Caracterización geológica del cinturón de pliegues y cabalgamientos bético en el transecto del “Caminito del Rey” (Málaga). Bases para la interpretación de su patrimonio geológico

Resumen

The “Caminito del Rey” is nowadays one of the main nature touristic attractions of Andalucía. One of its most remarkable features is the relief, which results from the regional geological evolution. However, the available geological information is scarce and often outdated.Geologically, this route is located in the fold-and-thrust belt of the Internal Subbetic (Betic Chain). In this work, we present detailed information about several geological items (stratigraphic, structural and geomorphological) that can be observed along the route. The most remarkable are the stratigraphic subbetic pre-orogenic sequence and late-orogenic deposits, the characteristic imbricate structure of the Valle de Abdalajís and Huma sierras, and the Gaitanejos and Los Gaitanes gorges. The integration and interpretation of these features, with expert aid, would allow the visitor to understand some key issues of the geological evolution of this sector of the Subbetic from the Upper Triassic to present-day and, above all, the processes that generated such a spectacular landscape.