Karren forms in Nothern Cornión Massif, Picos de Europa (Spain)

Abstract

Picos de Europa, a calcareous mountainous region in northwest Spain, is characterized by a wide variety of karren structures. The distribution of these solution forms is controlled by internal factors, which are in turn related to substrate, and external factors, such as topography, climate, soil development and vegetation. A survey of the distribution and characteristics of these structures is made, along with the spatial variability of their features in order to develop a systematic classification and discuss the relative influence of the internal and external factors in the formation of karren. Rock discontinuities and thickness of soil cover are the main factors controlling the development of karren, although the formation of these solution features is also influenced by some other factors, such as slope and the existence of snowpack.