Gibraltar
When you first see the
Rock of Gibraltar, whether it is from the air, from the sea or from
either the Costa del Sol or the western end of the Bay, it is it's impressive
stature, towering isolated above the surrounding countryside, that causes
the greatest impact. It has had this effect on people for many thousands
of years. Gibraltar is a beacon which signals the position of the
Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow neck which separates Europe from
Africa and provides the only link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean
Sea.
This beacon which attracted the early inhabitants had many advantages
as a home. Being limestone, the Rock which is geologically very different
from the surrounding landscape, is riddled with caves. Over 140 have been
discovered so far. Those which had openings to the outside world made
perfect shelters. The climate was also colder than today which meant that
the sea level was lower: Off the eastern cliffs of the Rock a large, flat,
sandy plain stretched out towards the distant Mediterranean. It was full
of good hunting. There were many rabbits, red deer, wild cattle and horse
along with now extinct species of elephant and rhinoceros and on the cliffs
there were ibexes, wild mountain goats. The scene was close to paradise
for the early inhabitants of Gibraltar. The hunting was so good
that it attracted other predators, especially hyaenas, leopards and lions.
So why is Gibraltar, a lump of limestone, so different from the
surrounding countryside? It all has to do with events which took place
long before any kind of human had appeared on the face of the earth. The
first thing to remember is that limestone is made up of millions of small
shelled animals which have died and settled in the sea bed; slowly these
shells harden and become rock. So the second point to remember is that
when you walk on the Rock you are stepping on an ancient sea bed!
Imagine then, for millions of years, a mass of limestone is growing under
the sea. This is happening around 200 million years ago. The continents
look nothing like they do today. Dinosaurs roam the land. Slowly over
millions of years the continents assume their present shape. As Africa
barges into Europe, the land folds and forms mountain chains like the
Alps. Other chunks are pushed out of their position. One piece is thrust
westwards and comes to rest where Gibraltar is today. It is very
different from the surrounding countryside which is made up of younger
rocks.
 For now it remains as a narrow peninsula stuck to the end of the Iberian
Peninsula, linked to it by a narrow isthmus. This isthmus, covered by
buildings and a runway, is sandy. You can still see this sand on the surface
in places, often littered in marine shells from a more recent past when
the sea separated Gibraltar from the mainland. This would have
last happened during the latest warm period of the glaciations, probably
around 120 thousand years ago. Many still refer to Gibraltar as
an island. Historically, biologically, even politically it has been an
island even in recent times, but physically it is a peninsula.
For the person interested in natural history, whether it is on land or
sea, Gibraltar is incredibly rich and full of surprises at any
time of the year. It is a combination of geographical location, climate
and a unique history, together with the preservation of areas of habitat,
that has made it a tiny paradise for wildlife.
Above article taken from www.gibraltar.gi, to
find lots of interesting information about Gibraltar please
click
here
Accommodation
:
Rock Hotel **** Europa Road tel: 350 73000
Caleta Hotel **** Catalan Bay tel: 350 76501
Bristol Hotel *** 10 Cathedral Square tel: 350 768000
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