Peninsular Relief and Climate of Spain: A Comprehensive Guide
Peninsular Relief of Spain
0. Units of Peninsular Relief
Peninsular relief is divided into three main units:
a) Plateau
The plateau is the most prominent feature of the peninsula and occupies the central space of the Iberian Peninsula. The Central System divides it into two blocs:
- Northern Sub-plateau: Almost completely surrounded by mountains and crossed by the Duero River Basin.
- Southern Sub-plateau: Divided into two plains by the Toledo Mountains. The northern part is crossed by the Tagus River and the southern part by the Guadiana River.
a1) Inland Mountains of the Plateau
- Central System: Divides the plateau and consists of a series of high mountains, including Somosierra, Guadarrama, Gredos, Gata, and Estrella.
- Montes de Toledo: Divides the southern sub-plateau and consists of low-lying mountains, including Montes de Toledo, Guadalupe, and San Pedro.
a2) Mountains Surrounding the Plateau
- Macizo Galaico-Leonés: Includes the Galician Massif, the Leonese Mountains, and two mountain ranges (Cabrera and Segundera).
- Cordillera Cantábrica: Divided into two parts: the Asturian Massif with very high mountains that impede access between the plateau and Asturias and Cantabria, and the Cantabrian Mountains with peaks located at lower elevations. Notable peaks include the Picos de Europa in Asturias, Peña Ubiña in Asturias, and Peña Labra in Cantabria.
- Sistema Ibérico: Has two parts: the northern sector with the Demanda Mountains and the Moncayo Mountains, and the southern sector with the Universal Mountains, Sierra de Albarracín, and Javalambre, Gúdar, and Maestrazgo.
- Sierra Morena: Forms the southern edge of the plateau and is relatively low in elevation. It separates Andalusia from the plateau, with Despeñaperros being the only natural passage.
b) Mountains Outside the Plateau
b1) Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are divided into two units:
- Axial/Central Pyrenees: Where the highest peaks are located, such as Aneto, Monte Perdido, and Pica d’Estats.
- Pre-Pyrenees: Of lower elevation with hills such as Cadí, Montsec, Pedraforca, and Ports de Tortosa-Beseit.
b2) Sistema Costero-Catalán
Formed by two mountain ranges: the Serralada Litoral with considerable heights, including Montseny, Montserrat, and Montsant, and the Serralada Prelitoral with lower heights, including Collserola, Montnegre, Garraf, and Montsià. Between them lies a depression.
b3) Cordilleras Béticas
Consists of two units:
- Penibética Range: Located on the coast and includes Sierra Nevada with its two major peaks, Veleta and Mulhacén.
- Subbética Cordillera: Located to the north and includes mountains such as Cazorla, Segura, and Sagra.
c) Depressions of the Ebro and Guadalquivir
The Ebro Depression is located between the Pyrenees, Iberian System, and Sistema Costero-Catalán. It is traversed by the Ebro River and its tributaries, forming major irrigation areas and a delta at its mouth. The Guadalquivir Depression lies between Sierra Morena and the Cordilleras Béticas. It is traversed by the Guadalquivir River and also contains major irrigated areas.
d) Relief of the Islands
- Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are emerged fragments of the Subbética Range. Mallorca has the Serra de Tramuntana in the north with considerable altitude, and the Serres de Llevant with lower altitudes. Ibiza and Formentera are mountainous in the north and have plains in the south. Menorca has the Tramuntana Mountains in the north and plains in the south.
- Canary Islands: The relief is volcanic and complex, with volcanic cones, calderas, ravines, cliffs, and beaches. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are relatively flat, while Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are mountainous.
1. Climate of Spain
The climate of Spain is influenced by three main factors:
a) Geographical Location
Spain is located in the south temperate zone of continental Europe and at the intersection of Europe and Africa, where tropical and polar air masses meet.
b) Influence of Water Bodies
Spain is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in two distinct climatic zones: the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Atlantic Spain receives abundant rainfall, while Mediterranean Spain has scarce rainfall, promoting tourism but requiring infrastructure for water management. The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate.
c) Relief
The relief, consisting of a large plateau surrounded by mountains, causes the center of the peninsula to have high altitude and limited maritime influence, leading to hot summers and cold winters. The Iberian Peninsula is tilted towards the Atlantic, so most rivers flow into the Atlantic, with only the Ebro flowing into the Mediterranean.
1.1. Main Climatic Zones
a) Oceanic Climate
The oceanic climate extends along the northern peninsula, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, and temperatures are mild due to the maritime influence. Deciduous forests predominate, although some have been replaced by pine and eucalyptus.
b) Mediterranean Climate
The Mediterranean climate spans the areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea, from Catalonia to Andalusia, including the Balearic Islands. Summers are hot and dry due to the Sahara winds, and winters are mild. Rainfall …