Geography of Portugal
Lake Alqueva | |
Exclusive economic zone | 1,727,408 km2 (666,956 sq mi) |
---|
Despite these definitions, the
Physical
Portugal is located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula and plateau, that divides the inland
Coastline
The Portuguese continental shelf has an area of 28,000 square kilometres (11,000 sq mi), although its width is variable from 150 kilometres (93 mi) in the north to 25 kilometres (16 mi) in the south.[3] Its strong relief is marked by deep submarine canyons and the continuation of the main rivers. The Estremadura Spur separates the Iberian Abyssal and Tagus Abyssal Plains, while the continental slope is flanked by sea-mounts and abuts against the prominent Gorringe Bank in the south.[3] Currently, the Portuguese government claims jurisdiction to a sea depth of 200 metres (660 ft), or to the depth of exploitation.
The Portuguese coast is extensive; in addition to approximately 943 kilometres (586 mi) along the coast of continental Portugal, the archipelagos of the Azores (667 km) and Madeira (250 km) are primarily surrounded by rough cliff coastlines. Most of these landscapes alternate between rough cliffs and fine sand beaches; the region of the Algarve is recognized for its sandy beaches popular with tourists, while at the same time its coastline around Cape St. Vincent is well known for steep and forbidding cliffs. An interesting feature of the Portuguese coast is the Ria Formosa with some sandy islands and a mild and pleasant climate characterized by warm, but not very hot, summers and generally mild winters.
In contrast, the Ria de Aveiro coast (near Aveiro, referred to as "The Portuguese Venice") is formed by a delta approximately 45 kilometres (28 mi) long with a maximum width of 11 kilometres (6.8 mi), rich in fish and seabirds. Four main channels flow through several islands and islets at the mouth of the Vouga, Antuã, Boco, and Fontão Rivers. Since the 16th century, this formation of narrow headlands formed a lagoon, which allowed the formation and production of salt. It was also recognized by the Romans, whose forces exported its salt—then a precious resource—to Rome.
The Azores are sprinkled with both black-sand and boulder-lined beaches; only as a rare exception are there white-sand beaches (such as on the island of
Tidal gauges along the Portuguese coast have identified a 1–1.5 millimetres (0.039–0.059 in) rise in sea levels, causing large estuaries and inland deltas in some major rivers to overflow.[3]
As a result of its maritime possessions and long coastline, Portugal has an
Continent
The Portuguese territory came into existence during the history of
The Iberian peninsula, defined by its coastline, is due to a fragment of the
- the Northern Meseta (with a mean altitude of 800 metres (2,600 ft)) is drained by the Douro River(running east to west);
- the Southern Meseta (within a range of 200 to 900 metres (660 to 2,950 ft) altitude) is drained by the Guadiana River(running north to south), comprising the Lower Tagus and Sado Basins.
To the north the landscape is mountainous in the interior areas with plateaus, cut by four breakings lines that allow the development of more fertile agricultural areas.
The south down as far as the
No large natural
Lagoons in the shores of the Atlantic exist. For instance, the Albufeira Lagoon and Óbidos Lagoon (near Foz do Arelho, Óbidos).
