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Iberian Chain

Iberian System
Sistema Ibérico
Vistas del pico de San miguel.jpg
Highest point
Peak Moncayo
Elevation 2,313 m (7,589 ft)
Coordinates 41°44′45″N 01°46′53″W / 41.74583°N 1.78139°W / 41.74583; -1.78139Coordinates: 41°44′45″N 01°46′53″W / 41.74583°N 1.78139°W / 41.74583; -1.78139
Geography
Spain-2008-29-11.png
Location of the Sistema Ibérico in the Iberian Peninsula
Country Spain
States/Provinces
Geology
Orogeny Alpine
Age of rock Tertiary
Type of rock Nummulite limestone, marble and sandstone

The Iberian System (Spanish: Sistema Ibérico, pronounced [sisˈtema iˈβeɾiko]), is one of the major systems of mountain ranges in Spain. It consists of a vast and complex area of mostly relatively high and rugged mountain chains and massifs located in the central region of the Iberian Peninsula, but reaching almost the Mediterranean coast in the Land of Valencia in the east.

From the hydrographic viewpoint this system is of the highest relevance in the peninsula, for it separates the watersheds of most of the major rivers in Spain and Portugal, including the Ebro basin from the basins of the Douro, Tagus, Guadiana (Záncara-Gigüela), Júcar and Turia.

There are important mining areas in some of the ranges such as Sierra Menera, Sierra de Arcos and Sierra de San Just, making the system one of the chief mining regions in Spain since ancient times. One of the comarcas of Aragon located in the Iberian System was given the name of Cuencas Mineras since mining is the main activity in the comarca.

The Sistema Ibérico mountain range borders the Meseta Central on its western end and separates the Meseta Central from the Ebro valley and from the Mediterranean coast.


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