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Extremadura PAU Geography study materials
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Extremadura PAU Geography practice questions

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Question 1Maps, statistics, spatial analysis and fieldwork

On a map, the ratio 1:50,000 is an example of which type of scale?

  1. Verbal scale
  2. Graphic (bar) scale
  3. Nominal scale
  4. Representative fraction scale Correct answer.

Explanation

A representative fraction (RF) expresses scale as a ratio such as 1:50,000, meaning one unit on the map equals 50,000 of the same units on the ground. It is unitless, so it works for any measurement system. A verbal scale states the relationship in words, and a graphic scale uses a marked bar.

Question 2Physical geography and earth-surface processes

A deep ocean trench, frequent earthquakes, and a volcanic mountain arc are most characteristic of which plate boundary?

  1. Divergent boundary
  2. Transform boundary
  3. Hotspot far from any boundary
  4. Convergent (subduction) boundary Correct answer.

Explanation

At a convergent boundary where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another plate, a deep trench forms at the subduction line, and melting of the descending slab feeds a volcanic arc. The Andes and the Japanese island arc are examples.

Question 3Climate systems and environmental change

Which statement about the Equator's climate is most accurate?

  1. It experiences four distinct temperate seasons
  2. It is dominated by polar high pressure and aridity
  3. It has the largest annual temperature range on Earth
  4. It receives relatively consistent, high solar energy year-round, producing warm temperatures Correct answer.

Explanation

Near the Equator the Sun's rays strike at a high angle throughout the year, delivering consistently high insolation. This produces warm temperatures with small annual variation; in humid equatorial regions it also produces year-round rainfall and rainforest vegetation.

Question 4Rivers, coasts and catchment water accounting

In a developing river meander bend, where do lateral erosion and sediment deposition predominantly take place?

  1. Erosion on the inner convex bank; Deposition on the outer concave bank
  2. Erosion on the outer concave bank; Deposition on the inner convex bank (slip-off slope) Correct answer.
  3. Erosion across both banks equally; Deposition only on the river bed centre
  4. Deposition along the outer bank; Zero erosion anywhere along the bend

Explanation

In a meander, helicoidal water flow travels fastest on the outside of the bend (outer concave bank), creating lateral erosion and forming a steep river cliff. Water flows slowest on the inside of the bend (inner convex bank), reducing energy and depositing sand/gravel to form a gently sloping slip-off slope (point bar).

Question 5Population, cities, economic location and development

In the demographic transition model, a country with high birth rates and rapidly declining death rates, producing very high population growth, is in which stage?

  1. Stage 1
  2. Stage 4
  3. Stage 5
  4. Stage 2 Correct answer.

Explanation

Stage 2 of the demographic transition model features continued high birth rates but sharply falling death rates due to improvements in food supply, sanitation, and medicine. This gap produces the most rapid natural population increase.

Question 6Resources, environment and sustainability

Overdrawing groundwater from an aquifer faster than it recharges most directly leads to

  1. falling water tables, well failure, and possible land subsidence Correct answer.
  2. rising water tables and flooding
  3. increased rainfall in the region
  4. the formation of new mountains

Explanation

When groundwater is pumped faster than natural recharge, the water table drops, wells can run dry, pumping costs rise, and in some areas the land surface subsides. This is a major sustainability concern for aquifers like the Ogallala.

Question 7Regional comparison and territorial scales

A region develops specialty fruit farming because of unique climate, brand reputation, and transport to cities. This best illustrates:

  1. Using regional comparative advantages Correct answer.
  2. Ignoring all market demand
  3. A purely random land-use choice
  4. The absence of human-environment interaction

Explanation

Regional development often builds on local physical and human advantages. Climate, branding, and market access combine to create a competitive specialty sector.

Question 8Population, cities, economic location and development

Which agricultural valley in northern Cáceres is world-famous for its protected designation of origin (D.O.P.) cherry production?

  1. Valle de las Batuecas
  2. Valle del Ambroz
  3. Valle del Jerte Correct answer.
  4. Valle del Tiétar

Explanation

The Valle del Jerte is renowned for its terrace-cultivated cherries (Cereza del Jerte D.O.P.) and spectacular spring blossoms.

Question 9Population, cities, economic location and development

Which major highway corridor connects Madrid to Badajoz and Lisbon across Extremadura?

