Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Luxembourg

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Luxembourg.

Speed

Overview

Geographically, the Grand Duchy is divided into two sections. The forested and hilly northern half of the country is a continuation of the Belgian Ardennes. In the south, the Lorraine Plateau extends from France, creating an open, rolling countryside with an average elevation of 1,000 feet. The Our, Sure, and Moselle Rivers flow north-south along the frontier between Luxembourg and Germany.

Physical Features

Terrain: mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the southeast
Climate: Temperatures range from 5°F (-15°C) to 90°F (32°C), with an annual mean temperature of 49°F (9°C). Summer temperatures average 60°F (15°C) and winters are mild with an average low of 29°F (-1.7°C). July and August are the warmest months; May and June are the sunniest; and January and February are the coldest months. Luxembourg has a climate much like that of the U.S. Pacific Northwest-cool, temperate, and rainy. The northwesterly winds that traverse the western, lower portion of the Belgian Ardennes cause abundant clouds, fog, and rain. Average annual rainfall is 30 inches; some rain falls 50% of the year.
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/LUXX0003?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 559 — Buurgplaatz 559 m
Lowest Point: 133 — Moselle River 133 m

Borders and Area

Area (Comparative): slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Border Countries: Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Natural Resources and Hazards

Natural Resources: iron ore (no longer exploited), arable land
Natural Hazards: NA

Environment and Land Use

Current Environmental Issues: air and water pollution in urban areas, soil pollution of farmland
International Agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Back to Luxembourg

Geography and Environment of Luxembourg

Detailed geography

Physical Features

Borders and Area

Natural Resources and Hazards

Environment and Land Use