Alps
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lies south of the Northern European plains, which contains fertile soils and rivers for farming, and the Central uplands, which are high plateaus with rounded mountains and and hills.
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high jagged mountain range
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formed by glaciation
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runs from southern France through Switzerland and Austria to the Balkin Peninsula
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Mont Blanc - highest peak
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sourrounded by 11 long narrow lakes that contribute to settlement, industrial hydroelectric power and transportation
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avalanches pose a threat to visitors and inhabitants
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provide cooler temperatures from the warmer Atlantic breezes
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Hitler had a base of operations in the Bavarian Alps during WW2
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physical barriers made trade and cross culture difficult
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natural barrier between the Italian Peninsula and Northern Europe
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separates marine west coast and Mediterranean climate
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source of many major European rivers