  1. Autovía A-1
  2. Autovía A-3
  3. Autovía A-4
  4. Autovía A-5 (Autovía del Suroeste) Correct answer.

Explanation

The A-5 motorway (Autovía del Suroeste) traverses Extremadura from northeast to southwest, linking Madrid with Navalmoral de la Mata, Trujillo, Mérida, Badajoz, and the Portuguese border.

Question 10Population, cities, economic location and development

Which nuclear power plant, situated on the Tagus River in Cáceres province, is one of Spain's main electricity-generating facilities?

  1. Cofrentes Nuclear Plant
  2. Ascó Nuclear Plant
  3. Trillo Nuclear Plant
  4. Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant Correct answer.

Explanation

The Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant, located in Campo Arañuelo (Cáceres) near the Tagus River, operates two reactor units and generates a significant share of Spain's nuclear power.

Question 11Population, cities, economic location and development

Which tree bark product is harvested sustainably from cork oaks (Quercus suber) in Extremadura's dehesas?

  1. Latex
  2. Natural Cork (Corcho) Correct answer.
  3. Resin
  4. Quinine

Explanation

Natural cork (corcho) is harvested every 9 to 10 years by stripping the outer bark of Quercus suber without harming the living tree, creating a key forest industry in Extremadura.

Question 12Population, cities, economic location and development

Which major historical agricultural development project during the Francoist era transformed the Guadiana basin in Extremadura through dams and irrigation colonies?

  1. Plan Hidrológico Nacional
  2. Plan Jaén
  3. Plan Badajoz Correct answer.
  4. Plan Camp de Morvedre

Explanation

The Plan Badajoz (enacted in 1952) was a massive hydraulic and agrarian transformation project that built reservoirs, irrigation canals, and new agricultural settlement villages along the Guadiana River.

Question 13Population, cities, economic location and development

Which North-South historical transport axis follows an ancient Roman trade route through western Extremadura along modern highway A-66?

  1. Camino de Santiago
  2. Ruta del Cares
  3. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos
  4. Vía de la Plata Correct answer.

Explanation

The Vía de la Plata (Silver Way) is an ancient Roman road and historical trade and pilgrimage corridor linking Astorga in northern Spain to Seville, running north-south through Cáceres and Mérida along modern highway A-66.

Question 14Population, cities, economic location and development

Which traditional cured meat product of Extremadura holds a Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P.) based on free-range acorn feeding (montanera)?

  1. Jamón de Dehesa de Extremadura Correct answer.
  2. Cecina de León
  3. Jamón de Teruel
  4. Sobao Pasiego

Explanation

D.O.P. Jamón de Dehesa de Extremadura certifies premium cured ham obtained from purebred or crossbred Ibérico pigs fattened on acorns (bellotas) during the autumn-winter montanera season.

Question 15Population, cities, economic location and development

Which historic Extremaduran city features a remarkably preserved Roman theater, amphitheater, and aqueduct designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site?

  1. Plasencia
  2. Mérida Correct answer.
  3. Trujillo
  4. Zafra

Explanation

The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida (ancient Augusta Emerita) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, highlighting its Roman monuments.

Question 16Population, cities, economic location and development

What seasonal feeding regime for Ibérico pigs in the dehesa relies on fallen acorns between October and February?

  1. Transhumance (Trashumancia)
  2. Stubble grazing (Rastrojera)
  3. Montanera Correct answer.
  4. Barbecho

Explanation

La Montanera is the final free-range fattening period during autumn and winter when Ibérico pigs forage exclusively on acorns (bellotas) and pasture in the dehesa.

Question 17Population, cities, economic location and development

Which protected condiment produced in La Vera district of Cáceres is obtained by smoking ground red peppers over oak firewood?

  1. Pimentón de la Vera D.O.P. Correct answer.
  2. Azafrán de la Mancha
  3. Canela de Casserres
  4. Pimentón de Murcia

Explanation

Pimentón de la Vera D.O.P. is a world-renowned smoked paprika produced in La Vera through traditional oak-wood drying of harvested red capsicum peppers.

Question 18Population, cities, economic location and development

Which historic Extremaduran city features a walled medieval quarter declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986?

  1. Badajoz
  2. Cáceres Correct answer.
  3. Don Benito
  4. Navalmoral de la Mata

Explanation

The Old Town of Cáceres (Ciudad Vieja de Cáceres) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exceptional blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architecture enclosed within medieval fortification walls.