Archipelagos
In addition to continental Europe, Portugal consists of two Autonomous Regions in the Atlantic Ocean, consisting of the archipelagos of
Climate
Most of Portugal has a
The annual average temperature in
Climate data for Continental Portugal, 1971-2000 normals, 2003-present day extremes | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °C (°F) | 24.5 (76.1) |
26.9 (80.4) |
31.6 (88.9) |
36.9 (98.4) |
40.0 (104.0) |
44.9 (112.8) |
47.0 (116.6) |
47.4 (117.3) |
45.0 (113.0) |
38.5 (101.3) |
29.1 (84.4) |
26.4 (79.5) |
47.4 (117.3) |
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 13.1 (55.6) |
14.5 (58.1) |
17.0 (62.6) |
18.2 (64.8) |
21.0 (69.8) |
25.4 (77.7) |
28.7 (83.7) |
28.8 (83.8) |
26.3 (79.3) |
21.2 (70.2) |
16.8 (62.2) |
13.9 (57.0) |
20.4 (68.7) |
Daily mean °C (°F) | 8.8 (47.8) |
10.0 (50.0) |
11.9 (53.4) |
13.2 (55.8) |
15.7 (60.3) |
19.4 (66.9) |
22.2 (72.0) |
22.2 (72.0) |
20.2 (68.4) |
16.2 (61.2) |
12.4 (54.3) |
10.0 (50.0) |
15.2 (59.3) |
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 4.5 (40.1) |
5.6 (42.1) |
6.8 (44.2) |
8.1 (46.6) |
10.5 (50.9) |
13.5 (56.3) |
15.6 (60.1) |
15.5 (59.9) |
14.2 (57.6) |
11.2 (52.2) |
7.9 (46.2) |
6.1 (43.0) |
10.0 (49.9) |
Record low °C (°F) | −10.2 (13.6) |
−10.2 (13.6) |
−12.9 (8.8) |
−4.8 (23.4) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
−0.9 (30.4) |
1.5 (34.7) |
2.7 (36.9) |
−0.8 (30.6) |
−3.1 (26.4) |
−10.9 (12.4) |
−9.0 (15.8) |
−12.9 (8.8) |
Average rainfall mm (inches) | 117.3 (4.62) |
100.1 (3.94) |
61.2 (2.41) |
78.9 (3.11) |
71.2 (2.80) |
32.2 (1.27) |
13.8 (0.54) |
13.7 (0.54) |
42.1 (1.66) |
98.2 (3.87) |
109.4 (4.31) |
144.0 (5.67) |
882.1 (34.74) |
Average relative humidity (%)
|
85 | 82 | 79 | 76 | 72 | 65 | 57 | 56 | 63 | 76 | 83 | 85 | 73 |
Source: |
Seasons in Portugal
Seasons | Meteorological | Astronomical | real feel |
---|---|---|---|
spring | 1 March to 31 May | 21 March to 20 June | March to May |
summer | 1 June to 31 August | 21 June to 20 September | June to September |
autumn | 1 September to 30 November | 21 September to 20 December | October to November |
winter | 1 December to 28/29 February | 21 December to 20 March | December to February |
Weather phenomena recorded in previous years in Portugal
Events (average annual) | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rain days | 16 | 14 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 16 | 12 |
Snow days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hail days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Thunderstorm days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
Fog days | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
Tornado days* | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Day hours | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
Daily sunny hours | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
*Tornados - counted for last 5 years[20]
Whole year UV Index table for Portugal
Source:[21]
Climate data for Continental Portugal | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Average ultraviolet index | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
Source: weather-atlas[22] |
Climate data for the Azores | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Average ultraviolet index | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
Source: weather-atlas[23] |
Climate data for Madeira | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Average ultraviolet index | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
Source: weather-atlas[24] |
Environment
Environment - current issues: soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas
Environment - international agreements:
party to:
Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban
Terrain: Mountainous and hilly north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:
Natural resources:
Land use:
arable land:
26%
permanent crops:
9%
permanent pastures:
9%
forests and woodland:
36%
other:
20% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 6,300 km2 (1993 est.)
See also
References
- ^ "Portugal". CIA - The World Factbook. Retrieved 2009-11-28.
- ^ "A questão de Olivença". olivenca.org. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Eldridge M. Moores and Rhodes Whitmore Fairbridge (1997), p.612
- ^ López-Guijarro et al. 2008.
- ^ a b Srivastava et al. 1990.
- ^ Le Pichon & Sibuet 1971.
- ^ Le Pichon, Sibuet & Francheteau 1977.
- ^ Sclater, Hellinger & Tapscott 1977.
- .
- .
- .
- ^ Olivet et al. 1984.
