|
The British Isles are located in northwestern Europe, just across the English Channel and east of the Republic of Ireland. The
United Kingdom including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, makes up a bulk of the landmass along with the Republic of
Ireland. Many offshore islands lie off the coast such as the Isle of Man, Shetland Isles and the Orkney Islands. The terrain is comprised of rolling hills in the south and a rather more rugged highland terrain in the north, particularly in Scotland. Ben Nevis is the tallest point within the British Isles and reaches a height of 1343m. Areas of outstanding natural beauty include the Cotswolds, Lake District, the Fens, and the Potteries.
Important rivers include the Shannon, Thames, Mersey and Trent. The British Isles are home to a series of spectacular, often cliff-faced, sometimes sandy coastline. The area of Morcambe Bay in the north of England is home to some dangerous mud flats that carry the same perils as quicksand. The Giant's Causeway in Northern Island is a peninsular comprised entirely of hexagonal stones, created by ancient volcanic activity.
The weather of the British Isles is infamous for being wet year-round although during summer, there can often be sustained periods of hot weather and even drought. The south of England receives considerably less snow than the northern regions during wintertime.
»
Europe |
