Sierra de Aracena

Summary

Sierra de Aracena is the westernmost mountain range of the Sierra Morena, Andalusia, Spain. It is located in the northern part of Huelva Province.

Sierra de Aracena
Landscape of Sierra de Aracena with the ubiquitous small village in the valley
Highest point
PeakCerro del Castaño
Elevation962 m (3,156 ft)
Coordinates33°57′35″N 6°35′7″W / 33.95972°N 6.58528°W / 33.95972; -6.58528
Dimensions
Length58 km (36 mi) NW/SE
Width15 km (9.3 mi) NE/SW
Geography
Sierra de Aracena is located in Spain
Sierra de Aracena
Location in Spain
LocationAndalusia
CountrySpain
Range coordinates37°54′N 6°37′W / 37.900°N 6.617°W / 37.900; -6.617
Parent rangeSierra Morena
Geology
OrogenyVariscan orogeny
Age of rockPaleozoic
Type of rockSchist, slate and quartzite

The range is named after the town of Aracena.

Description edit

The Sierra de Aracena is not very high and its mountains have a gentle, rounded shape. The height of most of the summits lies between 400 and 900 m (1,300 and 3,000 ft). Its highest point is 962 m (3,156 ft) high Cerro del Castaño.[1] Other notable summits are Cerro de San Cristóbal 917 m (3,009 ft) and Cerro de Santa Bárbara 814 m (2,671 ft), the latter located close to Cortegana. The Odiel and Murtigas are the main rivers in the area of the range.[2]

The climate is relatively humid for Andalusian standards and there is a small village in most of the valleys. The undisturbed slopes of the mountains are mostly covered in forest, which is made up of Chestnut, Holm Oak and Cork Oak trees.[3]

Protected areas edit

The Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park is located in the area of the range.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Mendikat - Castaño/Riscos Altos ( 960 m )
  2. ^ Park entry at Regional Government official site
  3. ^ Sierra de Aracena (in German)

External links edit

  •   Media related to Sierra de Aracena at Wikimedia Commons
  • Parque natural de Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche