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Spectacular limestone
scenery in the Montserrat Natural Park, 60 km from Barcelona.
Montserrat, meaning 'saw-tooth mountain' was formed as a result of
differential erosion and weathering resulting in highly distinctive relief
features.
Montserrat is one of Catalonia's most important religious sites, with a
monastery and museum on the summit.
Studies can include limestone processes and landforms, vegetation zonation,
the impact of tourism and management for sustainability. |
The Montserrat massif was
once a delta of several rivers draining into a shallow inland sea. The rivers
deposited coarse, heavy, well-rounded stones and cobbles. Heat and pressure
melted the skeletal remains of sea and lake organisms forming a strong limestone
cement binding the cobbles into the conglomerate that we see today.
The elevation of the land during the period that built the Alpine and Pyrenean
mountain ranges led to earth movements and jointing of the rock which has had a
decisive influence upon the present day relief.
The study day can include transport to the site by cable car, a visit to the
Coves del Collbató caves, an afternoon visit to the nearby Torres bodega or the
former industrial colony of Colònia Sedó.
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Montserrat caves at Coves del Collbató