Sistema Ibérico
The Iberian System (Spanish: Sistema Ibérico, pronounced [sisˈtemajˈβeɾiko]) is one of the major systems of mountain ranges in Spain. It consists of a vast and complex area of mostly relatively high and rugged mountain chains and massifs located in the central region of the Iberian Peninsula, but reaching almost the Mediterranean coast in the Valencian Community in the east.
| Iberian System | |
|---|---|
| Sistema Ibérico | |
View of the Moncayo Massif from Alcalá de Moncayo | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Moncayo |
| Elevation | 2,313 m (7,589 ft) |
| Coordinates | 41°44′45″N 01°46′53″W |
| Geography | |
Location of the Sistema Ibérico in the Iberian Peninsula
| |
| Country | Spain |
| Communities | Aragon, Castile and León, La Rioja, Valencian Community, Catalonia and Castile-La Mancha |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alpine |
| Age of rock | Tertiary |
| Type of rock | Nummulite limestone, marble and sandstone |
The system is hydrographically important, as it separates the watersheds of most of the major rivers in Spain and Portugal, including the Ebro basin to the east from the basins of the Douro, Tagus, Guadiana (Záncara-Gigüela), Júcar and Turia to the west and south.
There are important mining areas in some of the ranges such as Sierra Menera, Sierra de Arcos and Sierra de San Just, making the system one of the chief mining regions in Spain since ancient times. One of the comarcas of Aragon located in the Iberian System was given the name of Cuencas Mineras, lit. 'Mining Basins', since mining is the main activity in the comarca.