Geology of Barcelona
- The plain of Barcelona is formed essentially from deposits of the Besos and Llobregat deltas and from material brought down from Collserola by the numerous streams and torrents during the Quaternary.
- Collserola is part of the Cordillera Costera Catalana (Serrallada Literal in Catalan). Its highest point is Tibidado at 512m. Legend has it that Satan brought Jesus up here and tried to tempt him by offering everything he could see ( Haec omnia tibi dabo si cadens adoraveris me ). Maybe now he’d be more enticed.
- Dotted around the plain below the main Collserola ridge are a series of hillocks and mounts: Tàber (15m), where the old city was built -see below-; Monteroles (121m); Putget (181m); Falcó (249m); Carmel (267m) Turño de la Rovira (261m) and Turó de la Peira (133m). Between the old city and the Llobregat Delta is Montjuïc (173m).
- Collserola is built mainly from ancient primary era rocks (slates and limestones) formed some 500 million years ago.
- Montjuïc and Mont Tàber are formed by neogene materials (marls, sands and conglomerates)
On the web
Local geology in Barcelona urban area and characteristic soil columns. Map from here
Earthquakes in Barcelona
“The earthquake and volcanic activity of the Barcelona region is largely the result of convergence between the Eurasian and African plates, with the Iberian micro plate caught between the two and absorbing much of the impact. The geology is diverse and complex, defying easy tectonic generalizations.” From here
Barcelona Geology Museum
Barcelona Geology Museum (MGB)
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella s/n
Postcode: 08003 Barcelona.
Tel: 93 319 68 95
Fax: 93 319 93 12
museugeologia@mail.bcn.es
Web: Here
See also
Organised trips and tours
Accommodation in Barcelona Province
