Mineral resources of western europe map. Oceans and seas

Analysis of the potential of Finnish economic resources

2.1.2 Minerals

In the depths of Finland there are nickel (Kotalahti deposit), titanium (Vihanti deposit), tungsten, selenium, silver and gold (mines near the city of Parkano). Uranium deposits were discovered near the cities of Porvo and Uymaharju...

Brazilian plateau

Minerals

In the central and southeastern parts of the Brazilian Plateau, the largest deposits of iron ore, beryl, niobium, and rock crystal are concentrated, the reserves of which lead Brazil to first place in the capitalist world...

Carpathian Mountains

2.3 Minerals

The Carpathians are rich in ores of various metals. The largest reserves are concentrated in Romania. In the western spurs of the mountains in Banat there are deposits of magnetites, along the outskirts of the Transylvanian plateau there are rich reserves of polymetallic ores...

Karelia – as a natural territorial complex

2.7 Minerals

Karelia does not have significant mineral resources that are attractive to investors and have a significant impact on the economy of the republic. More than 50 types of minerals have been identified in the depths of Karelia...

Omsk region

3. Minerals

The peculiarities of the geological structure of the territory of the Omsk region determined the formation of minerals of only sedimentary origin. Non-metallic minerals predominate among them - clays, loams, sands...

Nature of the islands of Oceania

4. Minerals

The mineral resources of Oceania are due to the origin and geological structure of the islands. Most of the islands of Oceania have no mineral resources, only the largest of them are being mined: nickel (New Caledonia)…

Natural resource potential of Russia

2.3 Metal ore minerals

Metal ore minerals occupy second place after fuel and energy resources in the material sector. Ferrous metal ores include iron, manganese and chromium…

Problems of protection and rational use natural resources of the Caspian region

1.2 Geology and minerals

The geological structure of the Kazakh part of the Caspian region is determined by two large structural elements - the Caspian depression in the north and the Turan plate in the south. The Caspian depression or syneclise...

Location of Ukrainian infrastructure facilities

3 Minerals

Ukraine is rich in ore minerals, primarily ferrous metal ores. Up to 20% of the world's manganese ore resources (including almost 50% of high-grade ores) and over 5% of iron ore reserves are concentrated on the territory of the republic...

Republic of Iraq

6.1 Minerals

The main mineral resources of Iraq are oil and gas, the deposits of which stretch from the northwest to the southeast of the country along the Mesopotamian foredeep and belong to the oil and gas basin of the Persian Gulf...

Republic of Karelia

2.2 Minerals

The oldest crystalline rocks of the Baltic Shield contain deposits of almost all metals mined on the planet, various chemical raw materials and valuable building materials. Republic of Karelia…

Scandinavian Peninsula

1.2 Minerals

Among the minerals of the Scandinavian Peninsula highest value have iron ores - magnetites, occurring in rocks of Archean age and containing 60-70% iron...

Country Kenya

1.6 Minerals

The country's subsoil contains reserves of gold, barites, rubies, and limestone (Appendix B). Among metallic fossils, the main place belongs to non-ferrous metals...

Regional characteristics of Japan

1.3. Minerals.

In the depths of the Japanese islands there are numerous deposits of various minerals, representing important mineral and fuel resources...

Economic and geographical characteristics of Greenland

2.6. Relief and minerals

More than three quarters of the country is covered by glaciers. Under the central part of the ice sheet there is a vast plain, bordered on the eastern and western sides by a belt of mountain ranges...

The European Union (EU) occupies a special place in the world economy. It accounts for 28% of the total GDP (20% in terms of purchasing power of currency) and 6.4% of the world's population. It does not represent a "superpower" in economic and political terms. The European Union is the most developed and perfect integration grouping in the world. The European Union currently includes 27 states, which differ in territory size, population, natural resources, economic, scientific and technical potential.

Its creation was due to the fact that it was in Western Europe after the Second World War that the contradiction between the international nature of modern production and the narrow national-state boundaries of its functioning manifested itself most forcefully.

In addition, until the beginning of the 90s. Western European integration was pushed forward by the direct confrontation on the continent of two opposing social systems. An important reason was the desire of Western European countries to overcome the negative experience of two world wars and to exclude the possibility of their occurrence on the continent in the future.

In its evolution, the EU has gone through all forms of integration: a free trade area; Customs Union; economic and monetary union; political union (the formation of the third and fourth forms has not yet been completed), developing in depth and breadth.

At the same time, the official and unofficial names of this integration group were repeatedly changed, which reflected its evolution.

In its evolution, the EU has gone through all forms of integration: a free trade area, a customs union, an economic and monetary union, a political union (the formation of the third and fourth forms has not yet been completed), developing in depth and breadth.

Integration in breadth means an increase in the number of full members of the Union and associate members. Development in depth is the formation of a regional economic mechanism in Western Europe and the expansion of areas subject to interstate regulation and unification. At the same time, the official and unofficial names of this integration group were repeatedly changed, which reflected its evolution.

The emergence of the EU was aimed at creating a common market and, on this basis, increasing economic stability and living standards. The EU Treaty determined the sequence of measures: 1) abolition of customs duties, import and export quantitative restrictions, as well as all other trade restrictions on the movement of goods within the community; 2) introduction of a common customs tariff and a common trade policy in relation to third countries; 3) free movement of factors of production (capital and work force), freedom to establish branches within the EU and free trade in services between member countries; 4) implementation of a common agricultural and transport policy; 5) creation of a monetary union; 6) coordination and gradual convergence of the economic policies of the participating countries; 7) unification of tax laws; 8) alignment of domestic legal norms that are important for the common market

Western Europe occupies a special place in the world economy.

It accounts for about 23% of total GDP and 7% of the world's population.
Western Europe includes 24 countries that differ from each other in territory size, population, natural resources, economic, scientific and technical potential. The formation of the EU (1957) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA, 1960), the signing of agreements between them on free trade in industrial goods, and in 1992. and the agreements on the European Economic Area (EEA) marked the beginning of the formation of a free trade area and regional economic complex in Western Europe.

The SES unites 19 Western European countries and establishes freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and people. A market with 380 million consumers is being created, which accounts for almost half of world trade, and traditional bilateral relations are being replaced by multinational ones. The increasing internationalization of production and the established mechanism of economic cooperation provide Western Europe with an important role in the world economy and politics.

At the present stage, the countries of Western Europe belong to the group of economically developed countries with the same type of economy. They are characterized by a fairly high level of economic development, ranking 2–44 among countries in the world in terms of GDP per capita.
According to the level of economic development, economic structure, scale economic activity Western European countries are divided into several groups.

The main economic power of the region comes from four large, highly industrialized countries - Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain, which account for 50% of the population and 70% of the gross domestic product. These powers largely determine the general trends in the economic and socio-political development of the entire region. Other states are classified as small industrialized countries. The special place occupied by small countries in the region and the world is determined by a high level of specialization in the production of technically complex, high-quality products.

A separate group consists of the so-called “dwarf states” - Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Liechtenstein. The listed countries differ quite greatly from each other in terms of their level of economic development.

For example, in Ireland, Greece, Spain, national income per capita does not exceed 60% of the average for all EU countries, and in Portugal - half of the EU average.

No less significant are the differences in the structure of the economy. In Italy, Greece, Portugal quite high specific gravity agriculture, while in dwarf states the service sector dominates. Statistics demonstrate the shifts that have occurred in recent decades in the position of Western European countries in the global economy. Thus, their share in the total world GDP for 1970-1980. increased from 25% to 31%, and then decreased by the mid-90s to 23%.
Another group of countries - part of the small countries - slightly increased their share in the industrial production of industrial countries.

Differences in economic growth rates are explained by the peculiarities of their economic structure. At the present stage in Western Europe the potential for scientific and technical research is very great.

Leading countries spend over 2% of GDP on these purposes. But it should be borne in mind that the costs of Western Europe represent the sum of the costs of individual states. Their overall effect is reduced by duplication of studies, so the real value of this indicator will be lower than the nominal value. However, EU member states allocate 16% less to civilian research than the US, but twice as much as Japan.

At the same time, spending in Western European countries is largely focused on basic research.
The countries of the region lag behind in such key industries as integrated circuits and semiconductors, the manufacture of microprocessors, supercomputers, and biomaterials.

In other areas, Western European companies occupy the forefront. This is the construction of nuclear power plants, the production of pharmaceuticals, communications technology, certain branches of transport engineering, etc.

d. But these types of equipment and products have little impact on the technological structure of production. Therefore, the narrower market for high-tech products in Western Europe, compared to the United States, is formed to a lesser extent by domestic production.

Among the factors negatively affecting the course of economic development of Western Europe, mass unemployment stands out - up to 30 million people. More than 80% of the unemployed are concentrated in EU countries. Modern economic development Western European countries is proceeding under the sign of structural changes.
Shifts in industrial production are not uniform. While in some countries its role decreased, in the southern and a number of northern countries (Iceland, Finland, Ireland) the share of industrial production in GDP increased.

The process of industrialization continued in these countries, new production capacities were created general purpose.
At the present stage, shipbuilding, ferrous metallurgy, textile and coal industries have experienced a structural crisis.

Minerals of Europe

Industries such as the automotive industry, chemistry, and electrical engineering are faced with a reduction in domestic demand and changes in the international division of labor. The most dynamic industries include the electronics industry, in which the production of industrial and industrial equipment has gained priority. special purpose, first of all, computers.

As data on the structure of the manufacturing industry shows, mechanical engineering and heavy industry have developed in the leading countries of the region. The share of chemistry is also significant. Many Western European countries are major manufacturers consumer products. The share of the light industry sector in Italy, Greece, and Portugal is 18–24%.

Most countries in the region are characterized by an increase or stabilization of the role of the food industry (both in production and in employment). Modern mining represents less than 1% of total GDP (Greece - 4%, Spain - 1.3%). About 30 types of minerals are mined, but only 3-4 of them in quantities significant on a global scale (zinc, bauxite, potash, nickel).
The most significant differences are in the structural indicators for the share of agriculture in the formation of GDP - from 1.5 to 8%.

Western Europe accounts for about 20% of world agricultural production.
Over the past years, serious changes have occurred in the fuel and energy balance of Western European countries. As a result of the implementation of comprehensive energy programs aimed at maximizing savings and increasing energy efficiency, there has been a relative reduction in energy and oil consumption.

Feature modern stage The centralization of capital favors the broad international nature of transactions. An example of this is the formation of the giant Swedish-Swiss electrical engineering concern and other international companies

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Natural resources of Eastern Europe

Using the Map of Mineral Resources of Foreign Europe in the Atlas, Compare Countries’ title=’Using the Map of Mineral Resources of Foreign Europe in the Atlas, Compare Countries’ />Block of acquiring knowledge and skills 2 Topic 1. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORLDBLOCK OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSTask 1. Based on political map world in the atlas and business card countries on the flyleaf of the textbook, write it down in notebook A.

B. 1. 1 countries of the world with a population of over 1. C. examples of peninsular and island countries, archipelagic countries D. Use the results of the work to specify the text of the textbook. In your opinion, what provisions of the textbook do they confirm? State budgetary educational institution of primary education. Vocational education Pskovskaya. Topic Economic geographical position and natural. Additional task for fun, make a crossword puzzle of countries around the worldTask 2.

Using the textbook text and the political map of the world in the atlas, write down in your notebook several examples of developed and developing countries belonging to different subgroups. Check each other's assignments. Task 3. I use the text of the textbook, materials from periodicals, radio and television programs, give vivid examples illustrating A. B. conflict situations, which leads to their aggravation Task 4.

