Characterization and Geotourist Resources of the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region (Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) to Develop a UNESCO Global Geopark Project

Rafael Becerra-Ramírez,Elena González,Darío Guevara,Rafael U Gosálvez,Estela Escobar,Mario Serrano-Patón

doi:10.3390/geosciences10110441

Abstract

The Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region is located in Central Spain (Ciudad Real province, Castilla-La Mancha) where some eruptions of different intensity and spatial location took place throughout a period of more than 8 million years. As a result, more than 360 volcanic edifices spread over 5000 km2. Eruptions of this volcanic system were derived from alkaline magmas with events of low explosivity (Hawaiian and Strombolian). These events are characterized by three different manifestations: the emission of pyroclasts (cinder and spatter cones) and lava flows; some hydromagmatic events, which lead to the formation of wide craters (maars) and pyroclastic flows; and remnant volcanic activity related to gas emission (CO2), hot springs (hervideros) and carbonic water fountains (fuentes agrias). The methods used for this study are based on analytical studies of geography, geomorphology and geoheritage to identify volcanoes and their resources and attractions linked to the historical-cultural heritage. These volcanoes are a potential economic resource and attraction for the promotion of volcano tourism (geotourism), and they are the basis for achieving a UNESCO Global Geopark Project, as a sustainable territorial and economic management model, to be part of the international networks of conservation and protection of nature and, especially, that of volcanoes.

Highlights

The Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region (CCVR) is located in the center of the Ciudad Real province (Castilla-La Mancha) in Central Spain (Figure 1)
The use of aerial photographs, satellite images, topographic maps and geological maps allowed for the identification of volcanoes and many of the tourist resources, such as hot springs and carbonic water fountains
By using geographic information systems (GIS), the volcanoes and tourist resources were placed on synthesis maps

Summary

Introduction

The Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Region (CCVR) is located in the center of the Ciudad Real province (Castilla-La Mancha) in Central Spain (Figure 1). The first aim is to characterize this volcanic area from a geological and geographical perspective (genesis, chronology, eruptive dynamics and volcanic morphologies). The second objective is to review which resources are the most interesting that are present in this volcanic region in terms of its geoheritage, and to highlight the different activities that are currently being undertaken to promote geotourism and sustainable development. Both the geological and geographical characteristics as well as the geotourist. Geosciences 2020, 10, 441 and sustainable development Both the geological and geographical characteristics as well as the geotourist resources will as the basis for developing

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion