Penibaetic System facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Penibaetic System |
|
|---|---|
| Sistema Penibético | |
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mulhacén |
| Elevation | 3,479 m (11,414 ft) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 505 km (314 mi) ENE/WSW |
| Width | 63 km (39 mi) NNW/SSE |
| Geography | |
 Location in Spain
|
|
| Country | Spain |
| Range coordinates | 37°5′0″N 3°4′0″W / 37.08333°N 3.06667°W |
| Parent range | Baetic System |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alpine orogeny |
| Age of rock | Cenozoic |
| Type of rock | Limestone |
The Penibaetic System (which is called Sistema Penibético in Spanish) is a large group of mountain ranges. It's the most southern part of the bigger Baetic System in southern Spain. This mountain system is home to the highest point in the whole Iberian Peninsula, a peak called Mulhacén. It stands tall at 3,478 meters (about 11,411 feet) and is located in the famous Sierra Nevada mountains.
Where in Spain is the Penibaetic System?
The Penibaetic System stretches along the southern coast of Andalusia. It starts in the province of Cádiz and goes all the way through the province of Granada. It then continues into the Region of Murcia, reaching as far as the Campo de Cartagena.
On its northern side, you'll find a series of valleys and flat areas. These are known as the Hoya de Baza and the Hoya de Guadix. Beyond these areas, another mountain range called the Subbaetic System runs parallel to the Penibaetic System.
There's also a special area called the Intrabaetic Basin (or Surco Intrabético in Spanish). This is a broken chain of valleys that helps separate the Penibaetic System from the Subbaetic System to the north.
Main Mountain Ranges
The Penibaetic System is made up of many different mountain ranges. Some of the most important ones, stretching from west to east, include:
- Serranía de Ronda
- Sierra de Grazalema
- Sierra de Tejeda
- Sierra de Almijara
- Sierra Nevada (home to Mulhacén, the highest peak)
- Sierra de la Contraviesa
- Sierra de Gádor
- Sierra de Baza
- Sierra de los Filabres
There are also many other smaller mountain ranges and peaks that are part of this system. For example, the famous Rock of Gibraltar is also considered part of the Penibaetic System.
See also
In Spanish: Cordillera Penibética para niños
- Baetic System
- Intrabaetic Basin
