Let us analyze the climate of the Netherlands, as well as the distinguishing features of this country. To begin with, taking into account internal rivers, waters, lakes and numerous canals, the country's area is about 41,473 square kilometers. It significantly exceeds the size of neighboring Belgium, but inferior in area to Denmark and Switzerland.
Quick reference
What features does the climate and inland waters have? The Netherlands borders on land with Belgium and Germany. The length of the border is 1080 kilometers, it was established in 1815 at the Vienna Congress and so far has not been modified. The border passes along the plain territory, practically does not depend on large natural objects.
With Germany, the border zone runs on the same center of the street, separating the German city of Herzogenrath from the Netherlands Kerirad. Maritime borders are about 1000 kilometers long.
The climate of the Netherlands is explained by the country's vast southern sector of the North Sea, which has huge reserves of natural gas and oil. The country's maritime borders were approved by a decision of the International Court of Justice, adopted in 1969.
Features of the geological structure and relief
The climate of the Netherlands is explained by the features of the country's relief. On the territory of the country there are strata of the Quaternary sediments, and ancient rocks are located at great depths. Only in small areas in the southeast and east do they go directly to the surface.
In tectonic terms, the Netherlands is located in the North Sea Deep Depression, which is located in the west of the European Platform.
It is established that its folded foundation is of Baikal or Caledonian age. To the north is the deepest part of the Northern Depression, which runs between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, then extends to the north of Limbour. It is filled with layers of Jurassic rocks, whose thickness is about three kilometers.
Over a long period of time, the Netherlands was located in the area of a large coal basin, which led to the formation of coal seams in the southern part of the country, alternating with sandstones and shales.
Atmospheric pressure fluctuations
Let's take a closer look at the country's climate. The Netherlands attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. What caused this popularity of the country? The climate of the Netherlands is characterized by the prevalence of polar sea air of the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year.
Note that the average annual atmospheric pressure in this part of the state is quite similar: Maastricht - 761.7 mm, Helder - 760.8 mm.
The climate of the Netherlands is characterized by clearly expressed maximums of atmospheric pressure in September and January, as well as in December and April. During winter cyclones, its significant differences are permissible.
The January increase in atmospheric pressure in the Netherlands is explained by anticyclonic situations, which are very long in time. The maximum of September is associated with the return of warm weather and the impact of anticyclones. The minima of December and April are characterized by the invasion of cyclones.
Over the territory of the Netherlands, the general direction of air flow is stable. In winter, the main cyclones go from the south-west to the north-east direction.
Winds in the country
The strength of the wind weakens as you move from the coast inland. The maximum frequency of storms is characteristic of the northern coast: on the island of Texel, on the lighthouse of Gehry.
Quite often, the sky over the country is covered with dense clouds. For the Netherlands, seasonal differences in cloud cover are practically not characteristic: about 7 points in autumn and winter, about 6 points in spring and summer. The prevalence of clouds explains the insignificant amount of sunny days.
This indicator is maximum in May, and minimum in December. In the north-eastern part of the Netherlands, up to 163 cloudy days are observed per year, and on the west coast of the country - 119 non-sunny days.
Temperature indicators
This indicator is within the limits typical for the marine climate. For example, in January, the temperature is about 3 degrees Celsius, and in July - 17 degrees Celsius. The average annual amplitude of temperature fluctuations is 15 degrees Celsius, they are identical for different regions of the country.
Residents of the Netherlands are not familiar with severe frosts, the maximum temperature drop is -25 degrees Celsius. Only in exceptional situations during the invasion of the Arctic cold masses from the east or from the north, canals and rivers are covered with ice, and local residents have the opportunity to skate.
Precipitation
About 600 mm of precipitation falls on the country's coast per year, while in Limburg this indicator is 750-800 mm.
The maximum rainfall in the country falls from July to November, the rainiest month in the Netherlands is August, and the driest month in the country is February. On the coast, increased humidity is observed in October, and the extreme east is influenced by thunderstorms in June.
Such climatic conditions favorably affect the development of agriculture in the country. In the Netherlands, they harvest excellent crops of industrial, cereal, fruit crops, as well as forage grasses.
Conclusion
The country of the Netherlands, the relief and climate of which was discussed above, is characterized by a significant number of coastal dams. This favorably affects shipping, and increases the country's attractiveness for the transit of various goods.
In the former Holland, groundwater is actively used. Thanks to the snowless warm winter, the soil does not freeze, most of the precipitation accumulates on the surface. They are used for technical purposes. Despite the small area, the country is distinguished by a variety of soil cover. In the eastern and northern parts of the Netherlands are podzolic soils.
The flora of the country is represented by different elements: Mediterranean, Atlantic, continental, steppe, meadow types. This amazing land, covered in secrets and legends, attracts fans of beauty and natural harmony.