Search Results (56)

The need to promote proximity tourism in natural areas has made the destinations in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula a benchmark in the development of tourism in traditionally rural and depressed areas. In Ciudad Real province, a sustainable territorial management project was developed based on the uniqueness of its volcanic geoheritage, leading to its designation as the UNESCO Global Geopark “Volcanes de Calatrava, Ciudad Real”. Geoparks promote sustainable activities such as geotourism; thus, an urban geotourism itinerary was proposed in Piedrabuena (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha) in order to make the natural and cultural geoheritage of a part of the geopark known, which is also a part of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region. For this purpose, 12 natural and cultural resources of the geoheritage of the Piedrabuena volcano, on which the urban centre is located, were identified, inventoried, characterized, and valorised as sites of geotouristic interest, and they were connected along a geotourism itinerary. This itinerary has a 4 km route and up to eight interpretive stops, which allows visitors and tourists to enjoy a geotourism experience based on the volcanic landscape of the geopark, laying the foundations for the creation of other similar experiences. Full article

Military Orders in the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages were greatly involved in both the processes of conquest and subsequent transformation of the territories seized from Islamic rule. Evidence of this involvement is still visible today through solid and long-lasting buildings raised in response to the new needs of the dominant Christian society. The most significant were fortresses, and all their variants, followed by the temples of various sizes and categories. However, there were also other lesser-known constructions including mills, hospitals, houses of the commandery, and houses of agricultural domains. This study, based on written and archaeological sources, focuses on the constructions linked to the Military Orders, especially those of the Orders of Santiago, Calatrava, and St. John throughout the Kingdom of Castile between the 12th and 15th centuries. This analysis thus delves into the temporal sequence and regional variations of these features that not only led to a transformation of the landscape but also reflected changes in the framework of a particular type of society affected by power relations, technological evolution, available resources and wealth, as well as by its mentality and identity. Founded on data gleaned through basic research, this study thus attempts to reconstruct, among other aspects, this historical development by identifying the operational sequence which began with the procurement of raw materials, passing through the construction processes, and the application of different techniques. The study has likewise placed a special emphasis on the alarifes and the final results of their duties by analysing their choices of construction techniques and their functions. Full article

The material legacy of the Almoravid dynasty is evident in a limited number of public and military works promoted by the authorities, reflecting their policies on territorial expansion and urban planning. Other aspects, such as its integration into the Mediterranean economy, its ideological spread, and the vitality of its productive sectors, are well represented through coinage, inscriptions, and sumptuary arts. However, understanding everyday material culture beyond aristocratic circles remains elusive. This paper explores the influence of the Almoravid period on al-Andalus’s material culture, identifying antecedents and impacts on later periods. We analyze artifacts from the Albalat site (Romangordo, Cáceres, Spain), contextualized in the first half of the 12th century, comparing them with contemporary and earlier examples across the Almoravid empire. Emphasis is placed on ceramics, highlighting their diverse nature with inherited traits from the Taifa period, and innovations that persisted into Almohad culture, considering the role of production centers in disseminating these models. The transition from Almoravid to Almohad is also examined through everyday items like a casket adorned with bone inlays, representing a link in Andalusian ivory handicraft evolution. This analysis aims to deepen understanding of Almoravid heritage in the Iberian Peninsula. Full article

This article aims to show how episcopal authority was built in the eastern part of the Kingdom of León (county of Castile), where a new kingdom and a vast diocese emerged in the mid-11th century. The monarchs of Castile empowered the strategic pre-urban town of Burgos in the northern Iberian Plateau as a single episcopal see, rather than the four that had existed in the area until then. The bishops were the agents that the monarchs needed in the long process that, from the destabilisation of the Visigothic diocese organisation caused by the Islamic invasion of the Iberian peninsula in the 8th century, led to the consolidation of episcopal power in the mid-13th century. The function and actions of the Burgalese bishops have been analysed in the three dimensions of their ecclesiastic authority and social significance: the patrimonial dimension (the bishop as the lord and owner of properties individually), the jurisdictional dimension and the pastoral dimension. This analysis has been able to establish three periods in the struggle of the Burgalese prelates: to define the territorial frame of their authority (the delimitation of the diocese boundaries), to recover the churches and jurisdictional rights (episcopal third and other ecclesiastic taxes) that were in the hands of the powerful Benedictine monasteries and lay people, and to affirm their hierarchical superiority over other diocese potestates. The study has identified the main strategies used by the bishops to reach those objectives: the signing of agreements to resolve disputes, the addition of abbots of collegial churches to the cathedral chapter to control key areas in the diocese, and the acquisition of properties in those areas. Full article

