II.

Land and Resources

Rising from sea level to 601 m (1,969 ft) at Craig y Llyn in the north-east, Neath Port Talbot consists primarily of a sandstone plateau dissected by the valleys of the rivers Afan, Dulais, Neath, and Tawe, all of which flow into Swansea Bay. The eastern part is extensively forested. To the north-east of the Vale of Neath is a deeply ravined and wooded area of steep waterfalls, contrasting strongly with the industrialized coastal area around the towns of Neath and Port Talbot.

The climate is mild. Although the coastal region is fairly dry, over the higher parts in the north the average rainfall reaches 2,400 mm (95 in). The average temperature is 5° C (41° F) in January and 17° C (63° F) in August. The interior is cooler and less sunny.