Surface Mechanical Effects of Wildfires on Rocks in Climbing Areas

Wildfires are widely recognized as a cause of mechanical damage to rocks. Nevertheless, previous research has neglected how wildfires might impact sport climbing areas. In Spain, two large affected areas between 2020 and 2021. This paper addresses the rock effects that could lead safety issues, such falls, hold deterioration, anchor damage. this study, Non-Destructive Techniques (NDTs) Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Schmidt Hammer (SH) were used, types measurements carried out: randomized grid along routes. Two phenomena recognized: (a) thermal breakdown (b) mineralogical changes. The results using SH show relationship decrease in rebound value observed Field observations showed weathering, cracking, spalling, granular disaggregation, thermochemical weathering with different temperature thresholds. Observed reactions included reddening, CaCO3 calcination, decomposition, quartz cracking. set changes involves major outcrop transformation an acceleration fire-induced processes. Both exhibited more at bottom wall. Furthermore, paper, we explore iconic routes can be considered form cultural heritage consequences their loss.