Question 19Population, cities, economic location and development

Which intensive irrigated crops dominate the fertile floodplain soils of the Vegas Bajas del Guadiana near Badajoz?

  1. Processing tomatoes, maize, rice, and stone fruits (peaches, nectarines) Correct answer.
  2. Coffee beans, sugarcane, and bananas
  3. Citrus groves and tropical avocados
  4. Dryland rye and barley

Explanation

The Vegas Bajas del Guadiana are highly productive irrigated zones specializing in industrial processing tomatoes, grain maize, paddy rice, and stone fruit orchards.

Question 20Population, cities, economic location and development

Which agricultural landscape is characteristic of non-irrigated (secano) plateaus in southern Badajoz comarcas like Campiña Sur?

  1. Dense rice paddies and flooded basins
  2. Extensive dryland cereal fields (wheat, barley) rotated with fallow or sunflowers Correct answer.
  3. Terraced greenhouse horticulture under plastic
  4. Subtropical palm plantations

Explanation

Secano areas in southern Badajoz feature extensive dryland agrarian open fields (campos abiertos) cultivated with wheat, barley, oats, and sunflower rotation.

Question 21Population, cities, economic location and development

Which Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P.) regulates wine production across six sub-zones in Extremadura?

  1. D.O.P. Rioja
  2. D.O.P. Ribera del Duero
  3. D.O.P. Ribera del Guadiana Correct answer.
  4. D.O.P. Rías Baixas

Explanation

D.O.P. Ribera del Guadiana is the official wine designation encompassing sub-zones such as Tierra de Barros, Matanegra, Montánchez, Cañamero, Ribera Alta, and Ribera Baja.

Question 22Population, cities, economic location and development

Which protected olive oil designation covers extra virgin olive oil extracted from Manzanilla Cacereña olives in northern Cáceres?

  1. D.O.P. Baena
  2. D.O.P. Priego de Córdoba
  3. D.O.P. Les Garrigues
  4. D.O.P. Gata-Hurdes Correct answer.

Explanation

D.O.P. Gata-Hurdes certifies high-quality extra virgin olive oil produced exclusively from Manzanilla Cacereña olives grown in Sierra de Gata, Las Hurdes, and adjacent mountain valleys.

Question 23Population, cities, economic location and development

What is the significance of the 'Núñez de Balboa' photovoltaic installation near Usagre (Badajoz)?

  1. It was one of Europe's largest operational solar photovoltaic plants at its commissioning (500 MW capacity) Correct answer.
  2. It is a major offshore wind farm
  3. It is Spain's first geothermal power plant
  4. It is a nuclear waste storage depot

Explanation

Commissioned in 2020 near Usagre, the 500 MW Núñez de Balboa solar plant highlighted Extremadura's emergence as Europe's leading solar photovoltaic hub.

Question 24Population, cities, economic location and development

Which mega-solar project, located in Torrecillas de la Tiesa (Cáceres), expanded Extremadura's solar capacity with over 590 MW of installed power?

  1. Planta Fotovoltaica Gemasolar
  2. Planta Fotovoltaica Francisco Pizarro Correct answer.
  3. Planta Solar PS10
  4. Central Termosolar Andasol

Explanation

The Francisco Pizarro photovoltaic plant (590 MW), located in Cáceres province, stands as one of the largest solar parks in Europe, solidifying Extremadura's renewable energy transition.

Question 25Population, cities, economic location and development

What is the main objective of upgrading the high-speed rail line (LAV Madrid-Extremadura-Lisbon) across the region?

  1. To transport heavy iron ore from mountain mines to Atlantic ports
  2. To divert passenger traffic onto slow regional buses
  3. To dramatically reduce passenger travel times between Madrid, Mérida, Badajoz, and Lisbon Correct answer.
  4. To eliminate freight transport across the Portuguese border

Explanation

The High-Speed Railway (LAV) aims to modernize regional passenger connectivity, reduce travel times between Madrid, Cáceres, Mérida, and Badajoz, and establish an international high-speed link with Portugal.

Question 26Population, cities, economic location and development

Which town in eastern Cáceres houses the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage site and religious pilgrimage shrine?

  1. Alcántara
  2. Jarandilla de la Vera
  3. Hervás
  4. Guadalupe Correct answer.

Explanation

The town of Guadalupe in Las Villuercas comarca is home to the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, inscribed by UNESCO in 1993 for its Mudéjar, Gothic, and Baroque artistic heritage.

