Geology of Italy. Italy: minerals, relief features Names and absolute heights of Italy's landforms

Two mountain ranges define the relief of Italy: the Alps, which, like a protective barrier, surround the Podana Plain (Padania) and the Apennines mountain range which stretched over two-thirds of the peninsula. Both folded mountain ranges were formed during the Tertiary period, which began 65 million years ago and ended about 2 million years ago. The formation of mountains is associated with shifts in the surface layers of the earth's crust and with continental drift. In the case of the Apennines and the Alps, the collision of the northward drifting African plate with the Eurasian continental lands is of decisive importance to this day: Africa is moving under Europe. Therefore, from a geological point of view, the Alps and the Apennines are still very young mountains. Their folds were formed as a result of many shifts that caused deep faults in the earth's crust, which was accompanied by earthquakes and volcanic activity.

During the ice ages of the last 2 million years - and the last one ended about 10 thousand years ago - the highest mountainous strata of the Apennines, including Abruzzo, were covered with huge layers of ice and firn pools. It is in the Italian part of the Alps where more than 110 sq. km of areas covered with glaciers. Evidence of the geological activity of ice is numerous: these are glacial valleys formed as a result of the gradual sliding of glaciers, and today the tongue or terminal basins of the glacier filled with lakes, and moraine ridges in many mouths of the valleys, and found in the highlands of the Apennines (glacial cirques).

The earth's crust in Italy has not yet come to rest. From time to time, strong earthquakes shake the country, for example, in April 2009 after an earthquake in central Italy medieval city L "Aquila, according to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, turned into a" ghost town "; about 1.5 thousand people were injured, more than 40 thousand people were left homeless. Active and extinct volcanoes, such post-volcanic natural phenomena as thermal and mineral springs, solfataras and soffions (volcanic gas jets from cracks)- all these are the consequences of the movements of the earth's crust. In the northern part of Italy, the largest volcanic areas include the surroundings of the hills of Colli Euganei and the mountains of Monti Berici, located between Venice and Verona. And to the south they are bubbling, worrying (or already quiet) islands in the Gulf of Naples (especially the island of Ischia), Vesuvius and so-called. Phlegrean fields, volcano islands of Vulcaio and Stromboli, and, of course, largest volcano Europe - Etna in Sicily.

The Italian Alps are a high-altitude arc stretching for about 800 km from the coast of Liguria to the Isonzo River, which separates Italy and Slovenia. In the west, they are mainly composed of granites, gneisses and mica schists, that is, crystalline rocks, which in the form of sheer mountain peaks, pyramids and rocky spurs withstood the crushing pressure of sliding glaciers. To the east of Lago Maggiore, on crystalline primary rock, lie softer layers of limestone, eroded by ice, water and wind quickly and in large areas, so that the mountains here are not so high and the valleys are not as deep as in the Western Alps. A special case is the Dolomites, or Dolomites. There, as a result of exposure to the original limestone of the strongest pressure and high temperatures it turned into the hard mineral dolomite; so here were formed very special ribbed surfaces of peaks and deep valleys. The highest part of the Italian Alps is located in the Piedmont region, where the mountains descend rather sharply, sheer to the Po River. On the edge of the Aosta Valley (Balle d'Aosta) rises mighty mountain range Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc, highest point 4807 m); a few kilometers to the east of it, a powerful glacier on Mount Monte Rosa sparkles in the rays of sunset (4638 m).

The Po River, whose length is 652 km, and the basin area is 75 thousand square meters. km - the longest and most significant river in Italy. It originates in the southwestern part of Piedmont, in the Catalan Alps, near the Italian-French border, and first flows meanderingly through southern Piedmont, then through the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, and finally flows into the Adriatic Sea, forming a huge delta. The Po is a truly vital thoroughfare in Italy. Favorable climatic conditions and good soils have turned the Padana Plain into the richest agricultural region. In Lombardy and Veneto, the Po is mostly dammed. Due to the elevation of the channel, the water level in it often exceeds the level of the coast, and therefore, despite dams and dams, in the past it was not possible to avoid severe floods that brought great disasters to the population. South of the Po, the valley gradually rises and, after a narrow strip of hilly terrain, reaches the slopes of the Apennines, which formed almost at the same time as the Italian Alps. At the end of the Tertiary period, the northern and central parts of the Apennines were again flooded by the sea. After that, the mountains began to rise again, with the phases of uplift varying greatly both in time and in regions. These movements of the earth's crust continue to this day. The base of the mountains is formed by limestone and metamorphic rocks such as dolomite. Relatively recently in the geological sense, the flysch formation (sandstone and deposits of marl and clay) since the end of the Tertiary period, it has been actively involved in the formation of mountains. These strata absorb a lot of water, then form guiding support horizons, where catastrophic landslides constantly occur. It is amazing how the vegetation of the mountains changes with the rise - depending on the height: at the bottom, large shrubs with hard foliage dominate, higher up they give way to grassy meadows and wastelands. Here you can still see solitary oaks, beeches and chestnuts - the remnants of once vast, but already in antiquity ruthlessly cut down deciduous forests. Because of the washing away of soil and karsts, jagged bedrocks were exposed on the peaks, rocky plateaus took shape and extensive placers of boulders and cobblestones appeared. The Tyrrhenian coast is considered to be a heavily dissected landscape that extends from the western slope of the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Here, the earth's crust has been divided along faults into many layers, horsts and grabens, often overthrusting each other. This area is characterized by valleys with steep banks and many volcanic and post-volcanic formations - steep cones, crater lakes and tuff covers that follow each other from the Monte Amiata mountain range to Vesuvius.

The flat surface of the Apulian coast with karsts and exposed limestone slabs defines the nature of the landscape between the "spur" of the Italian "boot" (Monte Gargano mountain range) and his "heel" (Salento Peninsula). The limestone massif of the high cape of Gargano is mainly used for pastures, but there are also some valuable tall forests. Under its south-eastern part there are incredibly romantic in their wildness steep shores with depressions and caves washed away by the sea surf. From the south it adjoins the fertile and intensively used in agriculture Tavoliere coastal plain.

