The Sant Miquel is a mesoscale mountainous catchment (145 km2) located in the Tramuntana ranges (Mallorca, Spain; 39º46’21”N, 2º56’47”E). The altitude ranges from 1000 to 1300 m.a.s.l. in the catchment headwaters where the average gradient of the channels is >20%. The lowest part of the catchment (i.e. 7%) is occupied by the most important irrigated area on the island, providing concern for the deterioration of the Sant Miquel fluvial system and the s'Albufera (1708 ha), a wetland situated at the outlet of the catchment and protected by the RAMSAR list of wetlands of international importance. Moreover, the main headwater subcatchments situated in the Tramuntana range are regulated by the presence of check-dams constructed in the 1980s, in addition to traditional terracing and transverse walls.
Geology
Main Geology is Carbonates, while the soil types are Entisols in the catchment headwaters and Alfisols in the flat downstream areas.
Vegetation/Land use
Main land uses are: 49% Forest, 49% agriculture and 2% urban.