Spain's Diverse Climates and Geological Formations

Spain's Climate Zones

Mountain Climate

Climate found in territories above 1,000 meters. Characterized by increasing precipitation with altitude (over 1,000 mm annually) and low temperatures (decreasing 0.6°C per 100m). This climate covers approximately one-seventh of Spain's territory.

Mediterranean Climate

Characterized by scarce rainfall (under 800 mm per year) and temperatures varying significantly between coastal and inland areas, and from north to south. Subtypes include littoral, continental, and dry. Prevalent in the Central Plateau, the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys, the South Atlantic Mediterranean coast, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla.

Oceanic Climate

Characterized by abundant rainfall (over 800 mm per year) and mild temperatures with low thermal amplitude. This climate extends across Galicia and Cantabria.

Subtropical Climate

Characterized by less than 300 mm of annual rainfall and warm temperatures with low thermal amplitude (typically below 8°C). In mountainous areas, precipitation increases and temperatures drop. This climate is typical of the Canary Islands.

Urban Climate

Climate typical of large cities. Characterized by increased temperatures and cloud cover due to urban activities (e.g., cars, heating systems, pollution). Prominent in Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao.

Continental Climate

Characteristic climate of inland areas, featuring extreme seasonal temperatures with high thermal amplitude (over 16°C) and moderate rainfall (around 800 mm/year) due to the lack of maritime influence. Common in many peninsular areas of Spain.

Geological Formations of Iberia

Iberian Clay

Composed of very resistant sedimentary materials (clay, marl, and chalk) deposited during the Late Tertiary and Quaternary periods. This formation covers the depressions of the Central Plateau, the Ebro and Guadalquivir plains, and the Mediterranean coast.

Iberian Calcium

Composed of sediments from the Secondary Era, accumulated during the Tertiary period. It stretches along the foothills of the Pyrenees, the Basque Mountains, the eastern Cantabrian Mountains, the Iberian System, the Catalan Coastal Range, the Subbetic System, and the mountains of Ibiza and Mallorca.

Iberian Siliceous

Composed of Paleozoic materials. Primarily located in the western peninsula (Galician Mountains and massifs), extending towards the western Cantabrian Mountains, the Central System, the Toledo Mountains, and Sierra Morena. Also found in the axial zones and sectors of the Iberian System, the Catalan Coastal Range, the Penibetic System, and the Northern Betic Ranges.