Social and Anthropological

Aspects of Water in Spain

Spain in Europe

Different types of climates

There are different types of climates in Spain because of differences in latitude,elevation, relief and distance to the sea.

The climate of Spain varies across the country. Five main climatic zones:• The oceanic climate: it’s located in the northern part of

the country.

• The semiarid climate: it’s located in the south eastern part of the country, In contrast to the Mediterranean climate, the dry season continues beyond the end of summer.

• The Mediterranean climate: it’s characterized by dry and warm summers and cool to mild and wet winters.

• The continental climate: it’s located in the center of the country. It is characterized by a dry landscape, overall in summer.

• The mountain climate: It is located in the Pirineos, Central System and Betics Ranges. It is characterized by negative temperatures and limited rainfalls.

The rivers In Spain there are very big rivers for example, the Tagus, which connects us with Portugal, the Ebro, which is the one that carries more water flow. Farther south it rains less, and therefore there are less mighty rivers such as the Guadalquivir.

Rivers in AlmeríaThe Andarax river does not usually carry water, only at its birth, because water flow is used for crops. When it pours the river overflows carrying away everything.

How we make use of waterAlmería is a dry place and it doesn’t

rain much, so we make use of every single drop of water.

We water plants in greenhouses with a system of drip irrigation, there are also aquifers. In the past, there were water mills, water storage depots, canals, water wheels...

Boqueras irrigationBoqueras irrigation is a traditional

method of use of water used in arid areas, widespread in the provinces of Almería, Alicante and Murcia. It is on record that Romans used them.

Boqueras system

The boqueras divert the flow of a river or a ravine to proceed to the irrigation of crops. A dam allows water to flow partially or completely through the channel and, by its edges, it shunts water to provide irrigation to other terraces.

Boqueras ravine. Water, getting in the boquera, irrigates the ground

Torrential rainsIn Almería it does not usually rain a lot, but when it rains it can cause some damage

Adra, a town of Almería.

The exploitation of water in Almería

The exploitation of a good so scarce as the water has been an ongoing problem in Almería. Some ancient buildings to collect and store rainwater, such as cisterns, are still preserved.

Different irrigation systems based on the exploitation of water : - Drip irrigation :This irrigation system has several advantages from the point of

agronomic , technical and economic views , resulting from a more efficient use of water. It also allows to use small amounts of water.

Rainwater collection: It is to filter rainwater, captured in a surface (usually the roof) and store it in a device. After being collected, water is used to irrigate the farm.

Irrigation sluices: Boqueras system.

CinemaIn Almería, many movies have been shot because it has varied

landscapes. For example: The Mini Hollywood, the Desert of Tabernas, different beaches, natural parks

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