Which geographic feature is responsible for the extension of marine-like climatic conditions into central Europe?

The East-West orientation of mountains is instrumental in influencing climatic conditions in central Europe, particularly in extending marine-like climates from the Atlantic Ocean into the region. This orientation allows wet and mild air masses from the ocean to penetrate further inland, moderating temperatures and enhancing rainfall patterns typical of maritime influences.

In places with mountains oriented in an East-West direction, the accompanying valleys and passes facilitate the movement of these air masses, reducing the barrier effect that might otherwise block moist oceanic air. Consequently, areas in central Europe experience milder winters and cooler summers compared to regions located at a similar latitude but shielded from maritime influences.

This climatic moderation is crucial for agriculture and biodiversity in central Europe, supporting more diverse ecosystems and cultivating crops that might otherwise struggle in a more continental climate. Other geographic features, while significant in their own right, do not perform this same climatic extension role effectively.