The legendary Strait of Messina is, from a geological point of view, a very recent graben that separates the Calabrian mountains and their continuation - the Sicilian Peloritan mountains. To the west of the fault zone, where the city of Taormpna is located, still young sedimentary rocks of Peloritan can be found. This mountain range is main peak Monte Soro (1847 m) strongly resembles the northern part of the Apennines. Sicily appears quite different in the region of the Madoni mountain range in the western part of the island. The landscape here is defined by bare limestone stocks and ledges with many karst voids that arose during the Triassic and Jurassic periods. In the west of Sicily, the mountains eventually break into mountainous and hilly chains of varying heights. Etna, whose volcanic cone, like a huge sucker, is impaled on an abundant chamber of magma, after its last eruptions, has a height of 3323 m.

In contrast to its geologically very restless neighbor, the Italian mainland, Sardinia has a completely different character. It is part of a very ancient Corsican-Sardinian massif, the upper layers of which today protrude from the western part. mediterranean sea. The only significant load in the recent geological past has been the displacement made by this land mass from the Gulf of Lion to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island consists of two blocks - a large northern and a smaller southwestern, between which the Campidano valley runs from Oristano to Cagliari. The base of the smaller southwestern part of the island is formed by very ancient rocks with rich deposits of zinc and lead. Ranges of ancient limestone, sandstone and shale in the Iglesiente range in height from 500 to 1236 m. The much larger northern part of the island is represented by a diverse mountain landscape, which consists of crystalline rocks and ancient volcanic deposits.

natural landscapes

Italy can be very roughly divided into five large parts. Northern Italy, stretching from the Alps through the Padan valley to the Apennines and the Riviera, in turn consists of two large parts: western and eastern. Western includes Valle d'Aosta (Aosta Valley), Piedmont, Lombardy and Liguria. Almost two thirds of the population Northern Italy live within the "industrial triangle" ("triangolo industriale"), i.e. in a zone of highly developed industry, the "corners" of which form the cities of Turin, Milan and Genoa. The approximately equal size of the eastern part of Northern Italy includes the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige (South Tyrol), Veneto, Friuli Giulia-Venice and Emilia-Romagna.

The "green heart" of Italy beats in Central Italy, which refers to the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio - with Rome as the capital. The fourth largest part of the country is Southern Italy, which, if you look at the map of the country, occupies in the "Italian boot" the lower part of its "shaft, toe and heel". It includes such regions as Abruzzo, Molise, Puglia, Campania with largest city Naples, Basilicata, which is not yet too familiar to tourists, and the rather abandoned region of Calabria.

Under "island Italy" (Italia insulae) imply not only two very different and big islands Sicily and Sardinia, but also small groups of islands such as Liparskne, Aegadian, Pontic, Ischia, Capri, Elba, as well as the Tuscan archipelago.

Mezzogiorno is called southern regions Italy, including the islands, is more backward and poorer than the economically developed and active regions of the north and center of Italy. The backwardness of the south of Italy is associated with more difficult climatic conditions, problems transport communication, and also due to geographical features regions. The inhabitants of southern Italy are experiencing significant economic and social problems.

Abstract on the topic:

"Development of tourism in Italy"

Nikitenko Sergey

Grade 10 "B" school number 1282

I. Modern Italy

Geographical position

The face of the country has changed a lot over the last century. The glory of modern Italy is created not only by cars produced in the country, chemical products, fashionable clothes and shoes, films popular all over the world, but also by beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, snow-white peaks of the Alps, orange groves of Sicily, vineyards of Tuscany and Lazio, golden placers of countless monuments of centuries-old Italian culture.

Italy is a typical Mediterranean country located in the central part of Southern Europe. Its territory includes the Padan lowland, the slopes of the Alpine mountain arc facing it, the Apennine Peninsula, the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and numerous small islands (Agadian, Liparsky, Pontine, Tuscan archipelago, etc.). To the north, on the mainland, Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Yugoslavia. In the south, it (through the Strait of Tunis) is adjacent to Africa. The Apennine peninsula extends deep into the Mediterranean Sea. The coast of Italy is washed by five seas: Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic and Mediterranean. The position of Italy in the center of the Mediterranean basin, at the crossroads of trade routes between the West and the East, has always played and plays an important role in the life of the country. In the 20th century, the position of Italy on the way from the countries of the Middle East with their rich oil fields to the industrial regions of Foreign Europe, whose industry consumes Middle Eastern oil, is of particular importance.

With the rapid development of air transport, especially after World War II, the country found itself at the crossroads of the world's most important air routes connecting the countries of Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

The geographical position of Italy is extremely important from a strategic point of view. NATO regards Italy as the backbone of its military system in southern Europe and throughout the Mediterranean. Several dozens of US and NATO military bases and training grounds are located on the territory of the country. Italy is an active participant in this military bloc.

Economy of Italy

Italy is a highly developed industrial country. Industry is the backbone of the country's economy. As in all of Europe, mechanical engineering and the chemical industry dominate in Italy. The industry of Italy mainly works on imported raw materials, since Italy does not have enough of its own reserves.

Most of the country's industrial output is exported. These are machines, equipment, computers, as well as light industry products: shoes, clothing and food industry products - various canned food, pasta and wine.

Transport

Italy has a highly developed network of railways and roads: the length of railway lines is 35.5 thousand km, of which 2/3 are electrified; the length of motor roads is 303,518 km (16th in the world). Road transport carries out 90% of passenger and 80% of freight traffic.

Due to the elongation of the country from north to south, its network of railways and roads developed mainly in the meridional direction. Latitudinal communications, with the exception of the Padana Plain, are not enough. Many roads and railways in Italy are laid on the steep slopes of mountains and therefore have many bridges and tunnels, which makes their use more expensive.

In Italy, the role of road transport is exceptionally great: it accounts for ¾ of all land transport of goods. Most of the roads are in the north of Italy, in the south the density of the road network is noticeably less.

Railways are inferior in importance to roads, but now more capital has been invested in railway construction than in road transport. Some main lines stand out sharply in terms of technical equipment. As a result of such modernization, for example, on the line Rome - Florence, the train can reach speeds of up to 200 km / h.

The metro is convenient to use in Milan, and partly in Rome, although Muscovites and residents of St. Petersburg will most likely find the Italian metro imperfect.