Question 27Population, cities, economic location and development

Which historic Extremaduran town, famous as the birthplace of conquistadors Francisco Pizarro and Francisco de Orellana, features a monumental Plaza Mayor and castle?

  1. Trujillo Correct answer.
  2. Montijo
  3. Coria
  4. Mérida

Explanation

Trujillo (Cáceres) is a historic town renowned for its medieval fortress, Renaissance noble palaces, and monumental Plaza Mayor associated with transatlantic explorers.

Question 28Population, cities, economic location and development

Which town in southern Badajoz is celebrated as the 'Little Seville' (Sevilla la Chica) and hosts the historic Feria Internacional del Ganado (Livestock Fair)?

  1. Don Benito
  2. Zafra Correct answer.
  3. Olivenza
  4. Fregenal de la Sierra

Explanation

Zafra is an important commercial town in southern Badajoz famous for its traditional arcaded plazas and its annual International Livestock Fair, dating back to 1453.

Question 29Population, cities, economic location and development

Which native cattle breed of Extremadura, characterized by a reddish coat, is specially adapted to extensive grazing in dehesa pastures?

  1. Holstein-Friesian milk cow
  2. Charolais beef cow
  3. Raza Retinta Correct answer.
  4. Highland cattle

Explanation

Raza Retinta is the autochthonous beef cattle breed of southwestern Spain, perfectly adapted to hot summers, rustic forage, and extensive dehesa grazing.

Question 30Population, cities, economic location and development

Which historical institution regulated transhumant sheep seasonal migrations across Spain along cañadas reales through Extremadura?

  1. El Tribunal de las Aguas
  2. La Casa de Contratación
  3. El Consulado del Mar
  4. El Honrado Concejo de la Mesta Correct answer.

Explanation

El Honrado Concejo de la Mesta (established in 1273 by Alfonso X) governed transhumant Merino sheep pastoralists who moved livestock seasonally along Cañadas Reales between northern summer pastures and Extremaduran winter dehesas.

Question 31Population, cities, economic location and development

How does the employment share of the primary sector (agriculture and livestock) in Extremadura compare to the overall national average in Spain?

  1. Significantly higher than the Spanish national average (~9-10% vs ~4%) Correct answer.
  2. Identical to the national average
  3. Virtually zero (~0.1%)
  4. Exclusively dominant at over 90% of total employment

Explanation

Extremadura maintains a higher agricultural employment share (~9-10% of active population) than the Spanish national average (~4%), underscoring the weight of farming and food processing.

Question 32Population, cities, economic location and development

Why is Extremadura considered a national and European leader in industrial processing tomato production?

  1. Because tomatoes grow wild in high mountain pine forests
  2. Due to cold Arctic winds extending the growing season
  3. Because of extensive regulated irrigation along the Vegas del Guadiana and high summer sunshine hours Correct answer.
  4. Due to hydroponic seawater farming along the coast

Explanation

Abundant water for irrigation from Guadiana reservoirs combined with high summer temperatures and sunshine hours makes the Vegas del Guadiana ideal for producing over 70% of Spain's processing tomatoes.

Question 33Population, cities, economic location and development

Which Spanish province accounts for the majority of national raw tobacco production, centered in Campo Arañuelo and La Vera?

  1. Almería
  2. Navarre
  3. Girona
  4. Cáceres Correct answer.

Explanation

Cáceres province concentrates over 90% of Spain's tobacco cultivation, irrigated from the Tiétar and Tagus rivers in comarcas like Campo Arañuelo, La Vera, and Valle del Alagón.

Question 34Population, cities, economic location and development

Which major hydroelectric power plant complex is situated at the Alcántara dam on the Tagus River?

  1. Central Hidroeléctrica José María de Oriol (Alcántara) Correct answer.
  2. Central de Aldeadávila
  3. Central de Villarino
  4. Central de Belesar

Explanation

The José María de Oriol hydroelectric station at the Alcántara dam (Cáceres) is one of Spain's largest hydroelectric facilities, generating clean power from the regulated Tagus River.

Question 35Population, cities, economic location and development

How has the phase-out schedule of nuclear energy in Spain impacted regional economic debates around the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant?

  1. It has caused no public interest or discussion
  2. It pits local concerns over job losses and municipal tax revenue against national decarbonization and safety targets Correct answer.
  3. It led to immediate conversion of the plant into a hydro-electric dam
  4. It resulted in the construction of 50 new nuclear reactors

Explanation

The planned closure of Almaraz reactors (scheduled for late 2020s) generates intense debate between local communities relying on high-paying jobs and municipal taxes versus national energy transition plans.

