Geomorphological research in Spain (original) (raw)
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Geomorphology, 2014
In tectonically active areas, the landscape response to tectonic forcing is described and possibly quantified by regional topographic and hydrographic features as well as by spatial variation in rates of surface processes. We investigated the recent landscape evolution of the Iberian Chain (NE Spain), an intraplate thrust-belt formed in Cenozoic times and characterized by a dome-shaped topography. In its central sector the landscape is dominated by low relief surfaces, Late Neogene (?) in age, presently standing at an average altitude of 1300 m. A recent regional uplift controlled the organization of the present fluvial network and dissection of the landscape. In this framework we investigated the geomorphic responses to tectonic forcing by the calculation of morphometric parameters, focusing on topography (map of local relief, swath profiles) and hydrography (basin hypsometric curve and integral, basin asymmetry factor, river longitudinal profiles and relative indices), and using SRTM DEM. The results of morphometric analysis have been coupled with radiometric uranium-series dating of calcareous tufas lying on fluvial strath terraces. The obtained ages allow the estimation of incision rate along the High Tajo and Martín rivers. Our results indicate that uplift and rock-type erodibility are the main factors influencing landscape evolution of the study area. The incision rates are very similar throughout the central sector of the range, indicating that, despite subtle local variation, the rivers are responding to a main tectonic input: the regional uplift. In conclusion, the Iberian Chain landscape is in a transient state in response to a recent dome-like uplift. Indeed, the fluvial processes that weakly incised this landscape at a rate of~0.6 mm/yr are approaching a radial pattern. On the basis of geological and geomorphic constraints, we hypothesize that the uplift started around or after 3 Ma.
Geomorphology, 2006
The landscape of today's central Iberian Peninsula has been shaped by ongoing tectonic activity since the Tertiary. This landscape comprises a mountain ridge trending E-W to NW-SE, the Central System, separating two regions of smooth topography: the basins of the rivers Duero and Tajo. In this study, we explore interrelationships between topography and tectonics in the central Iberian Peninsula. Regional landscape features were analysed using a digital elevation model (DEM). Slope gradients and slope orientations derived from the DEM were combined to describe topographic surface roughness. Topography trendsurfaces inferred from harmonic analysis were used to define regional topographic features. Low roughness emphasizes the smooth nature of the basins' topography, where surfaces of homogeneous slope gradient and orientation dominate. High roughness was associated with abrupt changes in gradient and slope orientation such as those affecting crests, valley bottoms and scarp edges present in the mountain chain and in some deep incised valleys in the basins. One of the applications of roughness mapping was its capacity to isolate incised valley segments. The area distribution of incised rivers shows their prevalence in the east. On a regional scale, the topographic surface can be described as a train of NE-SW undulations or waves of 20 km wavelength. These undulations undergo changes in direction and interruptions limited by N-S-trending breaks. E-W and NE-SW troughs and ridges clearly mark structural uplifts and depressions within the Central System. These structures are transverse to the compressive NW-SE stress field that controlled the deformation of the central Iberian Peninsula from the Neogene to the present. They represent the upper crustal folding that accommodates Alpine shortening. N-S breaks coincide with Late Miocene faults that control the basins' sedimentation. Further, associated palaeoseismic structures suggest the recent tectonic activity of N-S faults in the eastern part of the Tajo Basin. Apatite fission track analysis data for this area suggest the occurrence of a significant uplift episode from 7 to 10 Ma which induced the river incisions appearing in the roughness map. N-S and NE-SW faults could be seismogenic sources for the current moderate to low seismic activity of the east Tajo Basin and southeast Central System. Although N-S fault activity has already been established, we propose its significant contribution to shaping the landscape. D
Collection EDYTEM, 2013
This study shows the importance of geomorphologic analysis in landscape studies of natural protected areas in order to improve their management. Géomorphologie framework provides the basis of territorial organization in natural protected areas. Moreover there are some elements with special géomorphologie value that is necessary to consider for carry out proper land management : the geomorphosites. We have inventoried and analyzed eleven geomorphosites applying a methodology that includes new cartographic symbols and an assessment of each site. The aim of this work is to contribute for the inclusion of geomorphosite assessment in environmental management studies and tasks. The study is located in Valderejo Natural Park (Alava, the Basque Country, Spain). Résumé Le contexte géomorphologique constitue la base de l'organisation spatiale dans les zones naturelles protégées. Une bonne connaissance de la géomorphologie locale est donc fondamentale en soi mais aussi pour comprendre la distribution d'autres facteurs environnementaux. En outre, certains géomorphosites ayant une valeur particulière nécessitent la mise en place de pratiques de gestion appropriées. Pour cela, ils doivent faire l'objet d'une évaluation scientifique, culturelle et socioéconomique en utilisant une méthodologie pouvant être comprise par différents publics : les scientifiques, les aménageurs mais également le «grand public». Le territoire d'étude est limité au parc naturel de Valderejo, situé à Alava (Pays Basque, Espagne), dans la chaîne des Arcena. Sa surface est d'environ 3 500 ha au coeur d'une région karstique où les éléments géomorphologiques ont un rôle majeur dans le paysage. Onze géomorphosites y ont été inventoriés. Ils appartiennent à différentes catégories de géotopes : structuraux, issus de divers processus karstiques, glissement de terrain, dépôts de tuf, morphologies fluviales ainsi que des glacis. La plupart de ces sites ont une grande valeur géomorphologique. Le tourisme est un secteur économique important dans la région. Le parc naturel de Valderejo est, parmi les zones naturelles protégées du Pays Basque, celle qui a reçu le nombre le plus élevé de visiteurs. Certains géomorphosites de ce parc ont le potentiel pour devenir des sites touristiques et peuvent être considérés, en conséquence, comme des outils de développement local. Conscients de la valeur de la géomorphologie en tant que ressource paysagère, il est important qu 'un équilibre soit trouvé entre la conservation et l'utilisation du point de vue de la durabilité. Dans ce but, une méthodologie appropriée a été utilisée afin de proposer un mode de gestion spécifique pour chacun des onze géomorphosites. Cette méthode comprend une évaluation qui prend en compte 3 catégories de valeurs : les valeurs intrinsèques, auxquelles sont ajoutés des valeurs d'usage et des valeurs de gestion.
