In the temperate mid-latitude regions, dominated by deciduous forests, Mediterranean mountains, steppes, and wetlands, a symphony of changes unfolds as the months and seasons pass. The morphology of plants and animals, the composition of species communities in ecosystems, the evolution of agricultural crops, and the physical environment all transform in a dynamic dance. This intricate … Continue reading Phenology: Nature’s Calendar Unfolds
I was 22 years old in 1987. I had just gained the freedom of movement provided by an old and battered second-hand SEAT 124. My first trip was in early autumn, to the Cañón del Río Lobos, near the town of Ucero in the province of Soria. Shortly before, I had achieved one of my … Continue reading Returning to the River Lobos Canyon
Limestone karsts primarily form through the action of slightly acidic water. When rainwater comes into contact with the atmosphere, it absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), becoming slightly acidic. As this acidic water falls on the rock's surface, it slowly dissolves the calcium carbonate, forming calcium bicarbonate, which is soluble in water. A limestone karst is distinguished … Continue reading Hydrological functioning of limestone karst
The current diversity of Iberian ichthyofauna is the result of the functioning of its aquatic ecosystems and the intense human activities that have influenced the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. A high percentage of fish species are native, particularly those of the Cyprinidae family, mainly due to the geographical isolation of the Peninsula and the adaptive … Continue reading Iberian cyprinids
The thawing process in a temperate zone like the Iberian Peninsula takes place during spring and summer, when temperatures rise and the snow accumulated in the mountains begins to melt, filling the watercourses. This process has consequences for rivers, wetlands, aquifers, and the land itself, which becomes more fertile, allowing the spring vegetation explosion with … Continue reading Spring thaw, a natural spectacle full of life
We find ourselves in the highlands north of Castilla-La Mancha, at over 1,400 meters above sea level. The months of January, February, and March are usually quite dry and cold. Temperatures in the mountains easily plummet below -10°C every night, with days typically clear, almost cloudless, featuring a bright blue sky, and always a biting … Continue reading March Morels in the Snow
The area surrounding the Adaja River Valley in the Iberian Peninsula witnessed intense human activity during the Second Iron Age. Among the numerous hill forts that stand out in this region are the Castro de la Mesa de Miranda, the Castro de las Cogotas, the Castro de Sanchorreja, and the impressive Castro de Ulaca. These … Continue reading The Castro de Ulaca: An Iron Age Stronghold and its Secrets
Heading out into the countryside, into the white world. Contemplating how the water emerges from the ice and snow, from the sponge that is the soil, the roots of the heather, the moss, and the lichens. Enjoying the luxury of drinking from it. Then sucking on the sleet that has clung to the branches, the … Continue reading Late Snowfall
Devil's Tower, located in the US state of Wyoming, is a conical mound that rises almost 400 meters above the surrounding surface. It is one of the most well-known natural monuments in the United States, as well as a great challenge for many climbers and the setting for famous films such as Steven Spielberg's "Close … Continue reading The Pitón de Cancarix
La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, is a natural paradise that boasts an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Among its most precious treasures is the laurisilva forest, a type of forest found on the most mountainous islands of the archipelago, as well as in the Azores, Madeira, and some corners of southern Europe … Continue reading Laurisilva forest
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