Catalonia’s Natural Resources: Water, Soil, and Vegetation
Humid Catalonia: A Land Shaped by Rainfall
Humid Catalonia is characterized by significant rainfall, exceeding 700 millimeters annually. This climate and the nival regime contribute to Catalonia’s main water reserves. Mediterranean vegetation transitions to deciduous forests (oak, beech) and coniferous forests (fir, pine).
Two Regions of Humid Catalonia
1. Eastern Region: This mountainous area, between the Pyrenees and the coastal range (400-1700 meters), receives 800-1800 millimeters of rainfall yearly. With no dry months, it boasts extensive forests (oak, beech, chestnut). Sparse population due to land ownership and abundant water.
2. High Pyrenees: Featuring high altitudes (2000-3000 meters), this region has an alpine or subalpine landscape with mountains and valleys. The climate is cold, humid Mediterranean mountain, with 1000-2000 millimeters of rainfall. Vegetation includes deciduous forests (oak, beech), evergreens (pine, fir), and pastures. Sparsely populated, with recent growth in snow sports.
Limited Natural Resources
Natural resources are goods from nature used to meet human needs, including subsoil, soil, water, vegetation, and energy.
Minerals
Catalonia has limited commercially exploitable mineral resources. Potassic salt is the main non-energy mining resource, exploited through galleries in Bages. Coal, the most important energy mineral, is of poor quality and found mainly in the Pyrenees. Oil is scarce, with sites near the Tarragona coast. Industrial rocks, particularly aggregates, are significant.
Soil
Soil is vital for vegetation. Its composition depends on bedrock, climate, and living beings. Catalonia’s diverse lithology results in varied soil types, but agricultural soils are scarce due to limited flat land and thin, fragile forest soils. Soil functions include:
- Biomass reduction
- Hydrological regime regulation
- Biological habitat
- Ecological function
Soil is fragile and can be destroyed by erosion, pollution, and improper pesticide use.
Vegetation
Vegetation is influenced by relief, soil, and climate. Catalonia has diverse plant communities, including forests, which cover 60% of the land (half forest, half scrub and grassland). This vegetation ensures biodiversity and provides resources.
Water
Freshwater is essential. In Catalonia, it is scarce and difficult to distribute. Rivers distribute water across the territory. The hydrographic network includes western slope rivers and eastern slope basins. River water is used for irrigation and human consumption, directly or through channels and reservoirs. Groundwater from natural springs is also important. Dams in the Catalan Pyrenees provide water for farming, urban centers, and hydroelectric power. Water is a scarce resource, with occasional restrictions, especially in the summer.