Spain, known for its beautiful beaches and sunny coastline, also hides fascinating secrets beneath the earth's surface. Some of the country's most fascinating geological features are its tectonic plates and majestic mountains, which not only shape the landscape, but also influence Spain's history, culture and ecology.

Tectonic plates are huge fragments of the Earth's crust that move on the hot, liquid Earth's mantle. Their movements, although invisible to our senses, have a huge impact on the geology, seismology and geography of our globe. Spain lies at the junction of two major tectonic plates: the Iberian plate and the African plate. The boundary between the plates, known as the East-Spanish Trench, is a seismically active area, which can lead to earthquakes.

Spain has experienced many earthquakes over the centuries, often caused by movements of the tectonic plates on which the country lies. The area of southern Spain is particularly seismically active. Earthquakes of various magnitudes are common in this region, which can cause significant property damage and affect the lives and safety of residents.

The largest earthquake in Spanish history occurred on December 25, 1884, with an epicenter in the town of Arenas de Rey, located in the Andalusia region. The quake reached an estimated magnitude of 6.5-7.0 and was one of the most powerful in the country's history. As a result of this earthquake, the Andalusia area was severely damaged, and many towns, including Arenas de Rey, were almost completely destroyed. An estimated 1,000 people died and thousands were injured.

The tragic event also caused significant changes in attitudes toward construction and building safety regulations in Spain. It has become a warning of potential seismic hazards in the country and prompted efforts to raise awareness and prepare communities for possible earthquakes.

While tectonic plate movements can cause earthquakes and other disasters, they also lead to the formation of unusual and beautiful terrain formations that are part of Spain's rich geological history. They are responsible for the formation of mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees in the north and the Sierra Nevada in the south of the country.

Spain's mountains offer a remarkable variety of landscapes, from rocky peaks to picturesque valleys and cliffs. In the north of the country are the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between Spain and France, offering not only excellent winter sports, but also spectacular views and hiking trails.

The south of Spain is dominated by the Sierra Nevada mountains, which are the highest mountain range in the country. Their peak, Mulhacén, reaches over 3,400 meters above sea level and is one of Spain's most popular destinations for trekking, climbing and skiing.