Molina-Alto Tajo Global UNESCO Geopark (Guadalajara province) 

	Date: 10 June 2022
Field trip leaders:	Luis Carcavilla Urquí (Spanish Geological Survey IGME-CSIC) Enrique Díaz Martínez (Spanish Geological Survey IGME-CSIC)

Description:

Located in the Iberian Range, some 200 km from Madrid (2 hours by highway). Mesozoic materials make up the biggest part of the geology of this Geopark, although some Paleozoic rocks are also outcropping. Mesozoic materials are mainly represented by a succession of Triassic siliciclastic and Jurassic and Cretaceous carbonates. The Geopark is characterized by a high geological heritage, a remarkable geodiversity, highlighting the presence of important stratigraphic series of great continuity. It is outstanding the prominent tectonic features and geomorphologic variety present throughout the area, including also very fossiliferous levels of different ages. There are several impressive viewpoints of easy access which allow you to observe the spectacular scenery. Another outstanding geological feature is the presence of rich levels of minerals, such as 'Jacinto de Compostela' (red ferruginous quartz) and Aragonite pseudohexagonal crystals, as can be seen in the Geopark logo. Aragonite, a polymorph of calcium carbonate, is precisely named after the village of Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara), where this mineral was first described. Furthermore, the exceptional Lower - Middle Jurassic outcrops resulted in its designation by the International Commission on Stratigraphy as the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Aalenian (174.1 Ma), i.e., the boundary between the Lower and Middle Jurassic. The trip will cross two of the main fluvial canyons of the Geopark, one on Triassic sandstones and the other on carbonate rocks, with spectacular views of the landscape and the tectonic structures that make up the territory. Departure from Madrid by bus to the Geopark (2 hours). Visit outcrops from Triassic age to Cretaceous. Lunch at the Geopark and return to Madrid.

Folded Jurassic beds

La Hoz canyon

Tagus river canyon

Field Trip Schedule 

8:00	Departure from IFEMA Madrid by bus (2.5 hours with brief stop).
10:30	Arrival at Molina, quick city tour and collection of lunch bags. Drive by aragonite historical type locality.
11:00	Panoramic view of Triassic units at Barranco de la Hoz and descent into the gorge.
12:00	View of Jurassic units with large chevron folds.
12:30	Puente de San Pedro Quaternary fluvial calcareous tuffs
13:30	Panoramic view of Tajo canyon. Geological interpretation.
14:30	Lunch at Zaorejas
16:00	Sima de Alcorón karstic cave. More than 60 m of easy vertical descent to the small lake at the bottom.
17:30	Mid-Cretaceous kaolinite sandstones at Peñalén: best practice example for open pit recovery.
18:00	Return to Madrid
20:00	Arrival at Madrid IFEMA