Geological Interpretation Center

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Bragança > Macedo de Cavaleiros > Morais

Location

The Geological Interpretation Center is located in the village of Morais, in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros, within the heart of the Trás-os-Montes region. Morais is situated in an area of particular geological interest, known for its unique landscape and unusual soils.

The surrounding area is characterized by a landscape with specific and sparse vegetation, shaped by the particular composition of the terrain. This geographical uniqueness lends the landscape a distinct character, inviting attentive observation of the natural environment.

A Unique Geological Heritage

This center is dedicated to unveiling the remarkable geological history of the region. It is a space designed to illustrate the importance of its territory, recognized as one of the most significant geological zones worldwide.

Here, visitors can understand the vestiges of two ancient continents and an ocean floor that converge in this area. It is this fusion of geological eras that gives the Morais landscape such a peculiar identity, dubbed by geologists as the "umbilical cord of the world".

The Soil and the Distinct Landscape

The uniqueness of the Morais landscape is intrinsically linked to the composition of its soil. Peridotitic rocks, formations that originated from the ocean floor and are rich in minerals such as iron, nickel, and chromium, predominate in the area.

These geochemical characteristics of the soil explain the atypical vegetation observed in the zone. It is for this reason that local inhabitants have long remarked that here "nothing thrives" in a conventional way, an observation that finds its scientific explanation in geology.

The Building and its Purpose

The Geological Interpretation Center is housed in an old forestry house, which has been carefully remodeled to accommodate this facility. The adaptation of the space provides an environment conducive to discovery and knowledge.

This site serves as a base for exploring the area's natural richness, offering an in-depth perspective on the rock formations and geological phenomena that have shaped the landscape of the Terra de Cavaleiros Geopark over millions of years.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt