Chapter 14: The Russian Core

Interior Russia has extreme weather conditions due to _________.

Continentality

What is the effect of extreme variation in temperature and very little precipitation within the interior portions of a landmass?

Continentality

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, occupying the southwest portion of the Russian Plain. Its 2 main landforms are vast plains and plateaus, with mountains found only in small areas in the west and south, accounting for less than 5 percent of the country's landmass. In the south the Isthmus of Perekop connects the _____ Peninsula to the mainland.

Crimena

Belarus has a humid continental climate moderated by maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean. Average January temperatures range from the mid-20°s F (about −4°C) in the southwest to about 17°-19° F (about −8°C) in the northeast, but thaw days are frequent. Corresponding to these temperature differences, the frostfree period decreases from more than 170 days in the southwest to 130 days in the northeast. Maximum temperatures in July are generally in the mid-60°s F (about 18°C). _________ is moderate, although higher than over most of the vast Russian Plain.

Rainfall

South of the tundra lies the ____ climate zone. While not as severe as the tundra climate, this zone only has four months of the year when the temperature rises above 50°F (10°C). The rest of the year is cold. The biome here is boreal forest, or taiga, which consists of broad expanses of coniferous evergreen trees.

Subaractic

T/F Belarus is a landlocked country.

T

T/F Large coal fields are found in remote areas of Siberia

T

T/F Limans are saline lakes along the coast of Ukraine.

T

T/F The world's oldest and deepest lake is Lake Baikal

T

The longest river in Russia (and Europe) is the ______.

Volga

Warmer air from the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures in western Russia. Most of Russia, however, lies well within the Eurasian landmass, far away from any moderating ocean influences. As a result, much of the country's ______ has more extreme variations in ________ and little _____. This climatic effect within the interior areas of a landmass is called continentality.

interior, temperature, precipitaion

Belarus is the smallest of the 3 slavic republics that were once part of the Soviet Union. Belarus is a landlocked country and lies entirely on the Northern European Plain. Glacier scarring accounts for the flat terrain and some 1,000 __ found in Belarus. There are also numerous swamps and rivers

lakes

East of the Ural Mountains and extending to the Pacific Ocean are the vast stretches of plains and plateaus that make up Siberia. The West Siberian Plain covers about 1/3 of Siberia and is one of the _____ low-lying flatlands in the world. It is known for harsh continental climate and some of the world's largest swaps and wetlands.

largarest

One of the most renowned Siberian lakes is Lake Baikal. Located in southeast Russia, Lake Baikal is the oldest lake in the world (25 million years). It is also the deepest at 5,715 feet (1,742 m). It holds one-fifth of all unfrozen freshwater found on the planet. Known as the "_________" because of its age and isolation, Lake Baikal has many unusual freshwater marine species, which are of exceptional value to scientists who study how species evolve.

"Galapagos of Russia"

The Baikal lake hold how much of all unfrozen freshwater found on the planet?

1/5

South of the tundra lies the subarctic climate zone. While not as severe as the tundra climate, this zone only has _ months of the year when the temperature rises above 50°F (10°C). The rest of the year is cold. The biome here is boreal forest, or taiga, which consists of broad expanses of coniferous evergreen trees.

4

The rich, black topsoil found in the Northern European Plain is known as A.chernozem. B.the black triangle. C.permafrost. D.continentality.

A

Which of the following landlocked countries lies entirely on the Northern European Plain? A.Belarus B.Ukraine C.Perekop D.Siberia

A

Warmer air from the A______ Ocean moderates temperatures in _____ Russia. Most of Russia, however, lies well within the Eurasian landmass, far away from any moderating ocean influences. As a result, much of the country's interior has more extreme variations in temperature and little precipitation. This climatic effect within the interior areas of a landmass is called continentality.

Atlantic, western

The West Siberian Plain is known for its A.rich farmland for agriculture and livestock. B.harsh climate and large swamps. C.flat terrain and many lakes. D.glacial scarring.

B

What forms a natural barrier between European Russia and Siberian Russia? A.the Caucasus Mountains B.the Ural Mountains C.the Caspian Sea D.the Northern European Plain

B

Which of the following terms does NOT describe the tundra? A.It covers about 10 percent of Russia. B.It has broad expanses of coniferous evergreen trees. C.It has several weeks of continuous sunlight in the summer. D.Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs thrive there.

B

At 25 million years old and 5,715 feet deep, Siberia's Lake _______ is the world's oldest and deepest.

Baikal

______ is the smallest of the 3 slavic republics that were once part of the Soviet Union. ________ is a landlocked country and lies entirely on the Northern European Plain. Glacier scarring accounts for the flat terrain and some 1,000 lakes found in _____. There are also numerous swamps and rivers

Belarus

South of the tundra lies the subarctic climate zone. While not as severe as the tundra climate, this zone only has four months of the year when the temperature rises above 50°F (10°C). The rest of the year is cold. The biome here is _____ forest, or ___, which consists of broad expanses of ______ evergreen trees.

Boreal, taiga, coniferous

The Ural Mountains likely attracted human settlement to the region because they are A.close to key trade routes. B.a popular tourist destination. C.rich in iron ore and mineral fuels. D.known for their warm climate.

C

Which of the following climate types can be found in Belarus? A.subarctic climate covered by boreal forest B.humid subtropical climate with high precipitation C.cool continental climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean D.steppe climate with vast grassland and chernozem

C

Which of the following uses of the Dnieper River is most important to the surrounding region? A.enabling commerce B.providing transportation C.supplying water to Ukrainians D.providing hydroelectric power

C

The Volga River and its many tributaries make up the Volga River system. Draining most of western Russia, the Volga travels 2,293 miles (3,690 km), making it the longest river in Europe. It starts in the Valdai Hills west of Moscow and travels across much of southern Russia before emptying into the _______ Sea. The Volga River system is an important commercial, transportation, and hydroelectric resource for millions of Russians.

Caspian

The _________ mountains run east to west along the southwestern portion of the country, forming a natural barrier between Russia and countries to the south.

Caucasus

To the west of the Ural Mountains is the Northern European Plain. The southern past of the plain has navigable waterways and rich, black soil called _______ that supports agriculture. As a result, the majority of Russia's population lives here. This vast plain is an extension of the plain that begins in France and stretches across Northwestern Europe. This eastern part of the plian is sometimes called the Russian Plan because as it reaches the Russian COre it broadens and becomes very expansive

Chernosem

An area between the Black and Caspian Seas north of the Caucasus Mountains and along Russia's border with Kazakhstan make up Russia's steppe climate region. The steppe is a broad, open grassland in which seas of grass stretch to the horizon in every direction. The region's __________ soil supports the production of wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other crops. Sunflowers, mint, and beans also flourish here.

Chernozem

The southern part of the Northern European plain has waterways and rich soil called ________.

Chernozem

What is a rich, black topsoil found in the Northern European Plain, especially in Russia and Ukraine?

Chernozem

The Caucasus Mountains form a natural barrier between Russia and A.the Siberian region. B.countries to the west. C.the northern region. D.countries to the south.

D

Which of the following rivers is the longest in Europe? A.the Neman River B.the Berezina River C.the Dnieper River D.the Volga River

D

The _______ River in __________ is the longest river in that country.

Dnieper, Ukraine

Warmer air from the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures in western Russia. Most of Russia, however, lies well within the ______ landmass, far away from any moderating ______ influences. As a result, much of the country's interior has more extreme variations in temperature and little precipitation. This climatic effect within the interior areas of a landmass is called continentality.

Eurasian, ocean

T/F Much of Russia's interior has heavy rainfall

F

T/F The Ural Mountains separate Russia and China

F

T/F The Volga RIver connects Moscow to the Pacific Ocean.

F

T/F Tundra covers nearly 60 percent of Russia.

F

Belarus is the smallest of the 3 slavic republics that were once part of the Soviet Union. Belarus is a landlocked country and lies entirely on the Northern European Plain. _______ accounts for the flat terrain and some 1,000 lakes found in Belarus. There are also numerous swamps and rivers

Glacier scarring

Belarus has a _______ climate moderated by maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean. Average January temperatures range from the mid-20°s F (about −4°C) in the southwest to about 17°-19° F (about −8°C) in the northeast, but thaw days are frequent. Corresponding to these temperature differences, the frostfree period decreases from more than 170 days in the southwest to 130 days in the northeast. Maximum temperatures in July are generally in the mid-60°s F (about 18°C). Rainfall is moderate, although higher than over most of the vast Russian Plain.

