Geographic Formations: Sierra de Perija, Lara-Falcón, Barquisimeto

Sierra de Perija

Location: The Sierra de Perija begins in the middle of the river valley and extends slightly north of 11 degrees latitude, where the Oca mountains transition into the Guajira Peninsula lowlands.

Constitution and Relief

Predominantly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks (Precambrian, Cenozoic), the area is difficult to access and settle due to the absence of alluvial valleys and terraces. The altitude reaches approximately 4000 meters, with peaks exceeding 3750 meters at Tetaria. Key sectors include the Motilones range, Valledepur, Sierra de Perija, and Goose mountains.

Vegetation, Climate, and Hydrography

The landscape features abundant forest vegetation, especially at higher elevations, due to high rainfall. The high mountains intercept wet sea winds from the Caribbean. The Motilones range divides the water between the Cesar River (Colombia) and the Lake Maracaibo basin.

Lara-Falcón Formation (52,000 km²)

Coro System

Location: The northernmost section of the Falcon and Lara formation separates the Andes ranges from the muddy coastal depressions of Yaracuy, Carora, Barquisimeto, and Lake Maracaibo.

Constitution and Relief

Initially a marine basin, thick sedimentary layers of the Cretaceous period were deposited. Subsequent Andean movements shaped the area into mountains, hills, and depressions (sandstones, shales, conglomerates, and limestones). The Paraguana Peninsula, a rocky outcrop, is connected by a 30 km long and 5 km wide isthmus covered with sand dunes. These dunes are formed by winds and seawater. The area around Coro also features dune landscapes (Coro Dunes). The isthmus encloses the Golfete de Coro to the west. The relief includes east-west oriented continental mountains such as St. Louis, Great View, Baragua, Matatere, and Aroa, as well as the north-south Sirum range. Heights are generally below 1500 meters, but the Sierra Sirum features higher peaks like Socopo hills (1571m) and Cerrone (1990m).

Vegetation, Climate, and Hydrography

The Paraguana Peninsula is dominated by xerophytic thorn forests, with high temperatures (26 to 30 ºC), low rainfall (200 to 500mm), and high evaporation, leading to significant soil moisture deficits. Key cities include Coro, Punto Fijo, and Adícora. Water scarcity is addressed by reservoirs, the most important being Isiro. Higher elevations support deciduous mountain forest vegetation due to increased rainfall from opposing sea winds. The Sierra de San Luis is the source of the Hueque and Rich rivers (the most important in Falcon). Drainage flows east to the Tocuyo River and west to the Maticora River.

Barquisimeto-Carora Depression

Location: Situated south of the Coro system, this depression occupies the central part of Lara and marks the transition between the Coastal Range and the Andes.

Constitution and Relief

This broad zone consists of shale, sandstone, conglomerates, and limestones from the Cretaceous and Paleocene-Eleocene periods. It features two low-lying depressions (400-700m) at Barquisimeto and Carora, separated by hills and small mountains such as Saroche, Yavita, and Alvarado (1000m). The Barquisimeto depression is a fault of tectonic origin, flanked by the Portuguese saws and the Aroa range extending eastward through the Yaracuy valley. The limestones in the depression are subject to chemical weathering, resulting in karst formations and caves, particularly in Carora, Tocuyo, and Sarare.

Vegetation, Climate, and Hydrography

The dry climate results in sparse xerophytic vegetation. The Tocuyo River (320km), which rises in the Paramo de Cendes and empties into the Caribbean Sea near Boca de Tocuyo, provides a central interruption. The valley supports vegetable and sugar cane cultivation. Populations are concentrated along permanent water courses in Carora (Morere River) and Barquisimeto (Turbio River). Water scarcity is a major issue, despite the high population and economic growth of these cities.