Maritime transport plays a very important role both in internal and external transportation of the country. This is due to the position of Italy on the Mediterranean waterway, the large length of the coastline, the presence of islands in its territories. There are 144 ports on the coast of Italy. Port cargo turnover is dominated by oil and other minerals. The largest Italian port - Genoa - is one of the most important in the entire Mediterranean. Genoa serves as a gateway to the outside world for the entire northwest of Italy, as well as for neighboring Switzerland. The main rival and rival of Genoa in the Adriatic is Trieste, the second in Italy in terms of cargo turnover and one of the most important oil ports in Europe. Through Trieste, the northeast of Italy is connected with other countries of the Mediterranean, the Near and Middle East, East Africa and East Asia.

The cargo turnover of the ports of Southern Italy - Augusta and Taranto - has significantly increased and continues to grow, which can be explained by the rather high level of development of the oil refining and petrochemical industries in this region.

One of the largest passenger ports in the country, Naples is the center of communications between the Apennine Peninsula and Sicily, Sardinia and other islands.

River transport in Italy is poorly developed due to the lack of large rivers. Civil aviation is developing quite rapidly in Italy. Air lines support the connection of the largest cities in Italy with many cities in Europe, as well as other continents. The largest airports in the country: Leonardo da Vinci (Rome), Malpensa and Linate (Milan) serve as important centers for the international airline network.

Political structure of Italy

Italy is a parliamentary republic. The head of state, the president, appoints the prime minister, who leads the majority in the Chamber of Deputies; The Prime Minister appoints the Council of Ministers, which is accountable to the Chamber of Deputies.

The current president is Carlo Ciampi and the prime minister is Silvio Berlusconi. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament, which consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The bicameral parliament is elected for 5 years under a mixed electoral system. Senate (upper house): 326 senators; 315 - elected by citizens over the age of 25, represent the regions, and 11 - are appointed by the president for life. The Chamber of Deputies (lower house) consists of 630 deputies elected by citizens over the age of 18. * members of both chambers are elected by majority system of relative majority; the rest by the system of proportional representation. The president, whose role in the political life of the country is ceremonial, is elected for a term of 7 years by a joint session of parliament and 58 regional representatives. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who leads the majority in the Chamber of Deputies; The Prime Minister appoints the Council of Ministers, which is accountable to the Chamber of Deputies. Largest parties in Italy: The Olive Tree coalition (center-left), which includes the Democratic Party of the Left (former communists), the Greens, the centrists, the People's Party (centrists) and the Italian Renewal party, as well as smaller parties, the Freedom Union ”, including conservatives (“Forward Italy”) and the right wing (National Union), including neo-fascists and center-right (Christian Democrats), the Northern League, the Communist Party of Transformation and other small parties.

Population of Italy

The population of Italy is 57.4 million people (1995). About 98% of the population of Italy are Italians, and the remaining 2% are other peoples. The national minorities of Italy are rather compact groups that have lived for many centuries on the same territory. In the north of the country in the border areas live Romansh (mainly Friuli) ~ 350 thousand people, the French - about 70 thousand people, Slovenes and Croats - about 50 thousand people; Albanians live in southern Italy and on the island of Sicily - about 80 thousand people; in the south of the country - Greeks (30 thousand people); on the island of Sardinia - Catalans (10 thousand people).

The official language is Italian. It belongs to the Romance group of Indo-European languages. It is spoken by more than 94% of the inhabitants of Italy. Other languages: Sardinian ~2%, Romansh (Friulian and Ladin) - 1% along with German, French, Albanian, Slovenian and other minor languages. All the variety of Italian dialects is usually reduced to three large groups: dialects of Northern, Central and Southern Italy.

The vast majority of Italians are Catholics (about 83%). The Church has a huge influence on many aspects of Italian life. A significant role is played by the fact that in the heart of the Italian capital is located the most Catholic of the world - the Vatican. But nevertheless, 15% of Italians hold atheistic views. Less than 1% profess the Sunni Islamic faith.

More than 12% of the country's population is concentrated in 4 millionaire cities: Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples. Large cities: Rome - 3 million (urban agglomeration; city - 2.8 million; including suburbs), Milan - 3.7 million (city 1.4 million), Naples - 2.9 million (city 1.2 million), Turin - 1.1 million (city 992 thousand), Genoa - 786 thousand, Palermo - 755 thousand, Florence - 433 thousand, Bologna - 412 thousand, Catania - 384 thousand, Bari - 373 thousand, Venice - 321 thousand, Messina - 275 thousand, Verona - 257 thousand, Trieste - 252 thousand (1990). More than half of all major cities are in Northern Italy. Italy, especially the north and center, is characterized by a dense network of small towns (10-30 thousand inhabitants).

In Italy, as in a highly developed country, the non-productive sector, mainly tourism, has received high development, especially since Italy has numerous prerequisites for the development of tourism.

II. Prerequisites for the development of tourism

1. Natural background

Relief of Italy

Almost 4/5 of the territory of Italy is occupied by mountains and hills, less than ¼ of its area falls on the Padan plain and narrow coastal lowlands. On the mainland, Italy is separated from the rest of the continent by the Alps, the highest mountain system in Europe, which stretches from west to east for 1200 km. The highest peaks: Mont Blanc (4807 m), Monte Rosa (4634 m), Cervina (4478 m). The tops of these mountains are covered with powerful glaciers. The mountain ranges of the Alps are cut by numerous valleys and passes, accessible throughout the year or closed only for a short time in winter. Roads and railways pass through the passes, in many places the mountains are pierced by tunnels.

In the picturesque Alpine valleys with their favorable climate, people have long settled, and now there are many cities (Aosta, Sondrio, Bolzano, etc.).

In the southwest, the Alps pass into the Apennine mountains, which, bordering the Ligurian Gulf, stretch further across the entire Apennine Peninsula. The Apennines are one of the youngest mountains on earth. In their length they exceed the Alps (1500 km), but they are much inferior to them in height. The highest peak (Korno - 2914 m).

In the Alps there is one of the deepest caves in the world - Antrio del Corchia (805 m). In total, there are about 70 large caves and several hundred grottoes in Italy. The Blue Grotto on the coast of the island of Capri is known all over the world. Since ancient times, caves and grottoes served in Italy as places of settlements, temples, and burials. Nowadays, they attract many tourists. Some caves, due to the constant humidity of the air, the presence of mineral springs, vapors, mud, have a healing value.

The only vast lowland in Italy, the Podan Plain, occupies most of the Po basin. The Padana Plain is not only the main granary of the country, but also the most industrially developed region of the country.

Italy is one of the few European countries where earthquakes often occur, which are often catastrophic. Over 150 earthquakes were recorded in the country in the 20th century. The last strong earthquake occurred in November 1980. It covered a vast territory - 26 thousand square meters. km (from Naples to Potenza). Italy is the only country in Europe where there are volcanoes of different types and in different stages of development: there are extinct volcanoes (Euganean hills, Alban mountains) and active ones (Etna, Vesuvius, Stromboli).

The relief of Italy has a beneficial effect on the development of tourism in the country. Its diversity allows the development of various types of tourism in Italy:

ski tourism in the Alps (resorts located in the Italian Dolomites are famous for the whole world, the highest mountain in Europe - Mont Blanc is partially located in Italy);

the presence of a long coastline, an abundance of gently sloping sandy beaches, beautiful comfortable bays, and the purity of the sea favor the development of resort business on the coast of all seas washing Italy;

Availability seaports helps to organize convenient tourist sea routes;

the presence of unique natural objects (volcanoes Vesuvius, Etna, Stromboli), picturesque mountains and hills, caves, lakes additionally attract tourists.

Climate of Italy

The length of the territory of Italy from north to south causes large climatic differences between individual regions - from the temperate warm climate of the Padana Plain to the pronounced subtropical climate in Sicily.

The average temperature in January on the Padan Plain is about 0 C, and in July - +23-24 C. In autumn, cyclones are actively formed here. In winter, snow always falls, often there are frosts down to -10 C. Of the 600-1000 mm of annual precipitation, half falls in spring and summer. Heavy, even catastrophic downpours and fogs are not uncommon in Northern Italy. Summer rains are often accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.

The climate of the Alps varies with altitude from moderately warm to cold. In the mountains, the snow stays for several months, and on the tops of the mountains it never melts. The slopes of the Carnic Alps receive the most precipitation - 3000 mm.

The Mediterranean climate is distinctly expressed in the south of the Apennine Peninsula and on the islands. The summer here is dry and hot (the average temperature in July is +26 C), the winter is mild and warm (the average temperature in January is +8-10 C). The coastal regions of Italy, especially the Ligurian Riviera, the coast of the Ionian Sea, the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, are distinguished by a particularly mild climate. Therefore, along the coasts of Italy, especially on the Ligurian Riviera, famous resorts stretch in a chain.

In the northern and central parts of the Apennine Peninsula, the average temperatures are slightly different: +24С in July, +1-4С in January. Snow on the Apennine Peninsula is extremely rare. From March to October, the sirocco blows in southern Italy - a dry and hot wind from Africa, bringing temperatures up to + 30-35 C and reddish dust. Puglia has the driest place in Italy, with only 197 mm of rain per year.

The climate of Italy favorably affects the development of tourism in the country. Most of the year, a mild climate prevails throughout Italy, the swimming season lasts from May to October, the ski season - from December to March. Thanks to the mild climate of the Ligurian Riviera, the season lasts all year round. The climate in popular tourist centers (Rome, Naples, Milan, Florence, Venice, Verona) - the absence of frost, strong winds, rainy season allows you to visit them throughout the year.

Unfavorable factors are: frequent fogs in Milan and Venice (make traffic difficult, lead to temporary closure of airports), intense heat in August, which is especially difficult to endure in large cities.

Inland waters

Most of the rivers in Italy are short, rather mountain streams flowing directly into the sea or forming small river systems. Only in Northern Italy there is a developed network of rivers that are fed all year round by glacial meltwater and heavy rainfall. The largest and most full-flowing river in Italy is Po, length - 670 km, width - 100-800 m, starting in the west, in the Alps, Po flows east through the entire Padana Plain and flows into the Adriatic Sea. The area of ​​its basin occupies about ¼ of the territory of the country.

Another major river of the Apennine Peninsula is the Tiber, 407 km long and only 150 meters wide. From Rome to the mouth of the Tiber is navigable. Through a system of lakes, tributaries and canals, the Tiber is connected to another significant river of the peninsula, the Arno. Both the Tiber and especially the Arno are infamous for their devastating floods. Huge losses to the economy and cultural monuments were caused, for example, by a flood in Florence in 1966.

Most of the lakes in Italy are located in the foothills and mountainous regions of the Alps and on the Adriatic coast. These are vast, up to 370 sq. km, reservoirs of glacial origin with depths of more than 400 meters. Lake basins have a mild and healthy microclimate. The shores of the Alpine lakes are famous for world-class resorts. The largest lakes are located in the regions of Lombardy (often referred to as the Lake District) and Veneto. The largest alpine lake in Europe is Lake Garda. Not far from Milan are lakes Como and Maggiore, which partly belong to Switzerland. Smaller lakes: Iseo, Ledro, Misurino and Idro. Lakes near the Adriatic coast are former lagoons blocked by sandy spits. The lakes of central Italy - Trasimeno, Bolsena, Vico, Bracciano, Albano, Nemi were formed as a result of filling the craters of some extinct volcanoes with water.

Inland waters affect tourism in Italy. Many hotels, boarding houses, campsites are located on the shores of the alpine lakes Garda, Como, Maggiore, Iseo, Orto. These lakes are distinguished by the purity and transparency of water, lush nature, and developed infrastructure. In the summer they turn into places of mass recreation for tourists from many countries, including the Italians themselves, who come here forweekendfrom big cities.

The rivers of Italy, due to their shallow water, are not so popular among tourists. And their ecological condition leaves much to be desired. But they still attract tourists who prefer active tourism (the Po and Adige river valleys, as well as small mountain rivers).

Vegetation

The vegetation of Italy is even more diverse. However, dense population, centuries-old human activity have led to the fact that cultural landscapes prevail throughout the country, with the exception of the highlands. Forests occupy only 20% of the territory, mainly in the mountains and on the hills.

