Saturday, March 9, 2013

Environmental Geography: Landform and Climate

Physical Map of Ireland.

Ireland is an island located to the west of Great Britain. It is the third largest island in Europe, making it the twentieth largest island in the entire world. In 1921, the country was split into two parts:  Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom, and the independent Ireland, which contains 26 counties.

The Irish Sea separates Ireland from Great Britain on the east coast. On the west coast, the country terminates at the Atlantic Ocean.

As a result of two major glaciations, the island of Ireland contains many mountain lakes, ice-smoothed rocks, and deposits of glacial rocks and sand.

The country boasts a temperate climate, giving its residents cool winters and mild summers, a result of the warm ocean waters Ireland receives from the North Atlantic Drift.  Th coldest months of the year are January and February, with average temperatures between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius (39 to 44 degrees Farenheit). On the other end of the spectrum, July and August boast the warmest months, with average temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius (57 to 60 degrees Farenheit).

Rain is quite common all year-round, especially on the westward facing slopes. This feature is the direct cause of the country's intense greenery. The country also lacks many trees, which is the result of the strong winds that inhibit growth.

Ireland also includes numerous islands surrounding its coasts. The largest of these islands is Achill, which is considered by tourists to be an unspoiled paradise. It is known as a place of peace and solitude, with beautiful beaches and many popular water sports. The video demonstrates the utter beauty of this island.



Sources:

Green, M.  (2013).  An Outline Geography of Ireland.  Retrieved from http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/geog.html#PHY

Green, M. (2013).  Land and People - Physical Features and Climate.  Retrieved from http://www.ireland-information.com/reference/physical.html

Mayo Ireland.  (2010).  Achill Island.  Retrieved from http://www.achill.com/

Mccan, P.  [tittlethepipes].  (2009, April 7).  Sunlit Streams [video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=itEKGFzWigA#!

Vidiani.com.  n.d..  General Map of Ireland.  Retrieved from http://www.vidiani.com/?p=2339

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