In the current context of extreme wildfires, understanding fire behavior at a territorial level has proven crucial for territory planning. This type of analysis is usually conducted by analyzing past wildfire statistics. In this study, we forego the past information related to wildfires and analyze, instead, the behavior of the entire territory in the face of wildfires. This allows for the distribution of ignition points to be systematized and for typical and atypical weather scenarios to be considered. This analysis relies on the use of wildfire simulation software. Ignition points used for the simulations were distributed using a systematic 1 × 1 km grid throughout the whole study area. Wildfires were simulated for each ignition point using eight different weather scenarios representing both typical and atypical weather conditions. The fire behavior on the territory was analyzed using rate of spread and intensity parameters for each simulated wildfire. It was observed that this territory is extremely prone to large wildfires both in typical and atypical weather conditions and that there is a tendency for extreme behaviors to develop. Some features were identified as prevention issues that ought to be addressed. This study develops a strategy to evaluate, in a systematic manner, the response of the territory to the threat of wildfires. Full article

Archaeological sites constitute one of the main tourist attractions in the heritage offerings of most populations. Their ability to convey the ways of life and construction techniques of past societies through physical remains positions them as a culturally significant alternative for visitors. However, their physical conservation, essential for efficiently ensuring information with precision, poses a serious challenge for the various professionals involved, as numerous social and anthropic risks threaten long-term preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Of all traditional building materials, earth is undoubtedly one of the most fragile and sensitive to loss in the absence of the original protection systems, so that a precise assessment of its threats is essential to minimizing the destruction of these non-renewable assets. The objective of this study is to evaluate the most determining human risk factors within the territorial scope of the Iberian Peninsula, including aspects such as its musealization, suitable interpretation, visit planning, agricultural land use, vandalism and rural depopulation. This is achieved through a literature review and on-site data collection from 85 archaeological sites, as well as the development of an analysis tool to assess the degree of vulnerability, aiming to develop prevention measures. Full article

Xylotrechus arvicola represents a significant insect pest impacting Vitis vinifera within the principal wine-producing territories of the Iberian Peninsula. The larvae of this species bore into grapevine wood, resulting in significant structural and biomechanical deterioration to the plant. Compressive and flexural tests were conducted to assess the mechanical properties of wood affected by X. arvicola. Compressive and flexural strength exhibited a decline with the escalation of the Total Damaged Surface Area (TDSA) of the samples, ranging from 0.31% to 0.73% in trunks and from 0.04 to 0.76% in branches, irrespective of the wood moisture content (fresh and dry). The most significant reduction in resistance occurred in affected dry trunks and branches. Notably, the deflection at break for dry samples was lower compared to fresh samples (65.00 and 97.85 mm, respectively). Moreover, the deflection at break for affected fresh samples (164.37 mm) significantly surpassed that of unaffected fresh samples (72.58 mm) and affected dry samples (37.50 mm). It is noteworthy that a higher percentage of TDSA coincided with diminished wood resistance. The percentage of fungal growth symptoms observed in affected wood samples was 66.66% for dry trunks, 75.00% for fresh branches, and 60.00% for dry branches. The damage inflicted by larvae facilitated the spread of grapevine diseases via emergence of holes created by insects upon exiting the wood and through the larval galleries connected to them. This damage also altered the mechanical properties of grapevine plants, with fresh branches exhibiting the most pronounced effects. Full article