Based on the business card of the countries on the endpapers of the textbook, create a systematizing, concise reference table Political system countries of the world using the following form Form of government. Form of administrative territorial structure: republics, monarchies, unitary states. Federal states are constitutional absolute. Additional task. In each column, write down the names of several countries as complicated examples. Use the results of the work to specify the provisions of the textbook.

Review Table 2 in the Appendices. Using your knowledge of history, explain why countries with a monarchical form of government are most numerous in foreign Europe and foreign Asia, and there are none at all in North America. Task 5. CreativeUsing various sources of information, give examples of important geopolitical problems that face the world at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries. Task 6 final. Analyze the main text of the topic 1. Trace its division into paragraphs, subparagraphs, and separate semantic parts.

Understand why spacing, italics, and highlighting of keywords are used in this text. BLOCK OF SELF-CONTROL AND MUTUAL CONTROL How will you explain 1. How is diversity expressed? modern world How do the countries of the world differ in their forms of government?

What do the following countries have in common? USA, Germany, France Which of the countries listed below can serve as examples of a countries that have a republican form of government Bulgaria, Poland, Great Britain, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia b countries that have a federal administrative-territorial structure Great Britain From the lesson you will learn about natural resource potential of Foreign Europe, get acquainted with the main resources that various European territories are rich in.

Natural resources of European countries

The teacher will tell you. The recreational resources of France, Spain, Italy and other European countries are of global importance. Using the map of mineral resources of foreign Europe in the atlas, compare the countries of the region in terms of the richness and diversity of fuel, ore and non-metallic minerals.

Apply a standard plan for characterizing the natural prerequisites for the development of industry in a country in the region, see Can you 1. Draw on a contour map from memory the following countries mentioned in the text or on text maps: Russia, France, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, USA, Canada , Brazil, Australia Indicate which of the countries listed below dobi Give examples of two or three countries that are under Name examples of newly industrialized countries Define the terms sovereign state.

The main features of the formation of the political map of the world in modern times. The main countries of Eurasia, Africa, North and South. Geopolitical situation modern Russia. Changing the post-war world order, character. Entry into the international arena of more than a hundred countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The diversity of the modern world and types of countries. A new stage of international relations and its reflection. Political geography and geopolitics. Key words topics 1 sovereign state, 2 economically developed country, 3 development GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD'S NATURAL RESOURCES.

POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. BLOCK OF ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Task 1 creative. Based on knowledge from previous geography courses and on topic 1 of this textbook, give examples of countries that are poor in natural resources, but have achieved high level economic and social development. Draw a conclusion about the role of resource availability in the life of society. Task 2. Analyze the data in tables 1,3,4 and 5. Calculate how many years the world's general geological and proven reserves of coal, oil, natural gas and iron ore will last at the current level of their production, see

Explain what problems this raises. The additional task is more complicated. Analyze Figure 4 and Table 2. Calculate how much mineral raw material was extracted from the bowels of the Earth in 1. Compare the four indicators, establish a trend and explain it. Task 3. Using the text of the textbook, the map of the world's mineral resources in the atlas and tables 3 and 4 in the Appendices, analyze the distribution of fuel minerals.

Name the countries with significant reserves of coal, oil, and largest basins. What conclusions can be drawn based on this analysis Task 4.

Review Figure 7, the World Land Resources Map in the Atlas, and Table 6 in the Appendices. Compare the provision of individual regions and countries with arable land. Give examples of land-rich and land-poor countries.

Based on knowledge from the course on the geography of continents and oceans, explain the reasons for such differences. Prove your opinion. Task 5. Using Figure 8, compare the provision of large regions of the world with river flow resources. Give examples of countries that are most and least endowed with fresh water resources.

Using the map in the atlas, consider the location of the world's major reservoirs, draw conclusions and use them to support the text of the textbook. The additional task is more complicated. Analyze the data in Table 7 in the Appendices and give comparative characteristics hydropower potential of large regions of the world.

Task 6. Analyze Figure 9. Using this figure, as well as the main text, characterize the two main forest belts of the planet. Assess the endowment of individual countries, highlighting countries that are very rich and very poor in forest resources. Please also use Table 8 in the Appendices. Task 7. Analyze the map of mineral resources of the World Ocean in the atlas. Give a general description of these resources. Identify the areas of the continental shelf and deep ocean floor that are richest in mineral resources.

Based on the analysis, is it possible to outline prospects for the development of the offshore mining industry? Additional complicated task. Using the text of the textbook, create a classification scheme in your notebook for Natural Resources of the World Ocean. Apply it to prove the point that the World Ocean is a storehouse of various natural resources.

Task 8 is creative. Based on knowledge of physical, economic and social geography of your republic, territory, region, give examples of 1 recreational medical, 2 recreational health, 3 recreational sports, 4 recreational educational territories. Whenever possible, use your own observations and impressions.

Prepare a banner album dedicated to this territory. Are there any World Heritage Sites in your republic, region, region Task 9. Sample Certificate of Bank Opening Form here. Using various media data mass media, give several examples a positive results environmental activities and implementation of environmental policy b the negative impact of anthropogenic interventions in the natural environment.

Task 1. 0 final. Based on the acquired knowledge, name the reasons for the following phenomena in the second half of the 20th century. Formulate at least three problematic questions based on the text of the topic. Offer answers to them and discuss them with your friends. Study text maps and atlas maps describing the world's natural resources.

Natural resources of Central European countries

3. Oil, gas, and coal industries are the basis of world energy.

The oil industry is particularly important.
Oil has been known to man since ancient times. Its use for lighting, heating, and making medicines was mentioned by Herodotus and Plutarch.

In the 19th century the stimulus for the growth of its production was first the invention kerosene lamp, and then the internal combustion engine. In the 20th century no other type of primary energy resource has had such a large impact on the economic and social development humanity, like oil.
Nowadays oil is produced in more than 80 countries of the world.

Minerals of Norway

Global production (approaching 3.5 billion tons) is distributed approximately equally between economically developed and developing countries. Slightly more than 40% of it falls on OPEC countries, and among some large regions, foreign Asia especially stands out - primarily thanks to the countries of the Persian Gulf.