Question 36Population, cities, economic location and development

What regional transport advantage does the Autovía A-66 (Ruta de la Plata) provide to Extremadura?

  1. Direct maritime access to the Bay of Biscay
  2. High-speed underground subway service
  3. Continuous dual-carriageway connection linking northern Spain (Asturias, León) through Extremadura to Andalusia (Seville) Correct answer.
  4. Exclusive toll-free freight transport to France

Explanation

The A-66 motorway provides a north-south arterial axis across western Spain, connecting Extremadura seamlessly with Asturias, Castilla y León, and Andalusia.

Question 37Population, cities, economic location and development

Which regional road connection links the two provincial capitals, Badajoz and Cáceres, across central Extremadura?

  1. Autopista AP-7
  2. Autovía A-2
  3. Autovía A-8
  4. EX-100 / Future A-58 motorway connection Correct answer.

Explanation

The EX-100 regional highway (and planned A-58 dual-carriageway extension) provides the direct transport link connecting Cáceres and Badajoz across central Extremadura.

Question 38Population, cities, economic location and development

Which specialized ecotourism event held annually in Monfragüe National Park attracts international ornithologists and nature tourists?

  1. Feria Internacional de Ornitología (FIO) Correct answer.
  2. FITUR Madrid
  3. Mobile World Congress
  4. Bienal de Flamenco

Explanation

The Feria Internacional de Ornitología (FIO) in Monfragüe is southern Europe's leading birdwatching and nature tourism fair, attracting thousands of international birdwatchers.

Question 39Population, cities, economic location and development

What agrarian property structure contrast exists between the plains of southern Badajoz and the mountain comarcas of northern Cáceres?

  1. Extensive latifundia estates in southern Badajoz versus highly fragmented minifundia smallholdings in northern Cáceres mountain valleys Correct answer.
  2. Communal kibbutzim in Badajoz versus corporate mega-ranches in Cáceres
  3. Nomadic pastoralism in Badajoz versus urban vertical farming in Cáceres
  4. Total state ownership in Badajoz versus total private feudalism in Cáceres

Explanation

Southern Badajoz is dominated by historical latifundio estates (large land holdings for cereal, dehesa, and irrigation farms), whereas northern mountain valleys (Jerte, Vera) are characterized by small, fragmented family-operated minifundios.

Question 40Population, cities, economic location and development

What criteria differentiate 'Bellota 100% Ibérico' from lower commercial categories within the D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura regulatory framework?

  1. Pigs raised indoors on grain feed in industrial battery cages
  2. 100% purebred Ibérico genetic lineage combined with exclusive free-range acorn and pasture foraging during the montanera without synthetic feed supplements Correct answer.
  3. White pig breeds raised in northern Europe
  4. Frozen pork imported from South America

Explanation

Black-label 'Bellota 100% Ibérico' requires 100% purebred Ibérico maternal and paternal pedigree, coupled with free-range acorn feeding (montanera) in certified dehesas.

Question 41Population, cities, economic location and development

What technical modernization strategy is being implemented in the Vegas Altas del Guadiana irrigation district to improve water-use efficiency?

  1. Expanding unlined earthen ditches to increase evaporation loss
  2. Replacing open flood irrigation (riego por inundación) with pressurized pipe networks, automated drip irrigation (riego por goteo), and solar pumping Correct answer.
  3. Banning all agricultural irrigation permanently
  4. Pumping saltwater into groundwater aquifers

Explanation

Irrigation modernization replaces wasteful open gravity canals with enclosed pressurized pipe networks, drip irrigation systems, and smart metering to reduce water losses and power consumption.

Question 42Population, cities, economic location and development

What electrical grid challenge arises from Extremadura generating vast surpluses of solar photovoltaic power relative to its low internal demand?

  1. Total absence of high-voltage transmission lines across Spain
  2. Grid integration bottlenecks requiring high-capacity 400 kV interconnections to transport surplus power to distant consumption centers like Madrid Correct answer.
  3. Inability of solar panels to function in warm temperatures
  4. Requirement to convert all solar power into coal

Explanation

Because Extremadura produces far more renewable power than its domestic market consumes, Red Eléctrica de España (REE) must expand high-voltage (400 kV) transmission corridors to export surplus electricity to major urban consumption centers.