The rather monotonous landscape of the densely populated and almost entirely cultivated Podan Plain is here and there enlivened by oak, less often by birch or pine groves. Often near the roads and banks of canals and rivers there are alleys of poplars, willows and white acacias.

On the coastal lowlands of the Apennine Peninsula and islands, evergreen trees and shrubs stretch in a wide strip. Wild species include evergreen holm and cork oaks, pines and alpine pines, mastic trees, palms, cacti and agaves. However, cultivated species prevail here, primarily subtropical ones - citrus fruits, olives, almonds, pomegranates, cork oak groves, which were planted by man.

In the mountains of Italy, altitudinal zonation is clearly manifested; since the Alps and the Apennines are located in different natural zones, the belt of subtropical vegetation is typical only for the foothills of the Apennines. At an altitude of 500 - 800 m above sea level in the Apennines, subtropical vegetation is replaced by broad-leaved forests. In the Alps, they represent the lower vegetation belt. These are predominantly oak forests, with an admixture of chestnut, hornbeam, ash, and beech. Of the cultivated plants in this zone, fruit trees, vineyards are common, there are crops of rye, oats, and potatoes. Above begins the belt of mixed coniferous-beech forests.

At an altitude of about 1500 m in the Alps and 2000 m in the Southern Apennines and Sicily, the highest forest belt begins - coniferous forests, consisting of various types of pine, European species of spruce, and fir.

Above the coniferous forests, subalpine tall grass meadows begin. They are replaced by alpine meadows.

The vegetation in Italy is extremely diverse and beautiful, the territory of the country is very green. There are a lot of evergreen plants and trees: palms, cypresses, Mediterranean pines. In most of Italy, the grass cover is maintained year-round, which contributes to the external attractiveness of the landscape. In Italy, there are many flowering shrubs and flowers, the slopes of the mountains are covered with forests.

Beautiful vegetation is an additional factor that ensures the tourist attractiveness of the country as a whole.

Animal world

Due to the destruction of forests, the increase in population density and the area of ​​cultivated land in Italy, few species of wild animals have survived. Only in remote areas of the Alps and the Apennines, mainly in reserves, are bears, wolves, chamois, roe deer found, on the island of Sardinia - mouflon, fallow deer, wild forest cat. Wild boars are widespread. There are many foxes in the Alps. Small predators and rodents (weasels, martens, marmots, squirrels), as well as hares, are much better preserved. The world of reptiles and birds is rich: lizards, turtles, snakes. The bird fauna includes about 400 species. In the mountains there are goshawk, vulture, golden eagle, in the highlands of the Alps - capercaillie, hazel grouse, ptarmigan, swift. On the plains, along the shores of lakes, there are many geese and ducks. From marine fish, mullet, cod, sardines, tuna, flounder are of great commercial importance, and from river fish - carp, trout and eel.

To protect the flora and fauna in Italy, four national parks have been created: Gran Paradiso, Stelvio, Circeo, Abruzio. Gran Paradiso and Stelvio are created in the Alps to protect the high mountain flora and fauna. Abrucio was formed for the same purposes in the highest part of the Apennines. Circeo was created on the coast to protect not only forests, but also unique coastal forms- grottoes, cliffs, etc.

In general, in Italy, as well as throughout the world, the problems of environmental protection are becoming more and more aggravated every year, for the solution of which funds are allocated.

On the one hand, the fauna of Italy is quite diverse, however, it does not cause any trouble for tourists: the coast of the seas is free from dangerous fish, jellyfish; there are not so many blood-sucking insects, wild animals do not appear near human habitation.

On the other hand, there are a lot of fish in Italian lakes and seas, which contributes to the development of fishing, in the forests it is allowed (at certain times of the year with a license) hunting for wild boar, hare, partridge is allowed.

The presence of reserves and national parks attracts naturalists who have the opportunity to observe birds, including flamingos, animals in their natural habitat.

2. Cultural background

For centuries you carry the light of your land -

From the wars that stopped the audacity of Carthage,

To the sages, poets and leaders,

Whose glory has become the glory of our day.

Throne of empires, their living tomb,

Your key has not become weaker or muddier.

And nourishing the eternal thirst for knowledge,

From the Roman bowels runs its holy stream.

George Byron "Childe Harold" Song three.

Italy is one of the few countries with a huge cultural heritage. A rich history influenced the development of art. The very word "Italy", apparently, has a special magic and fascinates us from childhood, from school. And as soon as we learn about the existence of Italy, whose history and culture are most closely intertwined with the heritage of the whole world, then there is a desire at least once in a lifetime to see this beautiful, amazing and unique country in its charm, which managed to inspire creativity for countless generations humanity.

There is no information about the first resettlement of people in Italy. However, it is reliably known that its territory was inhabited in the Paleolithic era. The most ancient tribes that inhabited Italy were the Ligurians, Etruscans, Veneti and Iapigi. In particular, the regions of Liguria and Veneto got their name from these tribes. Later, other Italy in the Po Valley was settled by the Celts (Gauls). Gradually, italic tribes spread over most of the peninsula, who came to the peninsula from the north. Among them, the Latins had the highest level of development.

In the early period of Rome's existence, it was ruled by kings. But in 509 B.C. the last king, Tarquinius the Proud, was expelled and a republic was founded. Power was handed over to the consuls (consul in Latin - comrade), elected in pairs for a period of one year. By the middle of the III century BC. Rome subjugated the entire territory of Italy and turned into a large state seeking hegemony in the Mediterranean, which led to a clash with another maritime power - Carthage. After three Punic wars (including the famous Hannibal) in 146 BC. Rome achieved the final victory, and Carthage was wiped off the face of the earth. However, the period II-I centuries BC. marked by other social upheavals and civil wars. So, in 45 BC. in the fight against Pompey, Gaius Julius Caesar won, who a year later was killed by conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius. A new period of civil wars was completed by the victory of Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, in 27 BC. received from the Senate the title of Augustus ("Holy"). From that moment Rome became an empire.

Most of Italy is a mountainous territory of various origins. The relief is mainly based on granites, limestone and sandstone. In addition, volcanic activity in the south of the country, as well as the fact that not a single area is more than three hundred kilometers from the sea, has a significant impact on the size of the reserves and the distribution of minerals in Italy.