Humid Continental

The southern part of Ukraine lies in a _______ climate zone where ______, _______ air from the Atlantic Ocean makes the climate milder than farther north. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the warmer summer season, with the maximum precipitation occurring in late June and July.

Humid Continetal, warmer, humid

Russia's midlatitude climates, _________ climate, found in the western region, are not as severe and have milder winters and warmer summers. Although still relatively cold, these climates are where most Russians live and where much of Russia's agricultural production takes place. The natural biome here is deciduous forest, although much of it has been cleared for agriculture and construction.

Humid contiental

Russia's highest peak, ________, is in the ________ Mountains.

Mount Elbrus, Cauacasus

Belarus is the smallest of the 3 slavic republics that were once part of the Soviet Union. Belarus is a landlocked country and lies entirely on the _______. Glacier scarring accounts for the flat terrain and some 1,000 lakes found in Belarus. There are also numerous swamps and rivers

Northern European Plain

To the west of the Ural Mountains is the ___________. The southern past of the plain has navigable waterways and rich, black soil called chernosem that supports agriculture. As a result, the majority of Russia's population lives here. This vast plain is an extension of the plain that begins in France and stretches across Northwestern Europe. This eastern part of the plian is sometimes called the Russian Plan because as it reaches the Russian COre it broadens and becomes very expansive.

Northern European Plain

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, occupying the southwest portion of the Russian Plain. Its 2 main landforms are vast plains and plateaus, with mountains found only in small areas in the west and south, accounting for less than 5 percent of the country's landmass. In the south the Isthmus of _______ connects the Crimean Peninsula to the mainland.

Perekop

What is a permanently frozen layer of soil beneath the surface of the ground?

Permafrost

To the west of the Ural Mountains is the Northern European Plain. The southern past of the plain has navigable waterways and rich, black soil called chernosem that supports agriculture. As a result, the majority of Russia's population lives here. This vast plain is an extension of the plain that begins in France and stretches across Northwestern Europe. This eastern part of the plain is sometimes called the _____ because as it reaches the Russian Core it broadens and becomes very expansive.

Russian Plain

East of the Ural Mountains and extending to the Pacific Ocean are the vast stretches of plains and plateaus that make up _____. The West Siberian Plain covers about 1/3 of ______ and is one of the largest low-lying flatlands in the world. It is known for harsh continental climate and some of the world's largest swaps and wetlands.

Siberia

Waterways are also a prominent feature of ________. Rivers such as the Ob', Irtysh, Yenisey, and Lena begin in the south of Siberia and flow northward, emptying into the Arctic Ocean. Ice in the Arctic Ocean blocks the rivers from reaching the ocean for much of the year. This is problematic in the springtime when the ice blockage prevents the surging rivers from reaching the ocean. Instead, the water floods out across the low-lying plains, causing extensive areas of ________ and ____-.

Siberia, swamps, floodlands

One of the most renowned _____ lakes is Lake Baikal. Located in southeast Russia, Lake Baikal is the oldest lake in the world (25 million years). It is also the deepest at 5,715 feet (1,742 m). It holds one-fifth of all unfrozen freshwater found on the planet. Known as the "Galapagos of Russia" because of its age and isolation, Lake Baikal has many unusual freshwater marine species, which are of exceptional value to scientists who study how species evolve.

Siberian

____ of the tundra lies the subarctic climate zone. While not as severe as the tundra climate, this zone only has four months of the year when the temperature rises above 50°F (10°C). The rest of the year is cold. The biome here is boreal forest, or taiga, which consists of broad expanses of coniferous evergreen trees.

South

What climate is found farthest north and makes up about 10% of Russia?

Tundra

What is the second largest country in Europe?

Ukraine

______ is the second-largest country in Europe, occupying the southwest portion of the Russian Plain. Its 2 main landforms are vast plains and plateaus, with mountains found only in small areas in the west and south, accounting for less than 5 percent of the country's landmass. In the south the Isthmus of Perekop connects the Crimean Peninsula to the mainland.