In the continental Mediterranean mountains of the Iberian Peninsula is located a landscape characterized by the presence of enclosed land parcels delimited by dry stone walls or vegetation, or by both these elements. This landscape has been included, since 2018, in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the name of Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques. However, today’s territorial dynamics jeopardize the maintenance of this landscape heritage. This work set out to understand their origins, dynamics, and evolution from the 11th century (Middle Ages) to the present using historical documentation from different sources and diachronic cartography from aerial photographs. The fieldwork was designed to identify natural, cultural features and recent dynamics, in particular those related to urbanization changes of the last 70 years. Finally, we delved into the new dynamics of exploitation that were based on extensification and a loss of productive diversity. The results obtained lead us to consider that the loss of this agro-landscape must be prevented, with a reasonable livestock grazing criteria and a rational management of its heritage features. This requires regional, national, and European policies that recognize the enclosed landscape as a heritage ecosystem in which biodiversity and agriculture are closely linked. Full article

(1) Background: This study provides novel insights into the elemental content and biomineralization processes of two halophytic species of the genus Arthrocnemum Moq. (A. macrostachyum and A. meridionale). (2) Methods: Elemental content was analyzed using ICP-MS, while biominerals were detected through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and X-ray diffraction. (3) Results: The elemental content showed significant concentrations of macronutrients (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) and micronutrients, especially iron. Iron was consistently found as ferritin in A. macrostachyum chloroplasts. Notably, A. macrostachyum populations from the Center of the Iberian Peninsula exhibited exceptionally high magnesium content, with values that exceeded 40,000 mg/kg d.w. Succulent stems showed elemental content consistent with the minerals identified through X-ray diffraction analysis (halite, sylvite, natroxalate, and glushinskite). Seed analysis revealed elevated levels of macro- and micronutrients and the absence of heavy metals. Additionally, the presence of reduced sodium chloride crystals in the seed edges suggested a mechanism to mitigate potential sodium toxicity. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Arthrocnemum species as emerging edible halophytes with nutritional properties, particularly in Western European Mediterranean territories and North Africa. They offer promising prospects for biosaline agriculture and biotechnology applications. Full article

This article aims to show the transformation of the coast in the extreme northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is focused on the Ciutadella de Roses. Data were integrated from the digital elevation model (LIDAR), a geomorphological analysis, and lithostratigraphic and chronological correlations based on eight geological boreholes and twelve radiocarbon datings, along with historical data and archaeological remains found in the surroundings of the Ciutadella. This enabled a hypothesis to be established on the palaeolandscape around the site. The evolution of the shoreline from Ancient Greek times to the modern period is detailed, and evidence of its form at different chronological moments is presented. To sum up, the article defines the evolution of the palaeolandscape in the territory and links it to the historical evolution of the site. In addition, the evolution of the relationship between river courses, the sea and the sea level is explained. Full article

In the 1990s, a sampling network for the biomonitoring of forests using epiphytic lichen diversity was established in the eastern Iberian Peninsula. This area registered air pollution impacts by winds from the Andorra thermal power plant, as well as from photo-oxidants and nitrogen depositions from local and long-distance transport. In 1997, an assessment of the state of lichen communities was carried out by calculating the Index of Atmospheric Purity. In addition, visible symptoms of morphological injury were recorded in nine macrolichens pre-selected by the speed of symptom evolution and their wide distribution in the territory. The thermal power plant has been closed and inactive since 2020. During 2022, almost 25 years later, seven stations of this previously established biomonitoring were revaluated. To compare the results obtained in 1997 and 2022, the same methodology was used, and data from air quality stations were included. We tested if, by integrating innovative methodologies (NIRS) into biomonitoring tools, it is possible to render an integrated response. The results displayed a general decrease in biodiversity in several of the sampling plots and a generalised increase in damage symptoms in the target lichen species studied in 1997, which seem to be the consequence of a multifactorial response. Full article

