Key Environmental and Landscape Terms
Soil Horizon
Each of the layers or strata that form soil. All these layers together form the soil profile. Depending on their distribution, soils are classified into different types, such as those with poorly differentiated profiles or those that are deteriorated or deteriorating.
Leaching
The dissolution and flushing of soluble elements from the upper horizon of soil by water.
Humus
Composted organic matter found in the topsoil, resulting from the decomposition of plant and animal material mixed with mineral soil.
Red Soils
These fully formed soils have accumulated clays rich in iron hydroxide in the B horizon due to leaching, giving the soil a reddish hue.
Brown Soils
This type of soil is common in the Iberian Peninsula. They are fully formed soils characterized by a mixture of organic matter with iron compounds. Different types exist depending on climate and parent rock.
Ecosystem
The basic unit of the biosphere, consisting of a homogeneous part of the land area defined by topographical features, microclimate, flora, fauna, etc.
Endemism
A limited geographical distribution of living species (animals or plants), proper and exclusive to very specific regions. The term ‘endemic’ also applies in human geography to describe problems confined to specific areas, generally in the developing world.
Undergrowth
The vegetation of the lower strata of a forest, consisting of shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Maquis Vegetation
A type of Mediterranean scrub vegetation, consisting of evergreen shrubs that are often lush and dense. Characteristic plants include wild olive, rock rose, arbutus, heather, and rosemary. It usually develops from the degradation of Mediterranean forests on siliceous soils.
Garrigue Vegetation
Mediterranean vegetation found on limestone soils, consisting of oaks interspersed with shrubs and herbaceous plants. It appears when the Mediterranean forest is degraded by a very dry climate, fire, or overgrazing.
Steppe Vegetation
A formation of low, often thorny shrubs that leaves much of the soil exposed. Typical species include thyme, esparto grass, and asparagus. In areas near the coast, dwarf palm may also be present.
Sclerophyll Forest
A forest well adapted to summer drought. The trees are typically medium height with widespread roots, thick bark, and tough, evergreen leaves.
Encina (Holm Oak)
An evergreen tree species with very hard wood. Its fruit is the acorn, and its bark yields cork.
Deciduous Forest
Vegetation consisting of trees that lose their leaves in autumn and regrow them in spring. This vegetation is typically rich in tree species, although in Spain, only a few species like oak and beech predominate.
Dehesa Landscape
An anthropogenic landscape where oak, cork oak, and holm oak forests have been ‘thinned’ to create areas of grassland used for livestock.
Heathland (Landa)
Vegetation of the temperate zone, characteristic of European areas with an oceanic climate. In northern Spain, it occurs on higher elevations as a result of deciduous forest degradation.
Meadow (Pradera)
A formation of grasses that grows where climatic conditions are too dry for trees.
Conifer Tree
Tree species characterized by a conical shape and small, needle-like leaves. The understory is usually sparse due to soil acidification caused by the needles.
Protected Natural Area
An area dominated by natural elements or possessing special biological or landscape characteristics. The first Law on Protected Natural Areas in Spain was enacted in 1975. Following the approval of the Constitution, the Law of Conservation of Natural Areas and Wild Fauna and Flora was also approved, providing for the maintenance of these ecosystems. Currently, there are over 500 protected natural areas in Spain, with Natural Parks like the Sierra de Grazalema and Las Tablas de Daimiel being the most numerous type.
Solana (Sun Slope)
In mountainous areas, the side or slope facing the sun, opposite to the shady side (umbrÃa).
Leeward Slope
The side of a mountain exposed to the downward flow of wind. This often corresponds to areas with a drier climate.
Windward Side (Barlovento)
The side from which the wind is blowing. The windward side of a mountain is exposed to rising air flows, opposite to the leeward side.