Geology of the peninsula

From a geological point of view, the country's territory is usually divided into three large regions - continental, peninsular and insular, which includes such large islands as Sicily and Sardinia.

Most of the territory of the Italian Republic is located on the Apennine Peninsula, separated from the rest of Europe by the mountain system of the Alps, which stretches from west to east for almost one thousand two hundred kilometers.

On a significant part of the alpine slopes, not only crystalline rocks are widely represented, but also high-quality limestones. Minerals of Italy have long been widely used by people. Building stone, marble, limestone are mined in the mountains, and mountain rivers are blocked by dams to extract hydropower, which is an integral part of the economy in the northern regions of the country.

The main minerals of Italy

At first glance, it may seem that the very geology of the Apennine Peninsula is conducive to the fact that the bowels of Italy abounded in riches. This is partly true, because for several millennia locals various metals, minerals and salts are mined for their needs.

However, in today's world, the economic patterns of consumption and production have changed significantly, and many deposits have either been depleted or found to be illiquid. A vivid example is the numerous, but small deposits of iron ore, which has been mined in Italy for 2,700 years. However, in general, the volume of reserves and the distribution of Italy's minerals do not allow us to talk about any important place for the country in the international raw material market.

Polymetallic ores

If iron ore deposits are not considered promising for development in Italy due to their small volumes, then the development of polymetallic ore deposits is considered expedient.

Answering the question of whether Italy is rich in minerals, it is worth mentioning that its bowels contain a significant amount of lead and zinc, which is mixed with silver and other metals. Most of the significant polymetallic deposits are located in the Eastern Alps or on the island of Sardinia.

In turn, the region of Tuscany is rich in deposits of mercury ore, also called cinnabar. In the neighborhood of Tuscany, in the central part of the country, there are rich deposits of manganese. There are also manganese reserves in Liguria, and bauxite is mined in Puglia. However, bauxite deposits are already almost exhausted.

Energy raw materials

The economic and geographical position of Italy determined its development for many centuries. On the one hand, it can be considered extremely profitable, because for many centuries all trade sea routes passed through the Apennine Peninsula, and cities ancient rome, and then numerous Italian medieval states flocked wealth from Asia and Africa.

In the economy of modern Italy, minerals do not play a decisive role due to their small amount. First of all, the deficit affects the energy sector. After all, Italy covers the need for various types of fuel only by 15%, and everything else has to be exported, which affects the cost of the final product.

In some regions of Italy there are deposits of brown and low-quality coal. There are oil fields in Sicily and the Podana Plain, but these limited reserves cover no more than two percent of the country's total oil requirement. Recently, great hopes have been placed on offshore fields. However, preliminary exploration showed that the shelf contained mainly natural gas.

Natural resources

However, despite the relative poverty of minerals, Italy manages to occupy a leading position in the international market. The reason for this is the high culture of doing business, long-standing traditions of entrepreneurship, as well as the harmonious development of all sectors of the national economy.

Not the last role in maintaining national well-being is played by agriculture, which also has a long tradition in this region. The climate of Italy is favorable for the production of grains and oilseeds, grapes, heat-loving vegetables and fruits.

Even the Italian climate itself can be used for profit as a recreational resource. After all, it is the climate, along with cultural property attracts millions of tourists to the country every year.

Thanks to its original outline, Italy is the most recognizable country on the geographical map. Italy is located on the Apennine Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water. mainland country in the form of a boot points to the west, towards the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

The total length of land borders is 1932 kilometers. Coastline stretches for 8 thousand kilometers. Italy borders Austria (430 km), France (488 km), Slovenia (232 km) and Switzerland (740 km). In addition, the territory of the country is surrounded by the states of Vatican City (border 3.2 km) and San Marino (border 39 km). The boundary of territorial waters runs 12 nautical miles from the coast. Continental shelf at a depth of 200 meters. Being in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has maritime borders with the Balkan countries - Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Dozens of small islands are scattered off the coast of Italy, but only the two most major islands- Sicily and Sardinia - densely populated.

Italy is washed by four seas: the Adriatic Sea from the East, the Ionian from the South, the Tyrrhenian from the West and the Ligurian - the northern part of Italy from the West.

Italy includes two large mountain systems - the Apennines and the Alps, and therefore, about 80% of its surface are mountains and foothills. Plains and lowlands occupy a relatively small area, the largest plain is Padana (about 15% of the area of ​​Italy). According to its relief, Italy is divided into three main regions: the Apennine Peninsula, the Padan Plain and the Italian Alps.

The Apennine peninsula is formed by the Apennines mountain system and the ancient Tyrrhenides massif (in Calabria, Tuscany, on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia). The folded ranges of the Apennines were eroded in the Neogene, subjected to strong faults, and in the Quaternary period - large uplifts. Volcanic phenomena, which continue to this day (active volcanoes Vesuvius, Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano), also played a large role in creating the relief. The center of volcanic activity is located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Strong earthquakes testify to the continuation of mountain building processes. In a number of areas on the formation of relief big influence It has intense river erosion. The Apennine system, which fills almost the entire peninsula, reaches a height of about 3000 meters, but in general it is characterized by a medium-mountain relief and hilly foothills. Low-lying areas on the peninsula are small and located on the sea coast. The eastern slopes of the Apennines are generally gentle, the western slopes are steeper. The mountain system is divided into Northern, Central and Southern Apennines. The northern Apennines are composed mainly of a thick layer of clays and sandstones of the Tertiary period; ancient sedimentary and various igneous rocks are also developed. Most mountain peaks do not exceed 2000 meters. Landslides are strongly developed on the northern slopes. The Northern Apennines are divided into Ligurian (Mount Maggiorasca, 1803 m) and Tuscan (Mount Cimone, 2163m). The Ligurian Apennines are the lowest and narrowest part of the Apennines. A narrow strip of coastline along the Ligurian Apenini, as well as the Ligurian and Maritime Alps, including the coastal lowlands and the lower part of the mountain slopes, forms the Italian Riviera, known for its picturesqueness and mild climate. The Tuscan Apennines are characterized by the echelon-shaped arrangement of mountain ranges and the presence of longitudinal valleys on the southern slopes. These valleys, which have fertile soils, are densely populated (the valley of the middle reaches of the Arno River with the city of Florence and the valley of the upper reaches of the Tiber with the city of Perugia). Here are the main lines of communication (railways and highways) between the northern and southern parts of Italy. The Central Apennines are the widest part of the Apennines. The mountains are divided into separate ridges and basins, which are in sharp contrast to each other: the ridges are rocky and bare, the basins, rich in water sources, are cultivated and densely populated. The axial zone of the mountains is formed mainly by thick strata of Mesozoic limestones. Here the Apennines reach their greatest height (in the highland region of Abruzzi, the Gran Sasso ridge with Mount Corno reaches a height of 2914 m). From the east, the axial zone is adjacent to a lower zone composed of clays and sandstones of the Tertiary period.

