Habitat and biodiversity

Salinas de Añana and the surrounding area are located on a geological phenomenon known as a diapir; which brings the salt from an ancient sea that disappeared millions of years ago to the surface.

The freshwater springs flowing through the diapir dissolve the halite or rock salt (NaCl) and bring it to the surface. This creates a habitat with a great biodiversity including important palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic information, as well as the typical biodiversity linked to saline environments.

A specific and perfectly delimitable halophilic flora coexists in Valle Salado with particular species of fauna, such as the Arthemia Parthnogenetica. This wealth has made it possible for it to be included in the world relevant Ramsar List of Wetlands.

The rich geodiversity, with outcrops of materials from the Mesozoic (Triassic) caused by orogenic thrusts has led to a unique landscape.

In the case of Salinas de Añana, the Jurassic ophitic and limestone outcrops imply that the landscape is made up of endless hills and gullies, resulting in a mosaic of landscapes.