Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark: A UNESCO Global Geopark

Abstract

The Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark (TCG), a UNESCO Global Geopark, is located in Northern Portugal and is established on rare and unique geological, scenic, ecological and cultural values. The most significant geological value is related to the most complete sequence of Pre-Mesozoic allochthonous geological units in NW Iberia. The Vilariça fault is an important geomorphological feature in the TCG related to the evolution of landforms such as push-up blocks and strike-slip basins. Forty-two geosites were selected in the TCG, 16 of them being of geomorphological interest. A set of programs, including cultural heritage, biodiversity and leisure, has been prepared for scientific, educational and touristic use.

The Geomorphological Landscape of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

“…Under the general Iberian Meseta concept, the term "Fundamental Surface" (Martín-Serrano 1988) is used to designate the most regular and representative plantation level, which is well preserved around 800 m asl in the Miranda do Douro region in north-east Portugal. Southwards, this surface occurs in the geological allochthonous units known as the Morais Massif (Pereira and Pereira 2020) and it is disrupted by the presence of the quartzite crests of Mogadouro and Reboredo (Torre de Moncorvo) (Fig. 11.1).…”