Between the Northern and Central Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea lies a wide strip of hilly terrain with separate small lowlands opening to a flat coast. In the northern part of this strip, separate massifs, composed of older rocks (granites, crystalline schists, limestones), rise above the hills from loose Tertiary deposits. Such are the Apuan Alps (1946 m), composed largely of the famous Carrara marbles, the Pisa Mountains, the Tuscan Mountains, and others. The cone of the extinct volcano Monte Amiata (1738 m) rises apart. The southern part of the strip is occupied by a volcanic region, including the low-lying Roman Campania, and four cones of extinct volcanoes (Volsini, Cimino, Sabatini and Monte Albano).

The southern Apennines consist of two longitudinal strips: a higher and narrow western one (above 2000 m in the Neapolitan and Lucan Apennines), composed of Mesozoic limestones, and a low, but wider eastern one, where mostly loose rocks of the Tertiary period. The Neapolitan volcanic region with the active volcano Vesuvius (1281 m) is adjacent to the Southern Apennines. Between the eastern slope of the Southern Apennines and the coast Adriatic Sea stretches a strip composed of limestone and elevated in the form of the Gargano massif (1056 m) in the north and the Le Murge plateau in the south. The southern part of the Apennine Peninsula is occupied by Calabria, an ancient crystalline massif by origin, composed mainly of granites, gneisses and crystalline schists (Aspromonte, 1956 m and La Sila, 1930 m). Geologically, young faults of the Strait of Messina separate Calabria from the island of Sicily, most of which is a continuation of the Tertiary folded belt of the Apennines (mountains Nebrodi, Le Madonie, up to 1979 m high). In the north-east of Sicily are the Peloritan Mountains, in the east - the volcano Etna, and to the south of it - the fertile and densely populated lowlands of Catania. The island of Sardinia, from a geological point of view, is an ancient massif (the remnant of the Tyrrhenides), dissected by faults.

The Padan Plain lies on the site of a vast tectonic depression between the mountain systems of the Alps and the Apennines. The depression was occupied by the bay of the Adriatic Sea, which was gradually filled with river sediments. The plain continues to grow to the east. Its surface is almost flat, the height in most of it does not exceed 100 meters above sea level and only along the outskirts reaches 200-500 meters. The plain is divided into four parts: the higher Piedmontese in the west, the Lombard in the center, the Venetian in the east and the Emilian in the south, at the foot of the Tuscan Apennines. From west to east, the plain is crossed by the Po River, whose numerous tributaries flow down from the adjacent slopes of the Alps and the Apennines. Smooth surface, security high mountains from northern winds, soil fertility plains are extremely favorable for the development of agriculture. Alpine (left) tributaries of the Po River are a powerful source of hydroelectric power. Such natural conditions along with proximity to Central Europe and the sea coast, they contributed to the transformation of the Padan Plain into the main agricultural, industrial and most densely populated region of Italy.

The Italian Alps are divided into the Piedmontese, Lombard, South Tyrol and Venetian Alps. Piedmontese abruptly and abruptly break off directly to the Padan plain. In the main watershed ridge, along which the border of Italy passes, the massifs of Gran Paradiso (4061 m), Mont Blanc (4810 m), Monte Rosa (4646 m) and others stand out. The upper tributaries of the Po river cut the Alps with a dense network of transverse valleys. The largest of them are Dora Riparia and Dora Baltea (Aosta Valley), along which there are railways and highways connecting Italy with France and Switzerland (through the passes of the Small and Great St. Bernard). In the Lombard Alps, which occupy the central part of the Italian Alps, between lakes Lago Maggiore and Garda, both the main zone composed of crystalline rocks and the limestone zone of the Prealps are well expressed. highest height in this part of the Alps, the Ort-les massif (3899 m) reaches. A characteristic feature of the Prealp zone is the presence of large lakes (Lago Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo, Garda), which are basins of ancient glaciers. southern edges the lakes reach the plains, while the northern ones penetrate far into the mountains; the rivers Ticino, Adda, and others flow through the lakes. The Alps of South Tyrol, composed of crystalline rocks and limestones, are characterized by strong dissection into separate massifs. Their highest part is the Tyrolean Dolomites (3342 m). The Venetian Alps are composed of limestones, the Cornish and Julian Alps stand out in them. There are significant glaciers in the upper zone of the Italian Alps. The most important passes through which communication routes from Italy to its neighboring European countries pass are Spluga, Brenner, Mont Cenis, Petit Saint Bernard (2188 m), Grand Saint Bernard (2472 m), Simplon, Saint Gotthard ( 2112 m), etc. In the Alps, a strip of foothills and lower slopes of mountains up to a height of about 800 meters is more populated and cultivated. The most densely populated valley of the Adige River (almost to the very headwaters). The slopes of the mountains are widely used as pastures for livestock.

Due to the wide distribution of limestones in Italy in many areas - in the Eastern Alps, Northern and Central Apennines, on the Le Murge and Gargano plateaus, in Sicily, Sardinia, all forms of surface and closed karst are found - funnels, wells, grottoes and caves. In the Alps there is one of the deepest caves in the world - Antro di Corchia (805 m). In total, there are about 70 large caves and several hundred grottoes in Italy. The Blue Grotto on the coast of the island of Capri is known all over the world. Since ancient times, caves and grottoes served in Italy as places of settlements, temples, and burials. Nowadays, they attract the attention of numerous tourists. Some caves, due to the constant humidity of the air, the presence mineral springs, vapors, mud have medicinal value. At the same time, karst phenomena cause great harm to the economy, drying up and impoverishing the soil, contributing to the formation of landslides and hindering the construction of buildings and roads.

