The Geography and Climate of Spain

Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula. It shares borders with France, Andorra, Portugal, Morocco, and the British territory of Gibraltar. It also has several islands and enclaves, such as the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and Ceuta and Melilla in North Africa. Spain has a diverse and varied geography, with mountains, plains, coasts, and islands. It also has a rich and complex climate, influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Sahara Desert, and the Pyrenees Mountains.

The Landscapes of Spain

Spain has a total area of 505,370 square kilometers (195,124 square miles), making it the fourth largest country in Europe and the 52nd largest in the world. It has a coastline of 4,964 kilometers (3,085 miles), the second longest in Europe after Norway. Spain’s terrain is mostly mountainous, with about 50% of the land above 600 meters (1,968 feet) in elevation. The main mountain ranges are the Pyrenees in the northeast, the Cantabrian Mountains in the north, the Iberian System in the east, the Baetic System in the south, and the Central System in the center. The highest point in Spain is Pico de Teide (3,718 meters or 12,198 feet) on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at sea level.

Spain also has several large and fertile plains, such as the Meseta Central, which covers about 40% of the country and has an average elevation of 660 meters (2,165 feet). The Meseta Central is divided by several rivers, such as the Tagus, the Duero, the Guadiana, and the Guadalquivir. The Ebro Valley in the northeast is another important agricultural region, as well as the Andalusian Plain in the south, which is irrigated by the Guadalquivir River. Spain’s coasts are diverse and scenic, with sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, coves, bays, and islands. Some of the most popular coastal areas are the Costa Brava, the Costa Blanca, the Costa del Sol, and the Costa de la Luz.

Spain’s islands are also part of its geography and offer different landscapes and climates. The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Africa and have a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures and little rainfall. They are known for their volcanic origin, their biodiversity, and their natural attractions, such as the Teide National Park, the Garajonay National Park, and the Timanfaya National Park. The Balearic Islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea and have a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. They are known for their tourism, their culture, and their natural beauty, such as the Cabrera Archipelago National Park, the Serra de Tramuntana, and the Caves of Drach.

The Climate of Spain

Spain has a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, due to its size, location, and relief, Spain also has a variety of microclimates and regional variations. The main climatic zones in Spain are:

• The Atlantic or Oceanic climate, which covers the northern part of the country, from Galicia to the Basque Country. This climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Mountains, and has high rainfall, moderate temperatures, and cloudy skies. The average temperature in January is 6°C (43°F) and in July is 20°C (68°F). The annual rainfall is about 1,000 mm (39 inches).

• The Continental or Inland climate, which covers the central and eastern part of the country, from the Meseta Central to the Ebro Valley. This climate is influenced by the distance from the sea and the altitude, and has low rainfall, cold winters, and hot summers. The average temperature in January is 4°C (39°F) and in July is 24°C (75°F). The annual rainfall is about 400 mm (16 inches).

• The Mediterranean or Coastal climate, which covers the southern and eastern part of the country, from Andalusia to Catalonia. This climate is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain ranges, and has mild winters, hot summers, and moderate rainfall. The average temperature in January is 10°C (50°F) and in July is 26°C (79°F). The annual rainfall is about 600 mm (24 inches).

• The Mountain or Alpine climate, which covers the highlands and the Pyrenees. This climate is influenced by the elevation and the latitude, and has low temperatures, high rainfall, and snow. The average temperature in January is 0°C (32°F) and in July is 15°C (59°F). The annual rainfall is about 1,500 mm (59 inches).

Spain’s climate also has some seasonal and local variations, such as the influence of the Sahara Desert, which can bring hot, dry, and dusty winds, such as the leveche, the solano, and the sirocco. These winds can cause heat waves, droughts, and wildfires, especially in the summer. Another variation is the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, which can bring cold, humid, and stormy winds, such as the galerna, the cierzo, and the tramontana. These winds can cause heavy rains, floods, and snowstorms, especially in the winter.

The Natural Resources and Hazards of Spain

Spain has a rich and diverse natural heritage, with many resources and attractions. Some of the main natural resources of Spain are:

• The soil, which is suitable for agriculture, especially in the plains and valleys. Spain produces a variety of crops, such as cereals, olives, grapes, citrus fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Spain is also one of the world’s largest producers of wine, olive oil, and cork.

• The water, which is essential for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and tourism. Spain has many rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands, such as the Doñana National Park, the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, and the Albufera de Valencia. Spain also has a long coastline, with many ports, beaches, and marine ecosystems, such as the Mar Menor, the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, and the Cíes Islands.

• The minerals, which are abundant and diverse, especially in the mountains. Spain has deposits of coal, iron, copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, uranium, and mercury. Spain also has reserves of natural gas and oil, mainly in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands.

• The flora and fauna, which are varied and endemic, due to the isolation and diversity of the habitats. Spain has about 8,000 species of plants, 500 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, and 20 species of amphibians. Some of the most emblematic and endangered species are the Iberian lynx, the brown bear, the imperial eagle, the Cantabrian capercaillie, and the Mediterranean monk seal.

Spain also faces some natural hazards and challenges, such as:

• The earthquakes, which are frequent and sometimes destructive, especially in the south and east of the country. Spain is located in a seismically active area, where the African and Eurasian plates collide. Some of the most devastating earthquakes in Spain’s history occurred in Lisbon (1755), Granada (1804), and Lorca (2011).

• The volcanoes, which are dormant but still pose a threat, especially in the Canary Islands. Spain has several volcanic areas, such as the Teide, the Cumbre Vieja, and the Columbretes. The last volcanic eruption in Spain occurred in El Hierro in 2011.

• The floods, which are common and sometimes catastrophic, especially in the autumn and winter. Spain has a variable and irregular rainfall, which can cause flash floods, landslides, and mudslides. Some of the most severe floods in Spain’s history occurred in Valencia (1957), Santander (1983), and Murcia (2019).

• The droughts, which are recurrent and sometimes severe, especially in the summer and spring. Spain has a high evaporation rate and a low precipitation rate, which can cause water scarcity, desertification, and salinization. Some of the most prolonged droughts in Spain’s history occurred in 1991-1995, 2004-2008, and 2015-2018.

Conclusion

Spain is a country with a rich and diverse geography and climate, which offer many opportunities and challenges. Spain’s landscapes, climate, resources, and hazards shape its history, culture, economy, and society. Spain is a country that deserves to be explored, appreciated, and protected.

Questions:

• Geography: What are the main geographical features of Spain and how do they influence the country’s climate?

• Climate Zones: Can you describe the different climatic zones in Spain and the factors that contribute to their distinct weather patterns?

• Natural Resources: What are some of Spain’s natural resources and how do they impact its economy and environment?

Spanish Word:

• Clima: This word means “climate” in Spanish. It refers to the weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.

Classroom Activity:

• Interactive Map Creation: Students can create an interactive map of Spain highlighting its diverse geographical features, climatic zones, and natural resources. They can use digital tools to add clickable icons or regions that display information and images when selected, providing an engaging way to explore the country’s geography and climate.