Spain’s Diverse Geography: Islands, Climate, and Landforms
The relief of insular Spain presents distinct characteristics across its two main archipelagos.
Balearic Archipelago
Geologically, the Balearics connect the Betic and coastal-Catalana Alpine ranges in the Mediterranean. Mallorca and Ibiza are fragments of the subbética mountains, with the Sierra de Tramuntana being a highlight in Mallorca. Menorca is linked to the Catalan Coastal Range.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are of volcanic origin, formed in the Tertiary period when the Alpine orogeny fractured the Atlantic floor. Volcanic rock masses rose, creating the islands. The relief includes volcanic cones and calderas (circular craters). The islands have been reshaped by multiple volcanic eruptions, resulting in high cliffs above the beaches.
- High cliffs between 100 and 500 m are typical of ancient massifs.
- Beaches have limited development, varying between islands.
Cliffs: Steep slopes that descend into the sea. Needle-shaped cliffs are called pharaohs, found on the Cantabrian, Mediterranean, Catalan, and Canary coasts.
Gullies: Narrow, deep grooves separated by ridges, creating rugged topography. Extensive development leads to badlands landscapes, caused by stream erosion.
Types of Climate in Spain
Spain features a wide range of climates, primarily: oceanic, Mediterranean, mountain, and Canarian.
Oceanic Climate
Found in northern Spain, including Cantabria and Galicia.
Rainfall: Abundant and regular, ranging from 800 mm to 1000 mm annually, with over 150 rainy days. Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, with maximums in winter and minimums in summer due to the Azores anticyclone. This can result in a two-month dry season, transitioning to a continental Mediterranean climate. Rains are gentle, promoting soil infiltration.
Temperatures: Mild, with low thermal amplitude (below 15°C), though there are differences between the coast and inland.
- Coast: Cool summers (no month exceeding 22°C) and mild winters (average between 6°C and 10°C), with a low temperature range (9°C-12°C).
- Inland: Colder winters (below 6°C) and a higher temperature range (12°C-15°C).
Mediterranean Climate
The largest climate zone in Spain, including the mainland south of the oceanic zone, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.
Rainfall is low and erratic, less than 800 mm annually, with summer droughts. Precipitation is highest in winter, except in areas influenced by the Atlantic. Storms are frequent, causing erosion due to deforestation.
Temperatures vary between the coast and inland, and from north to south.
Mountain Climate
Found in territories over 1000 m altitude. Precipitation increases and temperatures decrease with height.
Rainfall often exceeds 1000 mm per year.
Temperatures are characterized by low annual averages (always below 10°C), cool summers (no month exceeding 22°C), and cold winters (average temperatures near or below 0°C), with frequent snowfall.
Variations:
- Northern mountains, within the oceanic climate zone, have no dry months and cool summers.
- Central and southern mountains, within the Mediterranean zone, experience reduced summer rainfall, potentially one or two dry months, and higher summer temperatures, exceeding 22°C in some areas.