Geology
The three potholes seen on this walk are are features typical of "karst" landscapes (see general Geology file). A Pothole (or sinkhole) is defined as a vertical or steeply inclined shaft in limestone. It is known as abime or aven in France. In Spain three words are used: sima, pozo, avenc; How they are formed is the subject of much study. Indeed the science of Speleogenesis is the study of how karst landscapes and features evolve. (Click here for an on-line scientific journal on this subject (opens in new browser window)). A diagrammed and relatively easy-to-follow explanation of sinkhole formation can be found on this American website (opens in new browser window)

Natural History

Some of the wild flowers seen along this route:
Agrimonia eupatoria - Agrimony
Orchis italica - Naked Man Orchid
Asphodelus cerasiferus - Branched Asphodel
Ophrys scolopax - Woodcock Orchid
Brown Bluebell
Paronchia argentea - Algerian tea
Linaria amethystea - Spanish toadflax
Cistus albidus - Grey-leaved cistus
Ranunculus gramineus - Grass-leaved buttercup
Gynandriris sisyrinchium - Barbary nut
Ophrys dianica - dull ophrys
Aceras anthropophorum - Man orchid
Vicia tenuifolia - Wild Pea
Asphodelus fistulosus - Hollow-stemmed Asphodel (Lily Family)
Bugloss



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