Natural Regions of the World — Question 16

The Cool Temperate Continental type or Siberian type of climate is found in the north-western part of Europe.

This climate is marked by severe winters of long duration and a cool brief summer lasting only 3 to 4 months. Heavy snowfall occurs during the winter. The rainfall varies from 25 to 100 cm. It is well distributed throughout the year, with a maximum in summer. In winters, the precipitation is in the form of snow, as mean temperatures are well below freezing point.

This region is sparsely populated. Here farming does not constitute an important economic activity as the land remains covered with snow during the long, cold winter season. Only in the sheltered valley and the lands bordering the Steppes some crops like barley, oats, rye, potatoes and beetroots are grown.