Individual places and topics of interest
La Concha - example of metamorphosed Palaeozoic rocks
La Concha is the prominent, bulbous peak overlooking Marbella. Apart from being a great walk with stunning views along the Costa del Sol, it is a good example of rocks representing those of 'Chapter 1' age. The mountain is composed of metamorphosed rocks of Palaeozoic age (540-250 million years old). During 'Chapter 3', as Eurasia and Africa collided, these rocks were squeezed westwards from their original position in the NE. The rocks here belong to the Alpujarrides sheet - one of three major thrust sheets recognised as part of the Internal Betics.
Examples of the metamorphic rocks visible on the mountain and along the access road, are shown opposite.
Another prominent geographical feature comprised of Palaeozoic age metamorphic rocks is the Sierra Nevada range, north-east of Grenada. The rocks there are part of one of the other three main thrust sheets, the Nevado-Filabride sheet. Examples of lightly metamorphosed Palaeozoic rocks from the 3rd major thrust sheet - the Malaguides - can be found to the north of Malaga. |