Ukraine

One of the most renowned Siberian lakes is Lake Baikal. Located in southeast Russia, Lake Baikal is the oldest lake in the world (25 million years). It is also the deepest at 5,715 feet (1,742 m). It holds one-fifth of all unfrozen freshwater found on the planet. Known as the "Galapagos of Russia" because of its age and isolation, Lake Baikal has many _______ freshwater marine species, which are of exceptional value to scientists who study how species evolve.

Unusual

Russia has two main mountain ranges, the ___ Mountains and the _______ Mountains.

Ural, Caucasus

The _________ Mountains form a natural north-south barrier between ______ Russia and _________ Russia.

Ural, European, Siberian

The Volga River and its many tributaries make up the Volga River system. Draining most of western Russia, the Volga travels 2,293 miles (3,690 km), making it the longest river in Europe. It starts in the ____ west of Moscow and travels across much of southern Russia before emptying into the Caspian Sea. The Volga River system is an important commercial, transportation, and hydroelectric resource for millions of Russians.

Valdai Hills

The Volga River and its many tributaries make up the ______. Draining most of western Russia, the Volga travels 2,293 miles (3,690 km), making it the longest river in Europe. It starts in the Valdai Hills west of Moscow and travels across much of southern Russia before emptying into the Caspian Sea. The __________ is an important commercial, transportation, and hydroelectric resource for millions of Russians.

Volga River system

The ______ River system is an important ______, _______, and ________ resource for millions of people.

Volga, commercial, transportation, hydroelectric

East of the Ural Mountains and extending to the Pacific Ocean are the vast stretches of plains and plateaus that make up Siberia. The ______ covers about 1/3 of Siberia and is one of the largest low-lying flatlands in the world. It is known for harsh continental climate and some of the world's largest swaps and wetlands.

West Siberian Plain

The __________ is a huge, Low-lying flatland that has a harsh continental climate.

West Siberian Plain

To the west of the Ural Mountains is the Northern European Plain. The southern past of the plain has navigable waterways and rich, black soil called chernosem that supports _______. As a result, the majority of Russia's population lives here. This vast plain is an extension of the plain that begins in France and stretches across Northwestern Europe. This eastern part of the plian is sometimes called the Russian Plan because as it reaches the Russian COre it broadens and becomes very expansive

agriculture

One of the most renowned Siberian lakes is Lake _____. Located in southeast Russia, Lake ____ is the oldest lake in the world (25 million years). It is also the deepest at 5,715 feet (1,742 m). It holds one-fifth of all unfrozen freshwater found on the planet. Known as the "Galapagos of Russia" because of its age and isolation, Lake _____ has many unusual freshwater marine species, which are of exceptional value to scientists who study how species evolve.

baikal

_____ was once an important passage route for inland navigation between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. Each with its own tributaries, the largest rivers in the country include the Dnieper River, Berezina River, Pripyat' River, Neman River, Bug River, and Western Dvina. Narach is the country's largest lake, measuring 31 square miles (79.6 sq. km

belarus

An area between the ____ and _____ Seas ____ of the Caucasus Mountains and along Russia's border with _______ make up Russia's steppe climate region. The steppe is a broad, open grassland in which seas of grass stretch to the horizon in every direction. The region's chernozem soil supports the production of wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other crops. Sunflowers, mint, and beans also flourish here.

black, Caspian, north, kazakhstan

In Ukraine, the Dnieper River is the longest in the country, stretching 609 miles (908 km) beginning in the northwestern plains and traversing southeast to drain into the Black Sea. Other major waterways in Ukraine include the Southern Bug, Dniester, and even a small portion of the Danube River. Like the Volga in Russia, the Dnieper provides hydroelectric power and transportation as well as enabling commerce. But the most important function of these rivers collectively is to supply water to Ukrainians. This is done through an intricately constructed series of _____. There are few freshwater lakes across Ukraine. Small saltwater lakes can be found in the Black Sea Lowland and Crimea, while limans, or large saline lakes, are found along the coast. In recent years Ukraine has created some artificial lakes and reservoirs.

canals

Because all of Russia is located in the same high Latitude, the entire region experiences weather characterized by _______ and __________ winters.

cold, snowy

East of the Ural Mountains and extending to the Pacific Ocean are the vast stretches of plains and plateaus that make up Siberia. The West Siberian Plain covers about 1/3 of Siberia and is one of the largest low-lying flatlands in the world. It is known for harsh ______ climate and some of the world's largest swaps and wetlands.

