Spanish Geography, Energy, and Economic Zones
Albufera: Coastal Lagoons
An albufera is a coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a sandbar. They are common on the Mediterranean coast where the availability of sand facilitates the formation of these barriers, closing off a depression. Notable examples include the Albufera of Valencia and the Mar Menor.
Torrente: Violent Watercourses
A torrente (torrent) is a watercourse characterized by its sudden and violent nature, typically associated with torrential rains. It consists of three parts: the reception basin (where erosion is severe), the drainage channel, and the alluvial fan. Torrents are particularly common in the Canary Islands, where infrequent but heavy rainfall creates gullies that channel rainwater, forming these streams.
Plateau: Elevated Landforms (Meseta Central)
A plateau typically originates from an old interior sedimentary basin plain, elevated by tectonic movements or epeirogenic events. Often, the edges of large plateaus form folded mountain ridges that separate them from surrounding lower areas. A prime example in the Iberian Peninsula is the Spanish Meseta Central (Central Plateau). Its edges include the Galician Massif, the Cantabrian Mountains, the Iberian System, and the Sierra Morena. The Meseta is bisected by the Sistema Central (Central System) into two sub-plateaus:
- The Northern Sub-plateau, drained by the Duero River.
- The Southern Sub-plateau, watered by the Tajo and Guadiana rivers, and further divided by the Montes de Toledo.
Renewable Energy Sources in Spain
Renewable energy refers to energy sources that are naturally replenished and considered inexhaustible on human timescales. These are often called alternative energies because they serve as alternatives to non-renewable sources. Examples include:
- Solar energy
- Geothermal energy
- Wind energy
- Wave energy
- Biomass energy
- Hydropower (also considered renewable)
Spain possesses favorable conditions for developing several renewable energies, particularly solar power, with multiple plants currently operational in locations like Almeria, Ciudad Real, and Madrid.
ZUR: Urgent Reindustrialization Zones Policy
ZUR stands for Zonas de Urgente Reindustrialización (Urgent Reindustrialization Zones). These were designated areas where, for a maximum of three years, incentives were provided for establishing and expanding businesses that generated stable employment. The goals were to diversify the production structure and promote technical progress. This industrial recovery policy, initiated after the 1984 Conversion and Reindustrialization Act, encouraged foreign capital investment in existing or new companies. The primary aim of ZUR was not to spatially rebalance industry, but rather to maintain existing industrial concentrations by mitigating significant job losses resulting from industrial adjustments in highly specialized areas. Notable ZUR included areas in:
- Asturias: 17 municipalities in the central zone
- Galicia: El Ferrol and Vigo areas
- Madrid: Henares corridor and Tres Cantos site
- Andalusia: Bay of Cadiz
- Basque Country: Greater Bilbao
- Catalonia: Barcelona metropolitan area
Technology Parks: Innovation Hubs
A technology park is an industrial area where official initiatives (state, regional, or local) play a crucial role, primarily aimed at attracting foreign companies, often due to perceived weaknesses in domestic innovation within certain ‘high-tech’ sectors. These parks typically feature:
- Small plot sizes
- High-quality buildings
- Locations in highly valued peripheral areas, yet close to decision-making centers
- Excellent connectivity with telecommunications networks and airports
- Close collaboration with universities and research institutions.