switzerland geography
...t of the mountains are snow covered and glaciers cover more than 3,000 square kilometers of Switzerland. About a quarter of Switzerland is covered by forests. The most popular type of trees are the Beech and the Oak which can be found in the Mittelland or the in the valleys near close by. In the higher altitudes, such as in the Alpine region, pines, spruces, fir and larch grow. In the area of the Ticino, palm trees can be found along the shores of Lake Lugano. During the early spring and summer in Switzerland many flowers can be found along the hills and valleys. Some types include the gentian, edelweiss, alpine poppies, and valerian. Since most of the land in Switzerland is covered by mountainous terrain and glaciers, only about 1/5 of the country is covered by pasture. The rest of the land is used for building and agricultural purposes. The climate of Switzerland varies with its ever changing altitude. In the south lands of the Ticino there is a Mediterranean climate, but in most parts of the country there is a European climate, consisting of warm summers and cool winters. The Alps are the only region of Switzerland where the climate is consistent, always covered with snow and ice. Since the mountains receive such large amounts of snow in the winter, even the heat of the summer can’t melt what has accumulated. Switzerland’s climate is mainly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the continental land mass of the east, and also from the flow of cold artic air that comes from the north. In the hottest month of July the average temperature in Switzerland is 16 degrees Celsius, and in the coldest month of January, the average temperature is -1 degrees Celsius. In the regions of the Jura Mountains and the Swiss Plateau, rainfall is at its greatest during the summer. The western plateau, which is on the other side of the Jura Mountains stays dry most of the year. Due to the aridness of the region, most cereal supplies for the country can be grown there. The country of Switzerland has many lakes, rivers and streams, and because of this, water is one of the most important resources found there. Many of the rivers found there today have been turned into water turbines by the people of the land so they can...