Geology, geomorphology and geohazards on a section of the Betic coastline, southern Spain

Abstract

The geology of the Betic Cordillera has inspired national and international interest since the first half of the 19th century and structural and tectonic models continue to be refined. The coastal mountain ranges between Nerja and La Herradura expose rocks of the internal Betics that comprise predominantly sheared, folded and faulted schists, phyllites, quartzites and carbonates. Steep and complex terrain, adverse structure, highly disturbed rock masses, seasonally intense rainfall and coastal erosion create a challenging environment for infrastructure and urban development.