Spain’s Geographic Landscape
Spain’s External Mountain Systems
The External Ridges include the Basque Mountains, formed by steep hills but with little high elevation. The Pyrenees are an important mountain system that links the Iberian Peninsula with the rest of Europe; they consist of a central, higher section (up to 3404m). The Catalan Coastal Ranges are formed by two sets of mountains parallel to the Mediterranean coast, with a maximum altitude exceeding 1500m. The Betic Systems consist of two parallel alignments: the Penibética Cordillera along the Mediterranean coast, which includes the highest point of the Iberian Peninsula, Mulhacén (3481m), and the Subbética mountain range that extends through the interior and has a lower elevation (Sagra, 2381m).
Island Relief
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Archipelago is located in the Mediterranean Sea and includes the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera. In Mallorca, the Tramuntana mountains include the highest point, Puig Major (1445m).
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean and are comprised of seven main islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro. In Tenerife, Teide (3718m) is the highest elevation in Spain.
The Coasts of Spain
The coasts of Spain have high variety. The peninsular Cantabrian and Atlantic coasts are rocky and jagged. The northwestern Mediterranean coast and the southwest Atlantic have long beaches interspersed with rocky sections. In the Balearic Islands, there are beaches, coves, and rocky stretches. The Canary Islands are dominated by rocks of volcanic origin, although there are also beaches.
Spanish Soil Types
According to the predominant rock type, several areas are distinguished: an area consisting of siliceous rocks such as granite and shale; a limestone zone consisting of rocks such as limestone, which leads to karstic landscape erosion; areas with materials such as clay and clay loams that have formed plains; and areas with volcanic materials (Canary Islands).
Rivers and Drainage Basins
River flow is affected by weather and relief.
Cantabrian Slope Rivers
The rivers that empty into the Bay of Biscay are numerous and short, born in mountains near the coast. Abundant and continuous rainfall in the area makes them have a regular flow. Notable rivers include the Bidasoa, Nervión, Nalón, and Narcea.
Atlantic Slope Rivers
Rivers like the Minho and those in Galicia, such as the Sil, have abundant and regular flow. Other rivers like the Duero, Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir are lengthy and have numerous tributaries; however, they have an irregular Mediterranean regime.
Mediterranean Slope Rivers
With the exception of the Ebro, rivers are short and irregular. They often show severe drought in summer and can suffer devastating floods, especially in autumn due to heavy rains. Besides the Ebro, notable rivers include the Llobregat, Turia, Júcar, and Segura.
Lakes and Lagoons
Spain has many small lakes and ponds, which are often seasonal, with rainfall being the main water supply. There are several types of lakes and lagoons: tectonic and volcanic (endogenous); glacial, arreic, karstic, coastal, and wind-formed (exogenous); and mixed lakes.
Climate of Spain
Annual average temperatures increase from north to south and are lower in the interior, where there is also a wider thermal range. Precipitation has a strong seasonal variation, decreasing from north to south, from west to east, and from the coast inland.
Climate Types
- Oceanic Climate: Mild temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
- Mediterranean Climate: Its main feature is dry summers. There are several varieties:
- Coastal Mediterranean Climate: Mild temperatures and moderate rainfall.
- Inland Mediterranean Climate: Presents a wide annual temperature range.
- Subtropical Climate: Decreased thermal amplitude and low precipitation (Canary Islands).
- High Mountain Climate: Cold winters and cool summers.