Example. The Gulf countries account for 2/3 of the world's proven oil reserves and about 1/3 of its global production.

Four countries in this region produce more than 100 million tons of oil per year each (Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Kuwait). And Saudi Arabia ranks first in the world in this indicator.

The remaining regions according to the size of oil production are distributed in the following order: Latin and North America, Africa, CIS, foreign Europe, Australia and Oceania.
IN international trade 40% of all oil produced comes from

In the world economy, a huge territorial gap has formed between the areas of its production and consumption. To overcome it, powerful—primarily ocean-based—freight flows emerged—real “oil bridges.”
The global gas industry has also undergone significant development. This is explained by three main reasons: the presence of large proven reserves of natural gas, the relative cheapness of its transportation, and also the fact that gas is an environmentally “cleaner” fuel than coal and oil.

That is why in the second half of the 20th century. World natural gas production increased more than tenfold, exceeding 2.2 trillion m3. Judging by forecasts, it will continue to grow in the future.
Not so long ago, almost all natural gas was produced in the Nordic countries, primarily in the USA and Canada, in foreign Europe and the CIS.
But recently, some countries of the South, mainly in Southeast Asia, North Africa and Latin America, have also become major producers.

15-20% of produced natural gas enters world trade.

The main part of it is exported main gas pipelines— from Russia, Turkmenistan, the Netherlands, Canada, Algeria and other countries. The rest is sent for export in liquefied form, in special methane tankers. Liquefied natural gas is exported mainly by developing countries, which has already led to the formation of sea “gas bridges”.
The coal industry, despite competition from oil and gas, remains important, and the level of global production in the 90s.

fluctuates between 4.5-5 billion tons. Among individual regions of the world, foreign Asia, North America, foreign Europe, CIS countries stand out, and from individual countries - China, USA, Germany, Russia, India, Australia.
Coal is consumed primarily in the same countries where it is mined, but still approximately 10% of it enters the world market. Australia, the USA, as well as South Africa and Canada most specialized in the export of thermal and coking coal. As a result, this industry has also formed its own stable sea “coal bridges”.

Russia is also one of the exporters of hard coal, but the size of exports is not as large as before.

General assessment of Europe's natural conditions and resources

The natural conditions of European countries are generally favorable for life and production activities person. There are no giant mountain ranges separating the countries, or too dry or cold areas that limit the distribution of the population.

Relief

Based on the nature of the relief, Europe is divided into mountainous and flat. The largest plains are Central European and Eastern European. They are densely populated and developed.

The south of Europe is occupied by young mountain formations with seismic activity. Mountain systems such as the Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Carpathians, and Balkans rose here. But they do not pose any significant obstacles or difficulties for mastering. In the north are the old Scandinavian mountains, destroyed by time. They are the same age as the Ural Mountains. In the center of Europe there are also old mountain structures (Tatras, Harz, etc.), united in the Central European mountain belt. Old forges are also located in the north of the British Isles (Northern Scotland).

Note 1

In general, the relief is favorable for human life and economic activity. But if environmental protection measures are ignored, erosion processes can develop.

Climate

Europe is located in subarctic, temperate and subtropical climate zones. Most of the region is in a temperate climate. Favorable temperature and humidification conditions prevail here. In the north (Arctic islands and northern Scandinavia) there is a lack of heat. Therefore, agriculture is developing in closed ground. On the coast Mediterranean Sea On the contrary, there is enough heat, but there is a lack of moisture. Therefore, heat-loving and drought-resistant plants are cultivated here.

Minerals

The mineral resources of Europe are very diverse. They served as the basis for the economic power of European states. But over the past centuries the deposits have been greatly depleted. Many countries import raw materials from other regions.

Oil and gas fields are confined to the outskirts of the platform and shelf zones. In addition to Russia, the UK, Norway, the Netherlands and Romania are actively producing oil and gas.

The Carboniferous Belt stretches across Europe from Great Britain to Ukraine. Pools with unique coal quality are:

• Donbass (Ukraine, Russia),
• Upper Silesian (Poland),
• Ruhrsky (Germany),
• Ostravo-Karvinsky (Czech Republic).

Germany ranks first in the world in brown coal production. In addition, its deposits are found in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria.

The ore resources of Europe are confined to the foundations of ancient platforms. After Russia, Ukraine and Sweden can boast of rich iron ore deposits. The iron ore basins of France, Great Britain and Poland are severely depleted. Ukraine ranks first in the world in the production of manganese ores.

The south of Europe is rich in non-ferrous metal ores. Copper and nickel ores, bauxite, and mercury ores are mined here. The Lublin copper ore basin (Poland) is considered the most powerful in Europe.

There are uranium ore deposits in Sweden and France. Germany, Belarus, Ukraine are rich in potassium salts, Poland is rich in sulfur, and the Czech Republic is rich in graphite.

Land and forest resources

Europe is rich in land resources. The best soil fertility indicators, chernozems, are found in Ukraine, Hungary and southern Russia. Most Central Europe cover brown forest soils. Brown soils are formed on the Mediterranean coast. In the north of the region there are soddy-podzolic soils that require intensive reclamation.

The forest resources of the region have been quite depleted over centuries of use. The territories of Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belarus, and the northern part of Poland remain forested areas.

Recreational resources

Natural and recreational resources form the basis for the development of resort business. Resorts can be:

• beach (Côte d'Azur, Golden Sands, Malta),
• skiing (Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, Norway),
• hydrotherapy (Karlovy Vary, Baden-Baden).

