CCSS3 Unit 2: The Physical Landscape of Spain

Part 1: Geographial Location of Spain

Territories:

-Largest part of Iberian Peninsula

-Balearic Archipelago

-Canary Archipelago

-Cities of Ceuta and Melilla and small isles in N. Africa:

 “plazas de soberanía” 

(literally "places of sovereignty") are the current Spanish sovereign territories in continental North Africa bordering Morocco. The name refers to the fact that these territories have been a part of Spain since the formation of the modern Spanish State (1492-1556), to distinguish them from 19th and 20th Century colonialism.

Part 2: Relief

-High average elevation (66om) b/c of mountain ranges + platuea (Meseta)

The Meseta= high+flat w/2 mountain ranges:

1. Sistema Central = Submeseta norte + submeseta sur

2. Montes de Toledo = Tajo River Basin + Guadiana River Basin

Edges of the Meseta

1. Macizo Galaico-Leonés mts. = rounded + low

2. Cordorillera Cantábrica = parallel to sea

3. Sistema Ibérico = not a complete block

4. Sierra Morena separated Meseta + south, low

Depressions

1. Ebro – arid b/c isolated from Mediterranean

2. Guadalquivir – vast, triangular plain; exposed to Atlantic influence

Exterior Mountain Ranges

1. Montes Vascos – steep

2. Pyrenees = high central zone+ 2 parallel lower mountain ranges

3. Cordilleras Costero-Catalanas = 2 mt. ranges parallel to Mediterranean

4. Sistemas Béticos= Cordillera Penibética + Cordillera Subbética

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Island Relief p. 32

1. Balearic Archipelago – Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera. All except Menorca are continuation of Sistemas Béticos. Sierra de Tramontana (Mallorca)

2. Canary Archipelago – Volcanic relief, Teide on Tenerife = highest pt. in Spain

The Coasts

-Rocky + Steep = Cantabrian + N.E. Atlantic Coasts

-Sandy beaches + rocky parts = Mediterranean, Balaeric Islands + S.E. Atlantic

-Volcanic cliffs + some beaches = Canary Islands

Part 3: Rivers and Lakes p. 34

-Flow pattern affected by climate + relief

3 Catchment Areas:

1. Cantabrian Sea: short b/c their sources are in mountains near coast. Lots of constant precipitation = fast, regular flow

2. Mediterranean sea: xept Ebro, short w/irregular flow, esp. in summer. Can increase w/torrential rains in autumn

3. Atlantic Ocean: Galician rivers have high, regular flow. Others long w/many tributaries, irregular flow b/c of scarce rain

Part 4: Climate and Vegetation p. 36 +

Part 5: Natural Landscapes p.37

1. Maritime: N/NW Peninsula

mild winter/cool summer, reg. abundant rain all year

deciduous forests, moors, grassland

2. Mediterranean Coastal: S+E Peninsula + Balearic Islands

mild winter/hot summer, scarce rain

Mediterranean forest, scrubland, steppe

3. Mediterranean Inland: interior Peninsula

cold winter/hot summer, scarce rain

holm oak (encina), bushes like thyme (tomillo), rosemary (romero), lavender (lavanda)

4. Sub-tropical: Canary Islands

warm winter/summer, irregular, scarce rain

laurasilva forests in humid zones, cardoons (cardo), pitas (agave)+ prickly pear (higo chumbo) in arid zones

5. Alpine: mountain areas

cold winter/summer + abundant rain + snow

vegetation changes w/altitude

Part 6: Protected Spaces p.38

à places where no activity is allowed that could have negative effects on the natural environment

-Ex. National Park (Picos de Europa, 1918)

Part 7: Natural Resources p.40

Natural resource = something from nature useful for humans

Spain’s:

1. Relief: plains = settlement, coast/mountains = tourism

2. Soil: quality is low so it must be cultivated in special ways

3. Climate: good for human settlement, agriculture, livestock farming; sun + low precipitation = tourism; lots of sunshine + wind = wind + solar energy

4. Water: limited + essential for agriculture + industry; long dry season in many spots

5. Vegetation: forests give us raw materials + tourism

6. The Sea: transport + tourism; desalination = can be used for human consumption/agriculture/industry.

Find:

TheMeseta , The Sistema Central, The Montes de Toledo, the Macizo Galaico-Leonés Mountains, the Cordillera Cantábrica,  the Sistema Ibérico, the Sierra Morena, the Ebro Depression, The Guadalquivir Depression, the Montes Vascos, the Cordilleras Costero-Catalanas, the Sistemas Béticos.

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