II.

Land and Resources

Rhondda Cynon Taff consists in the north of high, barren moorlands, rising to a maximum height of 601 m (1,969 ft). These uplands are cut by deep, incised valleys that run parallel north-west to south-east on the South Wales coalfield. These are the valleys of the Cynon, and the two Rhondda rivers, the Rhondda Fawr and the Rhondda Fach, both of which are tributaries of the Taff. The other main river is the Ely. The Taff and the Ely both eventually reach the Severn estuary at Cardiff. Towards the south the area is less elevated. Some 54 sq km (21 sq mi) in the north of the county borough lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The climate of the county borough is comparatively mild, with an average temperature in January of 3° C (38° F) and in July of 20° C (68° F). The average annual rainfall is in the region of 1,000 to 1,520 mm (40 to 60 in). The northern part of the county borough is colder and less sunny than the south.