Foreign Europe has a fairly diverse range of fuel, ore and non-metallic minerals. However, the reserves of only a few of them, in terms of their significance, can be classified as global or at least pan-European. Thus, according to estimates by geographers from Moscow State University, in world reserves this region is most prominent in coal (20%), zinc (18%), lead (14%), and copper (7%). Its share in the world reserves of oil, natural gas, iron ore, bauxite is 5–6%, and other types of mineral raw materials are represented in foreign Europe by smaller volumes of resources. When characterizing the resource base of the region, it is necessary to take into account the fact that for the most part, the basins and deposits of mineral raw materials in foreign Europe were developed a long time ago and are now severely depleted. Therefore, the region is very dependent on the import of many types of mineral raw materials - oil, natural gas, manganese and nickel ores, copper, bauxite, uranium concentrates, etc.
The distribution of mineral resources across the territory of foreign Europe is characterized by significant unevenness, which is predetermined by the geological – primarily tectonic – features of the structure of the region’s territory. Within its boundaries, five main tectonic structures are usually distinguished: the Baltic shield, the Caledonian fold belt, the North-West European depression, the Epi-Hercynian platform and the Alpine folded region. However, with a more generalized approach, they can be combined into two main groups, coinciding with the northern and southern parts of the region (Fig. 2).
The main feature of the northern part of the region is that it has a predominantly platform structure, although it is far from homogeneous. The most ancient and stable territory within its boundaries, composed of crystalline rocks, is, as is known, formed by the Baltic Shield. In the east, the very ancient, Precambrian East European Platform, covered with a thick cover, also enters the borders of foreign Europe. sedimentary rocks. Most of the remaining territory is occupied by a younger, so-called epi-Hercynian platform, formed on the site of the Hercynian folding, which occurred during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. It is characterized by a mosaic combination of platform areas with intermountain depressions and marginal troughs. These features tectonic structure First of all, they determine the composition and distribution of minerals. Generalizing, we can apparently say that genetically they are connected, firstly, with the crystalline foundation of the platform, secondly, with its sedimentary cover and, thirdly, with marginal and intermountain troughs.
Minerals associated with the crystalline basement of the platform and having a pronounced igneous origin are most characteristic of the Baltic Shield. An example is the iron ore deposits in Northern Sweden - Kirunavar, Gällivare, etc. Mineralization here extends from the surface to a depth of 2000 m, and the iron content in the ore reaches 62–65%. Within the same shield in Finland, Sweden and Norway there are also deposits of non-ferrous metals. A variety of ore deposits of igneous and metamorphic origin are also found within the Epihercynian platform in the Federal Republic of Germany, France, Spain and some other countries.
The mineral resources that owe their origin to the sedimentary cover of the platform are even greater and more diverse. Thus, in the Paleozoic (Permian) copper ore basins of Poland and Germany were formed.
In Polish Lower Silesia, copper ore deposits were discovered in 1957. The average copper content in cuprous sandstones located at a depth of 600-1000 m here is 1.5%; in addition, the ores contain silver, nickel, cobalt, lead, zinc and other metals. General reserves copper ores are estimated at 3 billion tons, which is equivalent to more than 50 million tons of metal. This puts Poland first in Europe and fourth in the world. Numerous deposits of rock salt (salt domes) in Poland, deposits of potassium salts in Germany and French Alsace are also associated with Permian deposits left by the so-called Zechstein Sea.
In the Mesozoic (Jurassic), iron ore deposits estimated at 4 billion tons arose in trough-like depressions in Lorraine (France). However, the iron content in Lorraine ore is quite low (25–35%), and it also contains an admixture of phosphorus. All this is only partly compensated by its shallow occurrence, which allows open-pit mining.
The main mineral resource of the Cenozoic age associated with the sedimentary cover of the platform is brown coal, which has come down to us in the form of numerous basins of Paleogene and Neogene age on the territory of Germany (Lower Rhine, Lausitz), Poland (Belchatow), and the Czech Republic (North Bohemian).
Among the minerals that owe their origin to marginal troughs, main role coal, oil and natural gas play. The coal basins of the region form a kind of latitudinal axis, stretching from Great Britain through the basins of northern France and southern Belgium, the Ruhr and Saar basins of Germany to the Ostrava basin of the Czech Republic, the Upper Silesian and Lublin basins of Poland. (We would like to add that further east on the same axis is the Donetsk Basin.) This arrangement of the Carboniferous basins, which together form one of the world's largest coal accumulation belts, is explained by the fact that during the Carboniferous period the northern marginal trough of the Epi-Hercynian platform passed here. Therefore, in structural and tectonic terms, the basins of this belt show great similarity, which can be illustrated by the examples of the largest of them - the Ruhr (general geological reserves of about 290 billion tons, area 5.5 thousand km2) and the Upper Silesian (120 billion tons, 4.5 thousand km2).
Both of these basins are of the paralic type, formed in large tectonic basins. Throughout the Carboniferous period, there was a gradual subsidence of these depressions, accompanied by intense sedimentation, as well as repeated marine transgressions.


