areas at a low latitude are warmer because they are closer to the
equator, while areas at a high latitude are colder because of their distance from the equator.
Europe is mainly located in the temperate zone, but also extends to the polar regions and the
subtropics.
The Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, ensures that the climate in Western Europe is milder
than in other areas at the same latitude. Onshore westerly winds or sea winds bring moist and
mild air from the ocean to the land, which also contributes to a temperate climate. In the
northern parts of Europe, above the Arctic Circle, they experience special phenomena such as
the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in winter. The northern lights can also
sometimes be seen there. The influence of the ocean is also felt by the sea wind, in contrast to
the offshore wind that blows from the land and is drier. The tropics have less influence on
Europe, but in the southern parts there is a subtropical climate.
2 Relief as a climate factor
In Europe there are different types of relief, such as lowlands, hills, medium mountains, high
mountains, and plateaus. These areas have their own characteristics. In the lowlands you will
find flat areas, while hills consist of low, rolling hills. Medium mountains have higher hills and
mountains, while high mountains have very high mountains, often with eternal snow and
glaciers. A plateau is a flat area at high altitude.
Mountains can act as a climate divide. On the windward side of a mountain, a lot of
precipitation falls due to orographic rain. This is because the air is pushed upwards, cools, and
loses moisture as rain. On the other side of the mountain, the lee side, a rain shadow is created
where less precipitation falls. The temperature gradient ensures that it gets colder the higher
you go: the higher you go, the colder it gets.
Onshore winds also play a role in the climate. This wind comes from the sea and brings moist
air, which causes precipitation. In areas without much relief, such as lowlands and plateaus,
this wind can move freely and influence the climate. The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current
that makes the climate in Western Europe milder, so that there are no extreme temperatures
compared to areas at high latitudes.
Europe also has interesting landscapes such as peninsulas and an articulated coast with many
inlets and islands. All this creates a diverse climate and landscape in Europe, influenced by the
relief and the wind.
1 The influence of the Gulf Stream
Europe has a varied climate due to various factors. Latitude plays a major role in the
temperature differences. Areas at a low latitude are warmer because they are closer to the
equator, while areas at a high latitude are colder because of their distance from the equator.
Europe is mainly located in the temperate zone, but also extends to the polar regions and the
subtropics.
The Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, ensures that the climate in Western Europe is milder
than in other areas at the same latitude. Onshore westerly winds or sea winds bring moist and
mild air from the ocean to the land, which also contributes to a temperate climate. In the
northern parts of Europe, above the Arctic Circle, they experience special phenomena such as
the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in winter. The northern lights can also
sometimes be seen there. The influence of the ocean is also felt by the sea wind, in contrast to
the offshore wind that blows from the land and is drier. The tropics have less influence on
Europe, but in the southern parts there is a subtropical climate.
2 Relief as a climate factor
In Europe there are different types of relief, such as lowlands, hills, medium mountains, high
mountains, and plateaus. These areas have their own characteristics. In the lowlands you will
find flat areas, while hills consist of low, rolling hills. Medium mountains have higher hills and
mountains, while high mountains have very high mountains, often with eternal snow and
glaciers. A plateau is a flat area at high altitude.
Mountains can act as a climate divide. On the windward side of a mountain, a lot of
precipitation falls due to orographic rain. This is because the air is pushed upwards, cools, and
loses moisture as rain. On the other side of the mountain, the lee side, a rain shadow is created
where less precipitation falls. The temperature gradient ensures that it gets colder the higher
you go: the higher you go, the colder it gets.
Onshore winds also play a role in the climate. This wind comes from the sea and brings moist
air, which causes precipitation. In areas without much relief, such as lowlands and plateaus,
this wind can move freely and influence the climate. The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current
that makes the climate in Western Europe milder, so that there are no extreme temperatures
compared to areas at high latitudes.
Europe also has interesting landscapes such as peninsulas and an articulated coast with many
inlets and islands. All this creates a diverse climate and landscape in Europe, influenced by the
relief and the wind.
