Formation Patterns of Mediterranean High-Mountain Water-Bodies in Sierra-Nevada, SE Spain

At present, there is a lack of detailed understanding on how the factors converging water variables from mountain areas modify quantity and quality their watercourses, which are features determining these areas’ hydrological contribution to downstream regions. In order remedy this situation some extent, we studied water-bodies western sector Sierra Nevada massif (Spain). Since thaw necessary but not sufficient contributor formation fragile water-bodies, carried out field visits identify number, size spatial distribution as well different modelling processes. The best-defined were result glacial processes, such overdeepening moraine dams. These highest in (2918 m mean altitude), largest deepest, making up 72% total. Another group formed by hillside instability phenomena, very dynamic related variety resulting irregular located at lower altitudes (2842 representing 25% third smallest (3%), with one subgroup anthropic causes another unknown origin. It has recently been found that Mediterranean Atlantic watersheds somewhat paradoxical behaviour, since, despite its higher xericity, watershed generally contents than Atlantic. overall cause discrepancies between connected However, classification volumes manners coherent associated green fringes because anomalous behaviour This discrepancy largely due passive role retained type water-body it depends characteristics hollows. close peak line altitude) therefore highly dependent processes created hollows they located. Slope mainly tectonic weak zones or accumulation debris, influenced intense slope dynamics. more fragile, existence probably short-lived bodies under conditions.