However, the formation of coal is associated only with Upper Carboniferous deposits, which in the Ruhr basin reach a thickness of 5000–6000 m, and in the Upper Silesian 3000–7000 m. This means that the mining and geological conditions for the occurrence of coal in the Upper Silesian basin are more favorable. In addition, the depth of development in it is less than in the Ruhr. However, in terms of the quality of coal and especially in the share of coking grade coals, the Ruhr Basin is ahead of the Upper Silesian Basin.
Oil and gas basins explored in the northern part of foreign Europe are, as a rule, very small in size. Genetically they are associated with small intermountain depressions of the Epihercynian platform. The only large basin in this region is the North Sea. It arose within the North Sea syneclise, where the thickness of sedimentary deposits of Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic ages reaches a thickness of 9000 m. This sequence is characterized by an abundance of oil-bearing reservoirs and oil-gas-resistant seals.
The main feature of the southern part of the region is that it is located within a geologically much younger folded zone, which is part of the vast Euro-Asian geosynclinal belt. The differences between this part of the region and the northern part are: the significantly younger geological age of most minerals, the origin of which is associated primarily with the era of Alpine orogeny; the predominance of ore minerals of igneous and metamorphic origin; lower territorial concentration of mineral resources.
Ore basins and deposits in the southern part of the region (chrome, copper, polymetallic, mercury ores) are of igneous origin and are mostly associated with volcanic intrusions. The exception is bauxite, whose deposits form a wide Mediterranean belt stretching from France to Greece. They were formed here in lacustrine and marine conditions under the dominance of a humid subtropical climate and are associated with eluvial red-colored rocks - laterites (from the Latin later - brick).
Deposits and basins of coal, oil and gas, and native sulfur were also formed in sedimentary deposits. Among the coal basins, brown coal basins predominate, primarily of its lowest-grade type - lignite (for example, Kosovo in Serbia, East Maritsky in Bulgaria). In most cases, they formed in small intermountain and intramountain depressions under lacustrine sedimentation conditions. Small petroleum-bearing basins also arose in intermountain and intramontane basins, and the largest of them, the Cis-Carpathian Basin in Romania, formed within a vast foredeep stretching along the Southern and Eastern Carpathians. More than 70 oil and gas fields located in Cenozoic and Mesozoic sediments have been explored in this basin. However, oil production began here in the middle of the 19th century, and now the deposits are severely depleted. Oil exploration and production have long been directed not so much “in breadth” as “in depth”, and the depth of wells reaches 5000–6000 m.
Foreign European countries can serve a clear example“incompleteness” of the set of minerals. Thus, Poland has large reserves of coal, copper ores, and sulfur, but almost no oil, natural gas, or iron ore. In Bulgaria, on the contrary, there is no coal, although the reserves of lignites, copper ores, and polymetals are quite significant.

Foreign Europe has quite diverse resources of fuel, mineral and energy raw materials.

But it must be taken into account that almost all known mineral deposits on European territory have long been known and are on the verge of depletion. Therefore, this region needs resource imports more than others in the world.

Features of the relief of Europe

The relief of foreign Europe is quite diverse. In the east, low-lying plains prevail, which stretch in a wide strip from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. In the south, hills dominate: Oshmyany, Minsk, Volyn, Crimean mountains.

The territory of the western part of Europe is highly dissected. Here, as you move from north to south, mountain ranges alternate with stripes of plains and lowlands. In the north are the Scandinavian Mountains. Further to the south: Scottish Highlands, high plains (Norland, Småland), lowlands (Central European, Greater Poland, North German, etc.). Then again there follows a mountainous strip: these are Sumava, Vosges and others, which alternate with the plains - Lesser Poland, Bohemian-Moravian.

In the south are the highest European mountain ranges - the Pyrenees, the Carpathians, the Alps, then again the plains. At the southernmost tips of foreign Europe there is another mountain belt, which consists of such massifs as the Rhodope Mountains, the Apennines, the Andalusian Mountains, the Dinara Mountains, and the Pindus Mountains.

This diversity determined the uneven occurrence of minerals. Reserves of iron, manganese, zinc, tin, copper, polymetallic ores, and bauxite are concentrated in the mountains and on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Significant deposits of brown and hard coal and potassium salts have been discovered in the lowlands. The coast of Europe, washed by the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, is an area where oil and gas fields occur. Especially a lot of fuel resources lie in the north. Northern shelf developments Arctic Ocean still remain a priority.

Types of minerals

Despite the diversity of minerals in foreign Europe, the reserves of only some of them can be assessed as significant shares in the world reserve. This can be expressed in numbers in the following way:

. hard and brown coal— 20% of the world reserve;

. zinc— 18%;

. lead— 14%%

. copper— 7%;

. oil, natural gas, iron ores, bauxite — 5-6%.

All other resources are presented in small quantities.

By production coal Germany is in the lead (Ruhr, Saar, Aachen, Krefeld basins). It is followed by Poland (Upper Silesian Basin) and Great Britain (Welsh and Newcastle Basins).

The richest deposits brown coal also located in Germany (Halle-Leizipg and Lower Lausitz basins). There are rich deposits in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Every year, for example, 106 billion tons of coal are mined in Germany, and 45 billion tons in the UK.

Potassium salts V industrial scale mined in Germany and France.

Uranium ores- in France (deposits: Limousin, Forez, Morvan, Chardonnay) and Spain (Monasterio, La Virgen, Esperanza).

Iron ores- in France (Lorraine Basin) and Sweden (Kiruna).

Copper- in Bulgaria (Medet, Asaral, Elatsite), Poland (Grodzetsky, Zlotoryysky, Presudetsky fields) and Finland (Vuonos, Outokumpu, Luikonlahti).

Oil- in Great Britain and Norway (water area North Sea), Denmark and the Netherlands. Currently open 21 oil and gas basins, with a total area of ​​more than 2.8 million sq. km. There are 752 separate oil fields, 854 gas fields.

Gas- in Great Britain, Norway, the Netherlands. The largest deposit is Gronigen. More than 3.0 trillion are mined here annually. cubic meters

Bauxite- in France (Mediterranean province, La Ruquette), Greece (Parnas-Kiona, Amorgos), Croatia (Rudopole, Niksic), Hungary (Halimba, Oroslan, Gant).

Natural resources of foreign Europe

The peculiarities of Europe's resource supply can be explained by three factors:

1. It's relative small area Therefore, the volumes of natural resources are small.

2. Europe is one of the most densely populated regions in the world, so resources are used very actively.

3. Europeans were the first in the world to follow the path of industrial development, which led not only to a significant depletion of all types of resources, but also to environmental deterioration.

Land and forest resources. The land area of ​​foreign Europe is small - about 173 million hectares, of which 30% is allocated for arable land, 18% for pastures, 33% is occupied by forests. The highest land use ratio is in the Netherlands, Romania, Poland and Denmark - 80%, in France, Germany - 50, but in Italy and Portugal - 14-16%.

There is approximately 0.3 hectares of forest per European, while the world average is 1.2 hectares. Long-term use has led to the fact that there are practically no natural forests left; those that exist are planted forests. Every year about 400 million cubic meters of timber are mined in Europe, mainly on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The rest of the territory is dominated by protected forests, which are not subject to felling, and therefore are not resources.

Water resources. Natural water is a scarce resource in Europe. Most of the water is used industrial enterprises And Agriculture. Long-term uncontrolled use of water resources has led to their depletion. To date, an extremely unfavorable environmental situation has developed - most European rivers and lakes are heavily polluted. In all countries of foreign Europe there is an acute shortage of fresh water.

Europe is the second (after Australia) smallest part of the world by area. However, its strategic location in relation to Asia and Africa, as well as navigable rivers and fertile soils, made Europe the dominant economic, social and cultural power over a long period of history.

Water resources

Water is an essential component of life on our planet. Ecosystems, societies and economies need sufficient water to thrive. However, the demand for water resources exceeds its availability in many parts of the world, and some regions of Europe are no exception. In addition, a large number of water bodies are in poor ecological condition.

Oceans and seas

Europe is washed by two oceans: in the north - the Arctic Ocean and in the west - the Atlantic Ocean; as well as the following seas: North, Baltic, Mediterranean, Black, Azov, Barents, Norwegian, White, Kara and Caspian.

Rivers

A large number of rivers flow through Europe. Some of them form boundaries between different countries, while others serve as a valuable source of water for agriculture and fish farming. Most rivers in Europe are rich in dissolved minerals and valuable organic compounds. Many of them also have interesting physical properties and create waterfalls and canyons. European rivers are, in fact, an extremely important part of the continent. The longest rivers in Europe are: Volga (3,692 km), Danube (2,860 km), Ural (2,428 km), Dnieper (2,290 km), Don (1,950 km).

Lakes

Lakes are bodies of water with stagnant fresh water, although they can also be brackish, i.e. slightly salty. They are characterized by physical features such as area, depth, volume, length, etc.

In Europe there are more than 500,000 natural lakes larger than 0.01 km² (1 ha). Between 80% and 90% of them are small, with an area of ​​0.01 to 0.1 km², while about 16,000 are larger than 1 km². Three quarters of the lakes are located in Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Karelo-Kola part of Russia.

24 lakes in Europe have an area of ​​more than 400 km². Europe's largest freshwater lake, Lake Ladoga, covers an area of ​​17,670 km² and is located in the northwestern part of Russia, next to the second largest Lake Onega, with an area of ​​9,700 km². Both lakes are significantly larger than other European lakes and reservoirs. However, they are only 18th and 22nd in the world in terms of area. The third largest is the Kuibyshev reservoir, with an area of ​​6,450 km², located on the Volga River. Another 19 natural lakes with a size of more than 400 km² are located in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, northwestern Russia, and also in Central Europe.

Demand and supply of water resources

Although fresh water is generally abundant in Europe, water shortages and droughts continue to affect some water basins at certain times of the year. The Mediterranean region and most densely populated river basins in different parts of Europe are hotspots for water scarcity.

IN winter period, about 30 million people in Europe live in conditions of water scarcity, while this figure in the summer is 70 million people. This corresponds to 4% and 9% of the total population of this part of the world.

About 20% of the total population of the Mediterranean region lives in conditions of constant water scarcity. More than half (53%) of the inhabitants of Mediterranean countries experience water shortages during the summer.

46% of rivers and 35% of groundwater resources provide more than 80% of the total water demand in Europe.

Agriculture requires 36% of total water consumption. In summer, this figure increases to approximately 60%. Agriculture in the Mediterranean region accounts for almost 75% of the total water consumption of the European agricultural sector.

Public water supply accounts for 32% of total water use. This puts pressure on renewables water resources, especially in areas with high population density. The small resort islands of Europe are in severe water shortage conditions caused by the influx of tourists, which is 10-15 times greater than the number of local residents.

Forest resources

In Europe, about 33% of total area land (215 million hectares) is covered with forests, and there is a positive trend in increasing forest areas. Other forest lands cover an additional 36 million hectares. About 113 million hectares are covered by coniferous forests, 90 million hectares by broad-leaved forests and 48 million hectares by mixed forests.

The use of forest resources is an important industry in Europe. The timber industry generates revenues of more than $600 billion annually. Forestry and wood processing industries provide jobs for around 3.7 million people and account for 9% of Europe's gross domestic product (GDP).

The most important forest industries in Europe are: wood processing, pulp and paper, construction materials and furniture products. This part of the world is known for exporting high quality goods such as paper, furniture and wood panels.

In Europe, non-timber forest resources are also in demand, which include the collection of mushrooms and truffles, honey, fruits and berries, as well as the cultivation and collection of medicinal plants. Europe accounts for 80% of the total production of phellem (cork fabric) worldwide.

Map of the percentage of forests to area of ​​European countries

The largest area of ​​forest resources is occupied by Finland (73%) and Sweden (68%). Forest cover in Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia, Greece, Spain and the European part Russian Federation exceeds 49%.

The least amount of forest is found on: the Isle of Man (6%), the island of Jersey (5%), the island of Guernsey (3%) and the island nation of Malta (1%). Gibraltar, Monaco, San Marino and Svalbard and Jan Mayen have less than 1% forest cover.

Land resources

Land is the basis for most biological resources and human activities. Agriculture, forestry, industry, transportation, housing and other forms of land use serve as important economic resources. Land is also an integral part of ecosystems and a necessary condition for the existence of living organisms.

The earth can be divided into two interrelated concepts:

• vegetation cover, which refers to the biophysical cover of the earth (eg, crops, grasses, broadleaf forests, and other biological resources);

• land use indicates the socio-economic use of land (e.g. agriculture, forestry, recreation, etc.).

Forests and other wooded areas occupy 37.1% of Europe's total area, arable land makes up almost a quarter of the land resource (24.8%), grassland 20.7%, and shrubland 6.6%, with water areas and wetlands lands occupy 4.8%.

Agricultural land use is the most common land use in European countries and accounts for 43.5% of the total land area. Areas used for forestry occupy 32.4% of the territory, while 5.7% of the land is intended for residential and recreational purposes. Industry and transportation make up 3.4%, and the remaining lands are used for hunting and fishing, or are protected, or have no apparent use.

