Municipal geosites proposal in the coast of Gáldar (NW of Gran Canaria island)

Abstract

The municipality of Gáldar, to the NW of the island of Gran Canaria, has a coastal strip characterized, mainly, by strombolian volcanic eruptions of the Plio-Quaternary Post-Roque Nublo magmatic cycle. With cliffs numerous that reach tens meters high, coastal rocky platforms, caves, erosive remains and occasional beaches of pebbles and sands. Along the 24 km of coastline, 4 geosites have been proposed in which especially volcanic materials of middle Pleistocene age and, to a smaller amount, sedimentary materials, and geoforms and structures with erosive characteristics of marine abrasion along with current sedimentary deposits. In addition to the current geosites proposal, a general coastal georoute has been defined that is divided into 3 stages of about 8 km each, along trails and dirt roads, with more than 20 viewpoints and places of geological relevance. This georoute unites the different geosites and offers the possibility of being an essential tool for geotourism. Likewise, due to the great accessibility and cultural/natural heritage of one of these geosites (Bahía de Sardina), an inclusive route has been proposed for people with physical disabilities (visual impairment and reduced mobility). Finally, a maritime geological route by boat has been proposed and complete the Camino Santiago between the volcanoes of Gran Canaria on the coast of Gáldar (Sardina Lighthouse). The research carried out on the Gáldar coast is original and unpublished in this municipality and will be fundamental in future geoconservation, scientific transfer and coastal management strategies.