Geography, Geology, and Municipalities of Mallorca

Posted on Jan 21, 2025 in Geology

Geography and Earth Science

Geography and earth science describe the spatial distribution of elements and phenomena that develop on the surface.

Geology

Geology is the science that studies the formation and origin of the Earth and the materials that comprise its interior and exterior.

Municipalities, Villages, and Comarcas

  • Municipality: A set of inhabitants within a jurisdictional area, typically governed by a town council.
  • Village: The entire population of a nation, region, or country.
  • Hamlet: A small population (e.g., Biniali).
  • Comarca: A set of populations that share certain characteristics, forming a distinct territory with cultural, economic, and administrative unity.

Comarcas of Mallorca

  1. Palma
  2. Pla de Mallorca: Costitx, Algaida, Montuïri, Petra
  3. Serra de Tramuntana: A coastal mountain range including Andratx, Bunyola, Sóller, and Valldemossa
  4. Raiguer: In the center of the island, stretching parallel to the north, from Cerro de Marratxí to Sa Coma (North: Búger, Inca, Lloseta)
  5. Migjorn: Occupies the south (Llucmajor, Campos, Felanitx)
  6. Llevant: Manacor, Capdepera

Commonwealths

Commonwealths are voluntary associations of municipalities formed to defend common interests and manage the organization and cost of public services.

  1. Tramuntana: Sóller, Bunyola
  2. Raiguer: Alaró, Marratxí
  3. Pla: Muro, Santa Margalida
  4. Sud de Mallorca: Llucmajor
  5. Migjorn: Campos, Ses Salines
  6. Nord: Alcúdia, Sa Pobla, Muro

Torrents of Mallorca

Torrents are mighty streams of water that form during times of heavy rain or snowmelt.

  • Almadrà: Flows into the Cúber reservoir, collecting water from Puig Major.
  • Coanegra: Originates in the east, flowing through Santa Maria del Camí, 16km long.
  • Comafreda: Located in Escorca, collecting water from Massanella and Galileu, born near the Coll de la Batalla.
  • Fornalutx: Born on the southern slope of the mountain, it meets the towers of Sóller, with a 20m waterfall.
  • Gorg Blau: A section of a stream in Escorca, characterized by its lack of light due to 300-foot walls. It starts at Salt de l’Acollament and ends at Pas d’es Caçador, joining the Gorg de Lluc and then the Torrent de Pareis. Considered one of the best in Europe, with over 40 jumps in 6 kilometers.
  • Gorg des Diners: In the municipality of Escorca, born on the north side of Puig Major.
  • Torrent des Lli: Located in Valldemossa.
  • Torrent de Mortitx: Originates in the Mortitx estate, 500 meters long.
  • Torrent de Muro: A union between Almadrà and Pina, flowing into the Albufera lagoon.
  • Torrent d’es Recós: In the municipality of Fornalutx, it is the only access that collects water from the Vall de Bàlitx.
  • Torrent de Biniaraix or de l’Ofre: In the town of Sóller, it collects water from l’Ofre and Alfàbia, flowing into the port of Sóller.
  • Torrent de Pareis: Starts at a crossroads, linking two streams, Gorg Blau and Gorg de Lluc, flowing into Sa Calobra.
  • Torrent de Pina: Crosses the Pla de Mallorca from south to north, joining the Torrent de Muro, born from the contributions of the streams of Algaida and Montuïri.
  • Torrent de Sant Miquel: Flows into Palma between the museum and La Faxina Baluard, originating in Puigpunyent.
  • Torrent d’Algendar: The longest stream, over 40km, born in Porreres from the waters west of the Llevant mountains, flowing into the bay of Alcúdia.
  • Torrent de Catlar: 30 kilometers long, originating in the Campos basin and flowing into s’Estany and the Torrent de Campos.
  • Torrent des Salobrar: 20 km long, originating from Puig de Monti-sion, passing through the town of Campos, dry for much of the year.
  • Torrent de na Borges: Born in the Molí d’en Tòfol, it crosses the Serra de Llevant from east to west and flows into the inlet of Son Serra de Marina.