Sierra de Orihuela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra de Orihuela |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 634 m (2,080 ft) |
| Listing | List of mountains in the Valencian Community |
| Geography | |
 Sierra de Orihuela
Location in Spain
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| Location | Vega Baja del Segura, Valencian Community Region of Murcia |
| Parent range | Cordillera Prebética, Eastern zone |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | karstic |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Orihuela |
The Sierra de Orihuela (also known as Serra d'Oriola in Valencian) is a mountain range in Spain. It stretches for about 9.4 kilometers (5.8 miles). This mountain range is located in the Vega Baja del Segura area of the Valencian Community. Its highest point is called Peña de Orihuela, which stands 634 meters (2,080 feet) tall. The mountains are named after the nearby town of Orihuela, which sits right at their base. Part of the western end of the range even reaches into the Region of Murcia.
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What is the Sierra de Orihuela like?
These mountains are made mostly of limestone. They rise very suddenly from the flat Segura River Valley. This creates some very steep cliffs. These cliffs are quite popular with rock climbers. One famous climbing spot is known as "La Pared Negra," which means "The Black Wall."
Dry and Rocky Landscape
The slopes of the Sierra de Orihuela are very dry. Because of this, there isn't much plant life growing on them. The mountains look and feel very similar to the Sierra de Callosa range. The Sierra de Callosa is only about 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) to the east. Another mountain range, the Sierra de Hurchillo, is located about 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) to the south. The Sierra de Hurchillo has smoother slopes.
How were these mountains formed?
The Sierra de Orihuela is a type of mountain called "karstic." This means it's formed from rocks like limestone that can be dissolved by water. Over a very long time, rainwater seeps into cracks in the rock. This slowly creates caves, sinkholes, and unique rock formations. This process is what gives the Sierra de Orihuela its distinct look.
See also
- Mountains of the Valencian Community
- Sierra de Callosa
