Spain: Relief, Climate, Water, and Vegetation
The Relief of Spain
The Meseta Central appears dislocated in two blocks: the Northern Plateau and the Southern Plateau, separated by the Central System. The Montes de Toledo subdivide the Southern Plateau. Alpine mountain ranges surround the plateau: The Pyrenees and the Betic Cordillera. Depressions also play a very important role in the peninsula.
Climate of Spain
The Iberian Peninsula is located in a temperate zone, characterized by summer and winter seasons with two well-defined intermediate seasons. However, the peninsula is closer to the tropics than the arctic. This proximity places it in a warm temperate zone. A dry, tropical air mass dominates much of Spain during the summer, leaving the peninsula under the high-pressure influence of the Azores High, which results in high temperatures and low rainfall.
Areas of physical contact between the polar air mass and the tropical air mass originate fronts and borrascas (storms). Spain is at the southern border of the Mediterranean storms, and also experiences Atlantic storms. These storms form when hot and cold air masses meet, which usually happens in spring and especially in autumn (resulting in the phenomenon known as Gota Fría, or “Cold Drop”).
Isobars are lines connecting points of equal pressure, indicating high and low pressure areas.
In summer, the tropical air mass and the Azores High dominate much of the peninsula. Temperatures are high, and rainfall is scarce. In winter, the polar air mass moves the tropical air to the south, and Atlantic storms affect the Atlantic area of the peninsula more intensely. Some storms originate in the Mediterranean, bringing heavy rain.
- Mediterranean climate: Hot, dry summers.
- Continental Mediterranean climate: Warm summers, cold winters, and little rain.
- Dry tropical climate: Typical of the Canary Islands.
Water Resources and Watersheds
- Average lake size: Lakes (e.g., Lagunas de Ruidera).
- Average wetland size: Albuferas (e.g., Valencia or Doñana).
Industrial and urban uses represent an approximate consumption of 300 liters per person per day.
Water Quality
Agricultural and industrial uses, along with some discharges, are a very serious source of pollution, due to the dumping of substances such as lead or mercury. Water for household and urban use poses a supply problem, as it must be potable.
Vegetation
Temperate Forest
The oceanic temperate forest, with deciduous broadleaf trees, reaches a height of 30 meters. Because of this, the understory is sparse. The temperate forests of Spain occupy an oceanic area including the Cantabrian Coast and Galicia, the Pyrenees, and the Central System.
- Oak: Grows on hillsides because it needs moisture, but tolerates cold and snow. Develops over 150 to 300 years.
- Beech: Sometimes alternates with oak, but does not tolerate heat. Develops over 80 to 100 years.
- Moors: Above 1600 meters.
The deciduous forest occupies an area of some five thousand [units unspecified in original text]. From zero to 1500 meters is the Atlantic floor with Pyrenean oaks, then carvallo oaks, followed by heather, broom, and alpine meadows.
Mediterranean Forest
- Maquis (Maquia): Grows on siliceous land, forming a nearly impenetrable mass of shrubs.
- Garrigue: A community of low-rise shrubs and bushes.
- Steppe: Composed of plants that resist dryness and heat.
- Canary Islands Vegetation:
- Beach vegetation
- Globularia plants on rocks
- Cacti
- Juniper
- Laurel and pine forests
- Fayal-heath
- Pine
- Teide Violet