Final answer:
Europe is situated to the west of the Atlantic Ocean, with its western coastlines facing the ocean. It is surrounded by bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean to the west, which significantly influences its climate and geography.
Step-by-step explanation:
Europe is located to the west of the Atlantic Ocean. This positions Europe directly east from the Americas across the Atlantic. The British Isles, for example, lie entirely above the 50th parallel. With its northern latitude, much of Europe is placed north of the contiguous United States. An example of this northern position is that Paris, France, is situated approximately at the same latitude as Fargo, North Dakota in the United States.
This northern presence contributes to the continent's climate and growing seasons. In addition to the Atlantic on its western boundary, Europe is surrounded by several seas, including the Arctic Ocean to the north, as well as the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Adriatic Sea around its various peninsulas and coasts.