Europe has many different vegetation and land uses that reflect historical changes. IN last years Some of the most important changes in land use have included the decline in agricultural land use and the gradual increase in forested areas (driven by the need to meet global environmental obligations due to climate change). Construction of roads, highways, railways, intensive agriculture and urbanization have led to fragmentation of land resources. This process negatively affects the flora and fauna of Europe.

Mineral resources

Europe has significant reserves of metal resources. Russia is the main supplier of oil, which gives it strategic advantage in international negotiations. Outside of Russia, oil is relatively scarce in Europe (with the exception of fields off the coast of Scotland and Norway). Peat and potash are also important to the European economy. Zinc and copper are the main elements that are used in almost all European countries. Iceland is a leader in alternative energy sources. Since the Baltic countries are poor in mineral resources, they depend on other states, for example, Sweden.

Europe Mineral Resources Map

Mineral resources Nordic countries

Northern Europe's mineral resources mainly include metals such as bauxite (from which aluminum is extracted), copper and iron ore. Some northern European countries (such as Denmark) have oil and natural gas reserves. Scandinavia is relatively rich in oil and natural gas.

Mineral resources of Southern European countries

Italy has significant reserves of coal, mercury and zinc. Croatia has a limited amount of oil and bauxite. Bosnia and Herzegovina has reserves of bauxite, coal and iron ore. Greece has some iron ore, bauxite, petroleum, lead and zinc.

Mineral resources of Western European countries

Spain and France share reserves of coal, zinc, as well as copper and lead. France also has bauxite and uranium. Germany has large reserves of coal, as well as nickel and lignite (or brown coal, similar to peat). The UK has some offshore oil and natural gas deposits, as well as significant coal reserves, and small gold reserves. Iceland is a leader in hydropower and geothermal energy production. Portugal has some gold, zinc, copper and uranium. Ireland has significant reserves of natural gas and peat.

Mineral resources of Eastern European countries

Ukraine and Russia are rich in natural gas and oil. The Baltic countries are poorer in mineral resources, although Latvia has begun to exploit its hydroelectric potential. Poland is endowed with coal, natural gas, iron ore and copper, and also has limited reserves of silver. Serbia has some oil and natural gas, copper and zinc, and limited reserves of gold and silver. Bulgaria is rich in alumina and copper. Kosovo is probably the most blessed country of all the Eastern European states, as it is home to huge reserves of gold, silver, natural gas, bauxite, nickel and zinc. And finally, Russia has an abundance of natural resources: it has large percentage world reserves of oil and natural gas, as well as vast reserves of almost all the most important minerals.

Biological resources

TO biological resources Europe includes all living organisms living in this part of the world, including: animals, plants, fungi and microorganisms that are used by people for personal needs, as well as wild representatives of flora and fauna that have a direct or indirect impact on the ecosystem.

Livestock

Spain, Germany, France, the UK and Italy are the largest livestock-producing countries in Europe. In 2016, greatest number pigs were recorded in Spain and Germany (28.4 and 27.7 million heads, respectively), in France 19.4 million heads of large cattle, and in the UK there are 23.1 million head of sheep. Goats and poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, etc.) are also raised in Europe. Livestock farming provides Europeans with food, including milk, meat, eggs, etc. Some animals are used for work and riding.

Fish farming

Fish farming is an important branch of livestock farming. Europe represents approximately 5% of the world's fisheries and aquaculture production. Wild fish are caught mainly in the eastern part of Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Main fish species include: Atlantic herring, sprat, blue whiting and Atlantic mackerel. The leading fishing countries are: Spain, Denmark, Great Britain and France. These countries account for about half of all fish catches in Europe.

Crop production

Cereal crops grown in Europe include wheat, spelled, barley, corn, rye, etc. This part of the world is the leading producer of sugar beets in the world (about 50% of the world's reserves). Oilseed crops grown here include soybeans, sunflowers and rapeseed.

The main vegetables grown in Europe are: tomato, onion, carrot. The most important fruits include: apples, oranges and peaches. About 65% of the world's viticulture and winemaking is concentrated in Europe, with the leading producing countries, accounting for 79.3% of total production, being Italy, France and Spain.

Europe is also the world's largest producer olive oil, which is almost 3/4 of world production. The Mediterranean region produces 95% of the world's olive trees. The main producing countries of this oil are Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal.

Flora

Probably 80 to 90% of Europe was covered in forest. It stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Arctic Ocean. Although more than half of the forests have disappeared due to deforestation, more than 1/4 of the territory is still occupied by forests. Recently, deforestation has slowed down and many trees have been planted.

The most important tree species in Central and Western Europe are beech and oak. In the north, the taiga is a mixed spruce-pine-birch forest; further north, within Russia and extreme northern Scandinavia, the taiga gives way to the tundra. In the Mediterranean, many olive trees were planted and adapted very well to the characteristic arid climate; Mediterranean cypress trees are also widespread in Southern Europe.

Fauna

The last Ice Age and the presence of humans influenced the distribution of European fauna. In many parts of Europe, most large animals and top predators were exterminated. Today, large animals such as wolves and bears are endangered. The reason for this was deforestation, poaching and fragmentation of natural habitats.

The following animal species live in Europe: the European forest cat, the fox (especially the red fox), jackals and different kinds martens, hedgehogs. Here you can find snakes (such as vipers and snakes), amphibians and various birds (for example, owls, hawks and other birds of prey).

The extinction of the pygmy hippopotamus and pygmy elephant was associated with the earliest arrival of humans on the Mediterranean islands.

Marine organisms are also an important part of European flora and fauna. Marine flora mainly includes phytoplankton. Important marine animals that live in European seas are: molluscs, echinoderms, various crustaceans, squid, octopus, fish, dolphins, and whales.

Europe's biodiversity is protected by the Berne Convention on the Conservation of Wild Fauna and Flora, and natural environments a habitat".

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