Canyons and river terraces in a floodplain

Geomorphology is the study of terrestrial modeling. The relief and the forms of the Earth's surface are a vital element of the study of the physical environment, its climatic, hydrologic, botanic and edaphic implications, but also for its influence on human activity and, in particular, about the irrigation of traditional agriculture.

The centuries-long process of construction and management of networks traditional irrigation of the Royal Irrigation Canal de Montcada, as in many other systems of the Mediterranean, is closely linked to the physical configuration of the coastal plain. The layout of the irrigation channels and drains must conform faithfully to the substrate, so that the water can be circulated by gravity through channels.
For this reason, the irrigation channels describe curves on the map to fit the twisting and unevenness of fluvial terraces and alluvial fans. At the same time, the network channels and other various drainage elements take advantage of canyons, valleys, and ancient deposits to guide overflowing water. Contact between the alluvial deposits and the fen is configured as a common area of discharge from the aquifer’s detritic sources and provides an ideal location for fountains and ponds that can used for irrigation. Finally, the lowest areas are wetlands soils that require digging drainage networks in order to make cultivation possible.
In short, the understanding terrestrial formation processes becomes a fundamental element in the interpretation of the morphology of traditional irrigation systems and the understanding of its operation.

MEDIEVAL PERIOD
(Al-Andalus) [711-1238]

MEDIEVAL PERIOD
(Kingdom of València) [1239-1453]

MODERN PERIOD [1454-1789]

CONTEMPORARY PERIOD [1790-2012]