continental

Warmer air from the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures in western Russia. Most of Russia, however, lies well within the Eurasian landmass, far away from any moderating ocean influences. As a result, much of the country's interior has more extreme variations in temperature and little precipitation. This climatic effect within the interior areas of a landmass is called ______.

continentality

The tundra occupies the parts of the subregion that are farthest north and covers about 10 percent of Russia. Here, the sky stays _____ for many weeks before and after the winter solstice that occurs around December 22 each year. Then, for several weeks during the summer, there is continuous sunlight. Its short growing season and thin, acidic soil lying just above the permafrost limit the kinds of plants that can grow there. Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs thrive in the tundra.

dark

Russia's midlatitude climates, Humid continental climate, found in the western region, are not as severe and have milder winters and warmer summers. Although still relatively cold, these climates are where most Russians live and where much of Russia's agricultural production takes place. The natural biome here is __________ forest, although much of it has been cleared for agriculture and construction.

deciduous

____ of the Ural Mountains and extending to the Pacific Ocean are the vast stretches of plains and plateaus that make up Siberia. The West Siberian Plain covers about 1/3 of Siberia and is one of the largest low-lying flatlands in the world. It is known for harsh continental climate and some of the world's largest swaps and wetlands.

east

In Ukraine, the Dnieper River is the longest in the country, stretching 609 miles (908 km) beginning in the northwestern plains and traversing southeast to drain into the Black Sea. Other major waterways in Ukraine include the Southern Bug, Dniester, and even a small portion of the Danube River. Like the Volga in Russia, the Dnieper provides hydroelectric power and transportation as well as enabling commerce. But the most important function of these rivers collectively is to supply water to Ukrainians. This is done through an intricately constructed series of canals. There are few freshwater lakes across Ukraine. Small saltwater lakes can be found in the Black Sea Lowland and Crimea, while _____, or large saline lakes, are found along the coast. In recent years Ukraine has created some artificial lakes and reservoirs.

limans

Russia's midlatitude climates, Humid continental climate, found in the western region, are not as severe and have milder winters and warmer summers. Although still relatively cold, these climates are where most Russians _____ and where much of Russia's _________ production takes place. The natural biome here is deciduous forest, although much of it has been cleared for agriculture and construction.

live, agricultural

The tundra occupies the parts of the subregion that are farthest north and covers about 10 percent of Russia. Here, the sky stays dark for many weeks before and after the winter solstice that occurs around December 22 each year. Then, for several weeks during the summer, there is continuous sunlight. Its short growing season and thin, acidic soil lying just above the permafrost limit the kinds of plants that can grow there. Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs _____ in the tundra.

live/thrive

Most Russians live in the milder _________climates of the western region, where much of the country's ________ takes place.

midlatitudes, agricultural production

Russia's midlatitude climates, Humid continental climate, found in the western region, are not as severe and have ____ winters and ____ summers. Although still relatively cold, these climates are where most Russians live and where much of Russia's agricultural production takes place. The natural biome here is deciduous forest, although much of it has been cleared for agriculture and construction.

milder , warmer

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, occupying the southwest portion of the Russian Plain. Its 2 main landforms are vast plains and plateaus, with _______ found only in small areas in the west and south, accounting for less than 5 percent of the country's landmass. In the south the Isthmus of Perekop connects the Crimean Peninsula to the mainland.

mountains

Much of Russia's abundant ___ are in places that are remote and climatically difficult to reach.

natural resources

The tundra occupies the parts of the subregion that are farthest ____ and covers about _ percent of Russia. Here, the sky stays dark for many weeks before and after the winter solstice that occurs around December 22 each year. Then, for several weeks during the summer, there is continuous sunlight. Its short growing season and thin, acidic soil lying just above the permafrost limit the kinds of plants that can grow there. Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs thrive in the tundra.

north, 10

In Ukraine, the Dnieper River is the longest in the country, stretching 609 miles (908 km) beginning in the ________ and traversing southeast to drain into the _______. Other major waterways in Ukraine include the Southern Bug, Dniester, and even a small portion of the Danube River. Like the Volga in Russia, the Dnieper provides hydroelectric power and transportation as well as enabling commerce. But the most important function of these rivers collectively is to supply water to Ukrainians. This is done through an intricately constructed series of canals. There are few freshwater lakes across Ukraine. Small saltwater lakes can be found in the Black Sea Lowland and Crimea, while limans, or large saline lakes, are found along the coast. In recent years Ukraine has created some artificial lakes and reservoirs.

