Desert landscapes of Andalucia

Deserts of Andalucia

Part of the south-eastern coast of Andalucia receives little rainfall. This is the very dry province of Almería province, which contains vast semi-desert areas of bare, eroded terrain so similar to the Arizona landscape that it has been used as a location for western films.

Desertification, caused in part by loss of vegetation due to drought, resulting in soil deterioration, is a big problem in Andalucia, with almost half the land area of Malaga province under threat, for example. Erosion comes from the action of rainwater against the dry earth, washing it away during heavy winter storms, and from the lack of vegetation to bind the surface together. Solutions to this extensive problem are being sought, with many tree-planting schemes across the region. Some also favour the building of more reservoirs to provide improved control of water flow.

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