The composition of the territory and economic and geographical position

Relief and its economic assessment

climate

· Political system

· Population

· general characteristics farms

· Industry

· Agriculture

· Transport

· Economic and geographical differences

· External economic relations

The composition of the territory and economic and geographical position.

Italy is located in the south of Europe. On its territory, 3 parts can be distinguished: mainland (about 1/2 of the area), peninsular (Apennine Peninsula) and island (Sicily, Sardinia and a number of small islands). Sea borders are 4 times longer than land borders. Even the deepest regions of the country are no more than 200-300 kilometers from the coast.

The economic and geographical position in the center of the Mediterranean basin has long favored the development of ties with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa as well as with other countries Southern Europe. And now it contributes to the economic development of Italy. Land borders with France, Switzerland and Austria, and partly with the former Yugoslavia, pass through the Alps. Northern Italy is in a more advantageous position than southern Italy, as it has the ability to carry out external economic relations both by land and by sea. Transcontinental air lines pass through Italy.

Relief and main geological structures

Almost 4/5 of the surface of Italy is occupied by mountains and uplands, and less than 1/4 of its area falls on the Padana Plain and narrow coastal lowlands.

On the mainland, Italy is separated from the rest of the continent by the Alps, the highest mountain range in Europe. The giant arc of the Alps, curved to the northwest, stretches from west to east for 1200 km. The highest, western part of them is the ancient Hercynian massif, composed of crystalline rocks. It is here that highest peaks Alps: Mont Blanc (4807 m), Monte Rosa (4634 m), Cervina (4478 m). The tops of these mountains are covered with powerful glaciers. To the south, the Alps decrease to 1000 m above sea level. sea ​​(Alpes-Maritimes). To the east, the chain of mountains diverges like a fan and their height decreases to 2000 m (Carnic Alps).

Along with crystalline rocks, limestones are widespread in the central and especially in the Eastern Alps.

The mountain ranges of the Alps are cut by numerous valleys and passes, accessible throughout the year or closed only for a short time in winter. Automobile and railways, in some places the mountains are riddled with tunnels.

The natural resources of the Alps have long been fully used by man. Suffice it to recall at least the large reserves of energy contained in the Alpine rivers, the numerous climatic and ski resorts, on the extraction of building materials. In the picturesque Alpine valleys with their favorable climate, people have long settled, and now there are many cities (Aosta, Sondrio, Bolzano, etc.)

In the southwest, the Alps pass into the Apennine mountains, which, bordering the Ligurian Gulf, stretch further across the entire Apennine Peninsula. The Apennines are one of the youngest mountains on earth. In their length (1500 km) they exceed the Alps, but are much inferior to them in height. Their highest point - Mount Korno reaches only 2914 m above sea level. seas. The peaks of the Apennines do not reach the snow line and are devoid of eternal snows, only on the eastern slopes of Monte Corno the only glacier in the Apennines descends to a height of 2690 m.

The Apennines are very diverse in their geological structure and relief. The mountains in Tuscany, the central Apennines, Campania and Brasilicata are composed of conglomerates, sandstones and limestones, as well as shale and marbles. Further south in Calabria, they are composed of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks. The same rocks are also characteristic of the mountains of Sicily and Sardinia.

Due to the wide distribution of limestones in Italy in many areas - in the Eastern Alps, Northern and Central Apennines, on the Murge and Gargano plateaus, in Sicily, Sardinia, all forms of surface and closed karst are found: funnels, wells, carr fields, cave grottoes. In the Alps there is one of the deepest caves in the world - Antrio del Corchia (805 m). In total, there are about 70 large caves and several hundred grottoes in Italy. The Blue Grotto on the coast of the island of Capri is known all over the world. Since ancient times, caves and grottoes served in Italy as places of settlements, temples, and burials. Nowadays, they attract the attention of numerous tourists. Some caves, due to the constant humidity of the air, the presence of mineral springs, vapors, and mud, have a healing value. At the same time, karst phenomena cause great harm to the economy, drying up and impoverishing the soil, hindering the construction of buildings and roads.

Feature geological structure Italy - a wide distribution of volcanic rocks, which are especially common in Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, Sicily and Sardinia.

The only vast lowland in Italy is the Padana Plain, which occupies most of the Po basin. The rest, insignificant in area, are lowlands stretching along the coasts. The Padana plain gradually decreases from west to east. In its hilly western part there are orchards and vineyards, and in the lower reaches of the river. Po - livestock, grain and beet-growing areas. The Padana Plain is not only the main granary of Italy, but also the most industrially developed region of the country.

Italy is one of the few European countries where earthquakes often occur. Often they are catastrophic. In the twentieth century More than 150 earthquakes have been registered in the country. The zone of greatest seismic activity occupies Central and Southern Italy. The last strong earthquake occurred in November 1980. It covered a vast territory - 26 thousand square meters. km (from the city of Naples to the city of Potenza).

Italy is the only country on the continent where there are volcanoes of different types and in different stages of development. There are also extinct volcanoes (Euganean hills, Alban mountains), and active ones (Etna, Vesuvius, Stromboli).

Climate

The elongation of the territory of Italy from north to south causes large climatic differences between individual regions - from the temperate warm climate of the Padana Plain to the pronounced subtropical climate in Sicily.

Only the climate of peninsular and insular Italy can be called actually Mediterranean. The climate of the Padan Plain, with the same hot summers as on the Apennine Peninsula, but with cold and foggy winters, can be considered transitional from subtropical to temperate. Here, the influence of the warm Ligurian Sea is hindered by the Maritime Alps and the Apennines, while colder air from the Adriatic freely penetrates here. average temperature January on the Padan Plain - about 0 °, and July - + 23-24 °. In autumn, cyclones are actively formed here. In winter, it always snows, often there are frosts up to 10 °. Of the 600 - 1000 mm of annual precipitation, half falls in spring and summer. Heavy, even catastrophic downpours are not uncommon in Northern Italy. Summer rains are often accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.