Geomorphology of the Lozoya river drainage basin area (Community of Madrid, Spanish Central System)

Abstract

The Lozoya river catchment is located in the NE part of the Spanish Central System intracratonic orogen (Community of Madrid, Spain). A detailed geomorphological map of this area was designed at 1:50,000 scale, in order to analyze surface processes and Late Cenozoic landscape evolution. The map covers 925 km2 and it was produced within a geographic information system (GIS) using several spatial datasets including a 5 m resolution digital elevation model (DEM), aerial photographs, digital anaglyphs, and lithological, topographic and historic maps. These datasets were used to form a preliminary interpretation, which was checked and completed through field work. This geomorphological mapping has allowed us to analyze landform spatial and temporal distribution. Landforms were differentiated according to the following geomorphologic processes: structural, gravity, fluvial, glacial, weathering and polygenetic.