Sa Font de la Vila catchment

Location

Sa Font de la Vila is a small mountainous catchment (5 km²) located in the southern part of the Tramuntana ranges (Mallorca, Spain; 39º35’10”N, 2º25’25”E). The altitude ranges from 144 m.a.s.l. at headwaters to 71 m.a.s.l. at the outlet gauging station. It is characterized by the massive presence of traditional soil conservation structures (65% of the catchment), indicative of intense -although preterit- agricultural activity. Nowadays, forests represent 71% of the catchment. Moreover, in the last 20 years, 2 severe wildfires affected the catchment. The first, in 1994, affected 45% of its surface while, the second, in 2013, affected 77% of which more than half had been burnt also in 1994.

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

71% forest; 29% agriculture (77% affected by wildfire in 1994 and 2013).