northwestern plains, black sea

Since most of Russia lies within the European landmass. This means most of Russia is not impacted by _______. As a result much of the country's interior land has more extreme changes in temperature (continentality).

ocean air

The tundra occupies the parts of the subregion that are farthest north and covers about 10 percent of Russia. Here, the sky stays dark for many weeks before and after the winter solstice that occurs around December 22 each year. Then, for several weeks during the summer, there is continuous sunlight. Its short growing season and thin, acidic soil lying just above the ______ limit the kinds of plants that can grow there. Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs thrive in the tundra.

permafrost

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, occupying the southwest portion of the Russian Plain. Its 2 main landforms are vast _____ and ____-, with mountains found only in small areas in the west and south, accounting for less than 5 percent of the country's landmass. In the south the Isthmus of Perekop connects the Crimean Peninsula to the mainland.

plains, plateaus

To the west of the Ural Mountains is the Northern European Plain. The southern past of the plain has navigable waterways and rich, black soil called chernosem that supports agriculture. As a result, the majority of Russia's ________ lives here. This vast plain is an extension of the plain that begins in France and stretches across Northwestern Europe. This eastern part of the plian is sometimes called the Russian Plan because as it reaches the Russian COre it broadens and becomes very expansive

population

The southern part of Ukraine lies in a humid continental climate zone where warmer, humid air from the Atlantic Ocean makes the climate milder than farther north. The greatest amount of _______ falls in the warmer summer season, with the maximum precipitation occurring in late June and July.

precipitation

The tundra occupies the parts of the subregion that are farthest north and covers about 10 percent of Russia. Here, the sky stays dark for many weeks before and after the winter solstice that occurs around December 22 each year. Then, for several weeks during the summer, there is continuous sunlight. Its ____ growing season and thin, acidic ___ lying just above the permafrost limit the kinds of plants that can grow there. Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs thrive in the tundra.

short, soil

One of the most renowned Siberian lakes is Lake Baikal. Located in _____ Russia, Lake Baikal is the oldest lake in the world (25 million years). It is also the deepest at 5,715 feet (1,742 m). It holds one-fifth of all unfrozen freshwater found on the planet. Known as the "Galapagos of Russia" because of its age and isolation, Lake Baikal has many unusual freshwater marine species, which are of exceptional value to scientists who study how species evolve.

southeast

Ukriane is the second-largest country in Europe, occupying the ________ portion of the Russian Plain. Its 2 main landforms are vast plains and plateaus, with mountains found only in small areas in the west and south, accounting for less than 5 percent of the country's landmass. In the south the Isthmus of Perekop connects the Crimean Peninsula to the mainland.

southwest

An area between the Black and Caspian Seas north of the Caucasus Mountains and along Russia's border with Kazakhstan make up Russia's ____ climate region. The ______ is a broad, open grassland in which seas of grass stretch to the horizon in every direction. The region's chernozem soil supports the production of wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other crops. Sunflowers, mint, and beans also flourish here.

steppe

The _________ is a broad, open grassland with rich soil

steppe

The tundra occupies the parts of the subregion that are farthest north and covers about 10 percent of Russia. Here, the sky stays dark for many weeks before and after the winter solstice that occurs around December 22 each year. Then, for several weeks during the summer, there is continuous ____. Its short growing season and thin, acidic soil lying just above the permafrost limit the kinds of plants that can grow there. Only mosses, lichens, algae, and dwarf shrubs thrive in the tundra.

sunlight

____ air from the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures in western Russia. Most of Russia, however, lies well within the Eurasian landmass, far away from any moderating ocean influences. As a result, much of the country's interior has more extreme variations in temperature and little precipitation. This climatic effect within the interior areas of a landmass is called continentality.

warmer

The Volga River and its many tributaries make up the Volga River system. Draining most of______ Russia, the Volga travels 2,293 miles (3,690 km), making it the longest river in Europe. It starts in the Valdai Hills west of Moscow and travels across much of southern Russia before emptying into the Caspian Sea. The Volga River system is an important commercial, transportation, and hydroelectric resource for millions of Russians.

western