Diverse Natural Landscapes of Spain: Climate and Vegetation
The natural landscapes of Spain are diverse and rich in ecological significance. Below is an overview of the various landscape areas:
Oceanic Landscape Area
- Location: North of the peninsula, including Galicia and the Cantabrian coast.
- Relief: Hilly slopes of mountains with few flat surfaces.
- Climate: Oceanic, characterized by abundant and regular rainfall, and low temperature thermal amplitude influenced by the sea.
- Waters: Rivers owned by wholesalers on the Cantabrian side.
- Vegetation: Deciduous beech and oak, heath, heather, gorse, broom, and grass. The soil is rich in silicon and slightly acidic, allowing for crops and pastures.
Mediterranean Landscape Area
- Location: South of the peninsula, surrounded by mountains and ridges.
- Climate: Mediterranean, with low to moderate rainfall and irregular sequences, especially in the southeast mainland and Ebro Valley.
- Vegetation: Evergreen forests, cork oak, maquis, garrigue scrub, and low thorny shrubs.
- Soil: Varies from poor pastures in siliceous rock to fertile terra rossa in rocky areas.
Mountain Area
- Location: Territories above 1000 m.
- Relief: Steep terrain.
- Climate: Mountain climate with annual rainfall exceeding 1000 mm, cool temperatures, and a nival regime in high mountains.
- Vegetation: Staggered floors of Pyrenees, holm oaks, conifers, and mountain meadows.
Canary Islands Region
- Location: Off the northwest coast of Africa.
- Relief: Volcanic cones.
- Climate: Steppe climate with very low and irregular rainfall, and high temperatures year-round.
- Vegetation: Endemic species and relics, divided into floors, including scrub, palm, dragon, and juniper.
Biogeographical Regions
The Mediterranean biogeographical region, lying south of the continent, is characterized by a prolonged dry and hot season. This region occupies a significant extent in Spain, featuring:
- A wide rocky coastline and the mouths of contorted rivers.
- Highland areas with marked continentality and moderate annual rainfall.
- Mountain areas with higher light periods and regulated heat.
The Macaronesian region includes the Azores and Madeira, which are volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, rich in flora and fauna. The Canary Islands, under contrasting climatic influences, present a great diversity of environments. However, the natural distribution of vegetation has been heavily exploited, leading to the disappearance of some ecosystems.