Iberian Peninsula: Geography, Relief, and Plateau Regions
Iberian Peninsula: Territory and Relief
1. The Spanish Territory
1.1. Location of the Iberian Peninsula
The geographical position of the Iberian Peninsula facilitates trade with Europe. The Pyrenees act as a natural barrier, but were not an obstacle for contact with other peoples in the past. There are accessible mountain passes and only 14 km separate it from Africa at Gibraltar. This proximity has facilitated cultural and commercial exchange and navigation control.
1.2. Relief Features of the Spanish Mainland
Relief refers to the forms presented by the Earth’s surface, which are dynamic, constantly being built and destroyed. The Spanish Peninsula presents four fundamental features:
- Solid Form: Determined by the coasts (400-500km). Most of the coastal perimeter is straight, except for sections like the Galician coast.
- High Altitude: Due to the extensive central plateau occupying three-fourths of the peninsula and the many mountain ranges. The average altitude is 600km. This altitude and steep slopes hinder agriculture, complicate communications, and intensify weather conditions.
- Peripheral Relief: Difficult access to the plateau. Peripheral reliefs prevent the sea’s influence from reaching the interior, leading to more extreme winters and summers.
- Diversity of Relief: Due to complex geological formation and varied climates, the territory presents distinct natural units, influencing regional diversity and landscapes.
2. The Plateau: Mountain Borders and Interior
The relief features four large current morphostructural units: the plateau, mountains and outlying mountain ranges outside the plateau, two large coastal depressions, and reliefs.
2.1. The Plateau
The plateau represents 45% of Spain and has been split into two blocks:
- Northern Sub-Plateau: Average altitude of 800-850 meters, surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Duero River basin. The rivers extend beyond the divide between the plateau and peneplain (a gently sloping surface with a wide valley bottom).
- Southern Sub-Plateau: Average height of 500-600 meters, gently inclining towards the Atlantic. It comprises two plateaus separated by the Mountains of Toledo, furrowed by the Tagus River and the Guadiana Basin. Between these two plateaus lie the plains of La Mancha.
2.2. Mountainous Interior of the Plateau
- Central System: Divides the central plateau and is composed of ranges of varying altitudes. The highest peak is Almanzor. Between the ranges are sunken steps, open valleys, and snowy mountain tops.
- The Mountains of Toledo: Divided into two parts, they form the dividing line between the Tagus and Guadiana rivers. They are a series of modest altitude (1400m).