Patrimonio geológico y geodiversidad de la Molata de Charán (Moratalla, Murcia)

Resumen

The geological heritage of the surroundings of Moratalla (Murcia, SE Spain) is described under thepoint of view of geodiversity analysis and geoconservation measures. Intense quarrying of this areafor ornamental purposes has seriously dammaged the geological formations, clearly evidencing theneed to include geological heritage within the studies of environmental impact.The special regional scientific interest of the area is remarked by important stratigraphic, sedimentary and tectonic aspects revealed by geological studies. Some of them are the age (Serravalian) ofthe rocks, only scarcely represented in the geological record of the region of Murcia; also, the spectacular angular unconformity of marine Neogene beds on the Paleocene limestones, underlined bya well-preserved palaeokarst. Other interesting geological features are the big normal fault limitingthe northern part of the Field of San Juan and displaying well-preserved slickenside, and the greitedaphodiversity of the area.Some other points of interest such as archaeological sites and biodiversity appear as alternativevalues to promote tourism and culture. These potential values should be preferentially taken onother, more aggressive uses of heritage and nature.