- ^ Savostin et al. 1986.
- ^ "Instituto de Meteorologia, IP Portugal". Archived from the original on 2012-07-12. Retrieved 2018-12-06.
- ^ "World Weather Trivia Page". Archived from the original on 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2018-12-06.
- ^ "Portugal Sea temperatures". seatemperature.org. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
- ^ "Climatological bulletins (2003-2020)". Instituto de Meteorologia.
- ^ "Monotorização mensal". Instituto de Meteorologia.
- IPMA. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
- ^ "The best time and weather to travel to Portugal . Travel weather and climate". hikersbay.com. Retrieved 2016-10-14.
- ^ "IPMA - IUV Geo". www.ipma.pt. Retrieved 2016-10-14.
- ^ "Climate of Lisbon". weather-atlas.com. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
- ^ "Climate of Angra do Heroísmo, Azores". weather-atlas.com. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
- ^ "Climate of Funchal, Madeira". weather-atlas.com. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency, ed. (2010). "Portugal: CIA World Factbook". Langley, Virginia: Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2010.
- Symington, Martin (2003). "Portugal". Eyewitness Travel Guide series. Dorling Kindersley Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7894-9423-8.
- Moores, Eldridge M.; Fairbridge, Rhodes Whitmore, eds. (1997). Encyclopedia of European and Asian Regional Geology. London, England: Chapman & Hall. pp. 611–619. ISBN 9780412740404.
- Le Pichon, Xavier; Sibuet, Jean-Claude (September 1971). "Western extension of boundary between European and Iberian plates during the Pyrenean orogeny". Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 12 (1): 83–88. .
- Olivet, Jean-Louis; Bonnin, J.; Beuzart, Paul; Auzende, Jean-Marie (1984). Cinématique de l'Atlantique Nord et Central [Kinematics of the North and Central Atlantic] (Report). Publications du C.N.E.X.O. Série "Rapports scientifiques et techniques". Vol. 54. Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer. pp. 1–108.
- Le Pichon, Xavier; Sibuet, Jean-Claude; Francheteau, Jean (March 1977). "The fit of the continents around the North Atlantic Ocean". Tectonophysics. 38 (3–4): 169–209. .
- López-Guijarro, Rafael; Armendáriz, Maider; Quesada, Cecilio; Fernández-Suárez, Javier; Murphy, J. Brendan; Pin, Christian; Bellido, Felix (December 2008). "Ediacaran–Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the Ossa Morena and Central Iberian zones (SW Iberia) as revealed by Sm–Nd isotope systematics" (PDF). Tectonophysics. 461 (1–4): 202–214. S2CID 129446841.
- Savostin, Léonid A.; Sibuet, Jean-Claude; Zonenshain, Lev P.; Le Pichon, Xavier; Roulet, Marie-José (March 1986). "Kinematic evolution of the Tethys belt from the Atlantic ocean to the pamirs since the Triassic". Tectonophysics. 123 (1–4): 1–35. .
- Sclater, John G.; Hellinger, Steven; Tapscott, Christopher (September 1977). "The Paleobathymetry of the Atlantic Ocean from the Jurassic to the Present". The Journal of Geology. 85 (5): 509–552. S2CID 129522366.
- Seber, Dogan; Barazangi, Muawia; Ibenbrahim, Aomar; Demnati, Ahmed (February 1996). "Geophysical evidence for lithospheric delamination beneath the Alboran Sea and Rif–Betic mountains". Nature. 379 (6568): 785–790. S2CID 4332684.
- Srivastava, S. P.; Schouten, H.; Roest, W. R.; Klitgord, K. D.; Kovacs, L. C.; Verhoef, J.; Macnab, R. (April 1990). "Iberian plate kinematics: a jumping plate boundary between Eurasia and Africa". Nature. 344 (6268): 756–759. S2CID 4362197.
External links
- Visible Earth. NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center. [1]. A collection of satellite images of Portugal and the surrounding region.