Natural Disasters and Relief in Andalusia
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are openings or cracks in the Earth’s crust through which molten materials escape. A volcanic eruption involves the expulsion of magma through a vent, often a crater, on the surface. Active volcanoes are currently erupting, while dormant volcanoes may erupt after many years. Eruptions can change the landscape, as expelled materials accumulate to form volcanic cones. Sometimes, eruptions can even create volcanic islands.
Earthquakes
Seismic events, or earthquakes, are sudden tremors caused by crustal plate collisions, producing seismic waves. The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using seismographs and the Richter scale. The point of origin within the Earth is called the hypocenter. Most earthquakes occur in the Ring of Fire.
Hurricanes
Also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons, hurricanes are storms characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall. Like other tropical storms, hurricanes have a spiral structure.
Hurricanes often develop over tropical oceans, moving hundreds of kilometers before losing strength upon reaching land.
Tsunamis
A tsunami is a series of powerful waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions on the ocean floor.
Relief of Andalusia
The landscape of Andalusia is diverse, featuring significant contrasts between different geographical units.
Sierra Morena
Located to the north of Andalusia, Sierra Morena consists of low-lying mountains that historically presented an obstacle to communication between Andalusia and the rest of Spain. Natural passes, such as the Despeñaperros Gorge in Jaén and the Pedroches Valley in western Córdoba, facilitate passage. The westernmost part is the Sierra de Aracena and Aroche, while the central and eastern parts include the Sierra de los Santos and Sierra Madrona.
Guadalquivir Depression
This is a broad, triangular plain situated between the Sierra Morena and the Betic Systems. The eastern end of the depression is a narrow valley between the Subbetic mountain range. Near the Atlantic coast, the Guadalquivir River forms marshes.
Betic Systems
These are formed by two mountain ranges: the Subbetic Cordillera to the north and the Penibetic Cordillera to the south.
Subbetic Range
Located between the Guadalquivir Depression and the Betic Systems, the highest altitudes are in the east, including the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura, and Mágina.
Penibetic Range
Extending parallel to the Mediterranean Sea, this range contains the highest peaks, including Mulhacén, the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula, and Sierra Nevada.
Intrabetic Depression
This consists of basins and high plains, including the Antequera and Granada basins from west to east.
The Andalusian Coast
Two types of landscapes are found along the Andalusian coast:
Atlantic Coast
Low and sandy, with wide beaches, dunes, and marshes, extending from Ayamonte to the Punta de Trafalgar in Cádiz.
Mediterranean Coast
Extending from Punta Europa in Tarifa (Cádiz) to enclosed coves in Almería, this coast is high and steep.