The funerary/cult archeological nucleus of Rua do Raio (Braga, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula) was discovered between 2007 and 2009, under the excavation works of a necropolis of Bracara Augusta. This building exhibits a set of particularities that confirms its archeological importance. It is a construction dating from the middle of the 1st century AD, subject to two reforms, one in the second half of the 1st century AD and another in the 2nd century AD, with a trapezoidal shape and comprising ten rectangular tanks rendered with opus signinum mortars. It shows a unique architectural configuration in the city, as well as in the Portuguese territory, and the space is under musealization, together with a set of graves identified in the same archeological intervention. The present investigation contextualizes the funerary and religious architecture of the city. Its description is presented, highlighting its relevance, and an interpretative possibility is formulated. Full article

This review summarizes the intricate relationship between climate change and forest ecosystems in the Northwest Iberian Peninsula, outlining both their resilience and vulnerabilities. The study asserts the significant impact of climate change on these ecosystems, reinforcing earlier theories about their responsive behavior to global climatic alterations. However, the impacts are highly localized, contingent upon specific forest compositions, topography, and interaction with other environmental stressors. The temperate forests of the Northwest Iberian Peninsula manifest a delicate balance of resilience and vulnerability in the face of these phenomena. Notably, the study underscores that this region’s forest ecosystems remain a relatively uncharted research territory, promising fruitful prospects for future exploration. Although existing studies offer vital insights into the climate change impacts, there is a stark need for further research to gain a deeper understanding of, and formulate appropriate responses to, the challenges that these specific ecosystems confront in the wake of climate change. Full article

Semi-arid and arid regions are characterized by their water scarcity, which leads territories to seek ways of increasing the water resources available to meet their demands (urban, agricultural, industrial, leisure and tourism, etc.). For this reason, this article proposes the term “wastewater use basin”; the concept of the “wastewater use basin” is presented as a working unit of a smaller scale than traditional river basins, which allows for a better management of the water collected in the sewerage network and rainwater of urban agglomerations. It is a geographically-focused proposal for the integrated management of wastewater and stormwater that ends up in a wastewater treatment plant for treatment and reuse. The study area is located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain; specifically, the Campo of Cartagena-Mar Menor district (Murcia) and Vega Baja district (Alicante). The results show the trend behaviour of rainfall in the Segura river basin in recent episodes of torrential rainfall. There is a clear tendency for these episodes to occur in the coastal and pre-coastal areas, so that the water does not reach the headwaters where the reservoirs are located. For this reason, the proposed concept includes the area of the basin that would be formed by the wastewater and rainwater collectors which, in short, are intended to be treated in a treatment plant for subsequent reuse. The calculations made on the basis of the capacity of the environmental tanks executed and projected amount to four cubic hectometers which could be added to the hydrological planning of the Segura basin. In conclusion, the collection of rainwater allows the incorporation of an additional volume of water that complements and increases the resources offered by the treatment plants in the hydrological planning. It also serves as a measure of adaptation to climatic extremes (droughts and floods) and to the effects of climate change, supporting a circular management of the use of resources. Full article

Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease whose distribution is linked to the presence of culicid mosquitoes. Spain and Portugal are considered endemic countries; however, the distribution of dirofilariosis is not uniform. Our aim was to develop a more accurate risk model of dirofilariosis transmission for the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Balearic Islands (Spain). To do this, we used a set of key variables related to parasite transmission: the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Culex pipiens calculated via an ecological niche model (ENM) and the potential number of Dirofilaria spp. generations. The resulting model was validated with the prevalence and geolocation of D. immitis-infected dogs from all provinces and districts. In addition, the impact of possible future climatic conditions was estimated. A quantitative estimate of the risk of infection by Dirofilaria spp. was obtained at a resolution of 1 km². The entire analyzed territory was susceptible to contact with the parasite. The highest risk of infection was found throughout the eastern coastal strip and the south of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, as well as in the areas surrounding the basins of the main rivers, and the lowest risk was located in the higher-altitude areas. We found a robust and positive relationship between the risk of dirofilariosis and the observed prevalence of infested dogs in the study area (β ± SE = 3.32 ± 1.43 p < 0.05). In 2080, the percentage of territory gain for Cx. pipiens will increase to 49.98%, which will increase the risk of infection. This new model provides a high predictive value for the current and predicted presence and risk and can serve as a tool for the management and control of dirofilariosis. Full article