Spain’s Natural Landscapes & Human Impact: An Environmental Overview
Natural Landscapes of Spain
The Oceanic Landscape
Located on the northern peninsula, encompassing the Cantabrian coast and Galicia, this landscape is characterized by an oceanic climate with abundant and regular rainfall, and low-temperature variations due to the influence of the sea. The Cantabrian side boasts most of the rivers. Siliceous rock supports brown earth, while limestone areas feature calcareous brown earth.
The Mediterranean Landscape
This landscape dominates the southern peninsula, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. The peninsular terrain consists of a plateau surrounded by mountains, ridges, and troughs. The Balearic Islands present a saw-like terrain, while Ceuta has a rugged landscape with hills, and Melilla features plateaus and hills. A Mediterranean climate prevails, with scarce and irregular rainfall. Temperatures have moderate variation on the coast but higher variation inland. Siliceous rock supports southern brown earth, limestone areas have red and terra rossa soils, rocky areas have vertisols clay, and steppe climate areas have gray subdesert soil.
The Mountain Landscape
In territories above 1000m elevation, steep slopes and a mountain climate dominate. Rainfall exceeds 1000mm, with average annual temperatures below 10°C and cold winters. Rivers experience peak flow in spring and lowest in winter. Vegetation is staggered, and soils are poorly developed due to erosion.
The Canary Islands Landscape
Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands feature volcanic relief. Lower areas have steppe or desert climates with low and erratic rainfall, warm temperatures year-round, and low thermal amplitude. Water resources are scarce and irregular. The unique vegetation includes many endemic and relic species. Volcanic soils are poorly developed, often forming unproductive badlands.
Environmental Influence on Human Activity
Relief as a Resource
The relief of mainland Spain provides resources and influences human activities. It affects settlement patterns, with people seeking favorable locations. Farming is concentrated in low, flat areas. The relief also provides mineral and energy resources, influences communication routes, and offers tourist attractions. However, the coastal relief is often unfavorable for ports and fishing due to its straight form and narrow continental shelf.
Climate as a Resource
Climate influences population distribution and housing, with people avoiding adverse conditions. It significantly impacts agriculture, as crops require specific temperature and rainfall patterns. The atmosphere provides renewable energy sources. Climate also plays a role in various tertiary sector activities.
Vegetation as a Resource
Vegetation provides food for humans and animals, raw materials for industries, and energy sources. It also offers leisure and recreational opportunities. It contributes to environmental protection by reducing air pollution, acting as a noise barrier, mitigating evaporation, reducing flood risk, and protecting and enriching soil fertility through humus formation.
Soil as a Resource
Fertile land has historically been preferred for settlements, with traditional housing using local materials. Agricultural production depends on soil fertility, and infrastructure is affected by soil characteristics.
Natural Hazards
Geohazards
Earthquakes threaten southern and southeastern Spain due to the peninsula’s location at the contact zone between the African and Eurasian plates. Volcanic eruptions are confined to the Canary Islands. Landslides, rapid movements of soil or rock masses down slopes, also pose a risk.
Climatic Risks
Floods are caused by intense rainfall in short periods. Droughts are temporary, prolonged deficits in rainfall compared to an area’s average.
Human Impact on the Environment
Environmental Problems and Policies
- Spain has signed international agreements requiring commitments to specific environmental issues.
- The European Union’s environmental policy aims to preserve the environment through impactful actions.
- The Ministry of Environment’s policy seeks to ensure sustainable development, improve environmental quality, and restore degraded areas.
Main Environmental Problems
Alteration of Relief
Mainland relief is altered by mining, quarrying, and infrastructure construction. Coastal relief suffers from marine erosion and urban pressures, leading to beach disappearance.
Noise Pollution
Ambient noise, while not adding harmful substances to the atmosphere, degrades environmental quality.
Overexploitation and Pollution of Water
Overexploitation of water resources occurs due to increased consumption for agriculture, urban use, and industry.