Question 43Population, cities, economic location and development

How does the sector breakdown of Extremadura's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compare to that of highly industrialized Spanish regions like the Basque Country?

  1. Extremadura has a lower industrial GDP share and a higher proportion of services (especially public administration) and agriculture Correct answer.
  2. Extremadura has double the industrial GDP share of the Basque Country
  3. Extremadura derives 90% of its GDP from maritime shipping
  4. Extremadura has no tertiary service sector GDP

Explanation

Extremadura's economy shows a smaller manufacturing sector (~10-12% of GDP) and a larger contribution from services (~70%, heavily weighted by public administration, health, and education) and primary agriculture compared to industrial regions.

Question 44Physical geography and earth-surface processes

Which major river basin drains the northern half of Extremadura before flowing westward into Portugal?

  1. The Tagus (Tajo) Basin Correct answer.
  2. The Ebro Basin
  3. The Guadalquivir Basin
  4. The Duero Basin

Explanation

The Tagus (Tajo) River basin occupies the northern half of Extremadura (province of Cáceres), receiving major tributaries like the Alagón, Tiétar, and Ibor before crossing the border into Portugal.

Question 45Physical geography and earth-surface processes

Which predominant lithological domain characterizes the Hercynian basement (Zócalo Hircínico) of Extremadura?

  1. The clayey domain (España arcillosa)
  2. The siliceous domain (España silícea) Correct answer.
  3. The calcareous domain (España caliza)
  4. The volcanic domain (España volcánica)

Explanation

Extremadura belongs almost entirely to the siliceous domain of ancient Paleozoic rocks (granites, slates, and quartzites) formed during the Hercynian orogeny.

Question 46Physical geography and earth-surface processes

Which reservoir located on the Zújar River in Extremadura is the largest reservoir by surface storage volume in Spain?

  1. Embalse de La Serena Correct answer.
  2. Embalse de Alcántara
  3. Embalse de Cíjara
  4. Embalse de Gabriel y Galán

Explanation

The Embalse de La Serena, situated on the Zújar River (a Guadiana tributary) in Badajoz province, holds over 3.2 billion cubic meters of water, making it Spain's largest capacity reservoir.

Question 47Physical geography and earth-surface processes

What relief type in Las Villuercas mountain range exhibits eroded parallel ridges and valleys formed in folded Paleozoic quartzites and slates?

  1. Appalachian relief (Relieve apalachense) Correct answer.
  2. Karstic relief (Relieve kárstico)
  3. Volcanic relief (Relieve volcánico)
  4. Glacial cirque relief (Relieve glaciar)

Explanation

Las Villuercas in eastern Cáceres displays classic Appalachian relief (relieve apalachense), where ancient Hercynian folded strata were planated and later rejuvenated, eroding soft slates into valleys while resistant armorican quartzites remain as sharp parallel crests.

Question 48Physical geography and earth-surface processes

What climate classification dominates most of interior Extremadura, characterized by long hot dry summers and moderate thermal range?

  1. Continentalized Mediterranean Climate Correct answer.
  2. Oceanic Climate (Clima Oceánico)
  3. Subtropical Humid Climate
  4. Alpine Mountain Climate

Explanation

Interior Extremadura features a Continentalized Mediterranean climate, marked by high summer temperatures, low summer precipitation, and mild winters with seasonal rainfall peaks.

Question 49Physical geography and earth-surface processes

Which mountain system defines the northern natural border of Extremadura, separating it from Castilla y León?

  1. Cordillera Cantábrica
  2. Sistema Central (Sierra de Gredos / Sierra de Gata) Correct answer.
  3. Sistema Ibérico
  4. Pyrenees

Explanation

The Western ranges of the Sistema Central (including Sierra de Gredos, Sierra de Béjar, Sierra de Gata, and Valle del Jerte ranges) form the formidable northern mountainous barrier of Extremadura.

Question 50Physical geography and earth-surface processes

Which river basin drains the southern half of Extremadura, including the fertile agricultural plains of Vegas Altas and Vegas Bajas?

  1. The Guadiana Basin Correct answer.
  2. The Júcar Basin
  3. The Segura Basin
  4. The Miño Basin

Explanation

The Guadiana River basin covers the southern province of Badajoz, flowing past Don Benito, Mérida, and Badajoz before turning south to form the international border with Portugal.