Sustainability, 2017
This work performs a geomorphological mapping procedure applied to the evolutionary analysis of the landscape, such that it groups different geomorphological units photointerpreted in large geomorphological domains. This allows greater utility and ease of identification and application in the different multidisciplinary studies of environmental geology and the evolution of the landscape. Geomorphological analysis allows the investigation of the reconstruction of the relief from the processes that have shaped the landscape over time. This work is a tool for the analysis of palaeolandscapes and palaeoreliefs applied to correct environmental and sustainable planning of the territory. The process starts from a morphostructural zoning in which they are grouped according to their erosive and depositional forms and the morphogenetic system to which they belong: structural, fluvial, gravitational, and polygenic. The procedure is applied to two natural parks: Batuecas and Quilamas, differentiating 18 geomorphological domains. The 2D and 3D cartographies have been implemented in virtual 3D balloons allowing a greater ease of landscape analysis in the spatial distribution of the different units over orthophotographs. The morphological and chronological evolution of the evolution of the landscape is established from the relative age of the lithological units and the geomorphological domains, as well as by their geospatial position. Georeferenced digital mapping complies with the Inspire directive for these natural spaces.
Geomorphology of the northern sector of the Alfambra-Teruel depression (Iberian ranges, NE Spain)
Journal of Maps
The area of Alfambra (NE Spain) is very representative of the relief evolution of the Eastern Iberian ranges. The geomorphological cartography (Main Map) includes the northern sector of the Alfambra-Teruel Neogene depression and its mountainous surroundings. The cartographic process started by using aerial photographs (1:30000 scale) and fieldwork. The structural reliefs, erosion surfaces, karst landforms, Quaternary pediments and terraces, and fluvial network are represented over a lithological background. The main cartography is complemented with two maps of lithological and geomorphological units. The obtained information enabled the main geological and geomorphological stages of the regional relief to be established.
Geomorphology of the Curueño River headwaters, Cantabrian mountains (NW Spain)
Journal of Maps, 2017
The article presents the 1:25,000-scale geomorphological map of the upper reaches of the Curueño River, on the southern slope of the Central Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain. The study area spans approximately 125 km 2 and corresponds to the 1:25,000-scale Spanish National Topographical Map Sheet 104-I of Lugueros. The area is moderately mountainous with elevation ranging from 1100 to 2100 m.a.s.l. The main landforms are river gorges, karst, and glacial landforms. The map legend contains 78 elements divided into 9 groups: lithostructural, polygenic, karst, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, nival, gravitational, weathering, and anthropic forms. The map was prepared using Esri ArcGIS with the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM, Zone 30) projection. In addition, a database and style set were created for each landform with the goal of using this set of symbols in other areas and performing complementary mapping of geologic and geomorphologic risk, protection of natural geoheritage, land-use classification, and applied geomorphology.
Geological Heritage and Geoconservation in Spain: Past, Present, and Future
Geoheritage, 2009
Geoconservation in Spain dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. During the first decades, the protection of biotic and geological heritage developed together, and geologists played an important role, but the conservation of geological values was overlooked during the second half of the twentieth century. As a general rule, the protection of geological heritage was limited to scenic elements of a great value in the landscape but did not pay attention to their scientific interest and representativeness or to geological exclusiveness criteria. On the other hand, the beginnings of the study of geological heritage in Spain date back to the 1970s. Although the methodological bases were defined at that time, the work done on research, promotion, and conservation of the geological heritage has been mainly developed in the last 15 years. The increasing presence of geological heritage in the Spanish scientific and social fields has been completed with Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, which mentions the conservation of geodiversity and geological heritage as one of its sources of inspiration. This Law replaces the Law 4/1989 on the Conservation of Wild Flora and Fauna that was the main legal framework for nature conservation in Spain during three decades. The purpose of this paper is to analyze—from a historical perspective—the evolution of the study and protection of the geological heritage in Spain since the beginning of the twentieth century, both referring to the legal framework and the studies required. Finally, an estimate is presented of challenges to be faced by geoconservation in Spain in the next decades.
Journal of Iberian Geology, 2012
The Malaga Basin is located in the westernmost part of the Betic Cordillera. This alpine cordillera in the south of Spain is the most active region of the Iberian Peninsula. Some of the most destructive earthquakes occurred historically in Spain took place within the Malaga Basin. In this work we focus on geomorphic and morphotectonic observations in the aim of finding active tectonic structures that could be seismogenic sources. First, we study the spatial arrangement and age of the Quaternary alluvial fan system as well as the drainage pattern of the basin, followed by the analysis of the distribution of regional markers like marine erosive surfaces and the extend of Pliocene marine deposits in the Malaga Basin. The tectonic structures inferred as active by the morphotectonic analysis are grouped into four main families: N60º-85ºE folds associated with blind thrust faults, N20º-30ºE and N40º-50ºE high angle dip-slip faults, and N165º-170ºE tear faults. Finally, their seismic potential in terms of maximum moment magnitude (Mw) is assessed by means of empirical relationships, varying between 6.0 and 7.0 depending on the hypothesis considered..