Sierra Nevada (Spain)
Mountain range in southern Spain
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in the region of Andalusia, in southern Spain. It contains the highest point of continental Spain, Mulhacén, which has an elevation of 3,479 meters (11,414 feet) above sea level. The range is part of the Baetic System and is located in the provinces of Granada and Almería.
Geography[edit | edit source]
The Sierra Nevada stretches approximately 80 kilometers from east to west and is about 15 kilometers wide. The range is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and high peaks. The Guadalfeo River and the Genil River are two of the main rivers that originate in the Sierra Nevada.
Climate[edit | edit source]
The climate of the Sierra Nevada varies with altitude. The lower slopes have a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The higher elevations experience an alpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. The range is known for its significant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports.
Flora and Fauna[edit | edit source]
The Sierra Nevada is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The lower slopes are covered with Mediterranean vegetation, including oak, pine, and olive trees. At higher elevations, the vegetation transitions to alpine meadows and shrublands. The range is also home to several endemic species, such as the Spanish ibex and the Sierra Nevada violet.
Human Activity[edit | edit source]
The Sierra Nevada is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. The Sierra Nevada Ski Station is one of the southernmost ski resorts in Europe and offers a variety of slopes for different skill levels. The range is also a popular destination for scientific research, particularly in the fields of ecology and climatology.
Protected Areas[edit | edit source]
A significant portion of the Sierra Nevada is protected as part of the Sierra Nevada National Park, which was established in 1999. The park covers an area of 86,208 hectares and aims to preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD