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The Greek-Latin authors present Qarthadašt (Cartagena) as one of the main bastions of territorial control of the Carthaginians in Iberia. It had easy and close maritime relationship with Africa, the Strait area and Ibiza, and was located near rich silver deposits. These two reasons are determining factors in its prosperity. The geomorphological evolution and a history without interruption have notably changed the original physiognomy of the site, where the city was founded around 228 BC. This paper focuses on the study of the western sea front of the Cartagena bay. There borehole cores and foundation excavation section allowed to define a strong anthropic action dated at the second half of 3rd century BC. Paleontological (ostracodes and molluskas), geochemical (biomarkers and amino acid racemization) and sedimentological studies allowed to describe a Holocene dated environment with strong continental influence to the north, more marine to the south. Logs and branches sharpened into a point driven into a muddy bottom could be related to a first anthropic activity in the area in a shallow embayment that due to the hydrodynamics change evolved into a thick sand accumulation. Les auteurs gréco-latins présentent Qarthadašt (Carthagène) comme l’un des principaux bastions du contrôle territorial des Carthaginois en Ibérie. La ville était située à proximité de riches gisements d’argent et entretenait des relations maritimes étroites avec l’Afrique, la région du Détroit et Ibiza. Ces deux facteurs ont été déterminants pour favoriser sa prospérité. L’évolution géomorphologique du site et le fait qu’il ait eu une occupation historique constante depuis sa fondation vers 228 av. J.-C., ont notamment modifié la physionomie originale de l’emplacement. Cet article analyse le développement du front maritime occidental de la baie de Carthagène. Grâce à des carottages géologiques et une section d’excavation il a été possible de définir une forte action anthropique datant de la seconde moitié du IIIe siècle avant J.-C. Des études paléontologiques (ostracodes et mollusques), géochimiques (biomarqueurs et racémisation des acides aminés) et sédimentologiques ont permis de décrire un environnement daté de l’Holocène caractérisé par une forte influence continentale au nord, plus marine au sud. Des rondins et des branches aiguisés à une extrémité et enfoncées dans un fond vaseux pourraient être liés à une première activité anthropique dans la zone dans une baie peu profonde. Celle-ci, en raison du changement hydrodynamique, aurait évolué vers une épaisse accumulation de sable.

55 geological sites have been selected in Sierra Espuña-Mula Depression area (Murcia province, SE Spain). These sites have been grouped into 8 geotrails of which 5 in Sierra Espuña and 3 in the Mula Depression. The selected sites display a great variety of relevant geological features regarding diverse geoscience disciplines, such as structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, petrology, mineralogy, geomorphology and hydrogeology. The sites and geotrails have been evaluated and ranked with a numerical methodology based on recent pertinent literature that tends to decrease the subjectivity related with any assessment process. The assessment includes Scientific Value (SV), Potential Educational Use (PEU), Potential Touristic Use (PTU) and Degradation Risk (DR), which have been quantified by using several criteria. This allows visitors to select the most suitable route according to their goals. The publication of these geological sites and geotrails could be used for scientific and educational purposes (within the Earth Sciences), and also to promote nature tourism. This could increase economic activity and sustainable development in the area by attracting more visitors to the region. Se han seleccionado 55 sitos geológicos en la zona de Sierra Espuña-Depresión de Mula (provincia de Murcia, SE España). Estos sitos han sido agrupados en 8 geo-rutas: 5 en la Sierra Espuña y 3 en la Depresión de Mula. Los sitos seleccionados presentan una gran variedad de rasgos geológicos relevantes para diversas disciplinas de las geosciencias como geología estructural, estratigrafía, sedimentología, paleontología, petrología, mineralogía, geomorfología e hidrogeología. Los sitos y geo-rutas han sido evaluados y clasificados con una metodología numérica basada en la literatura reciente que tiende a disminuir la subjetividad relacionada con cualquier proceso de valorización. La valorización incluye el Valor Científico (SV), el Uso Educativo Potencial (PEU), el Uso Turístico Potencial (PTU) y el Riesgo de Degradación (DR), los cuales han sido cuantificados mediante varios criterios. Esto permitirá a los visitantes seleccionar la ruta más adecuada según sus objetivos. La publicación de estos sitos y geo-rutas podría utilizarse con fines científicos y educativos (dentro de las Ciencias de la Tierra), y también promover el turismo de la naturaleza en favor de la actividad económica y el desarrollo sostenible en el área al atraer más visitantes a la región. This research has been supported by the Research Project CGL2016-75679-P (Spanish Ministry of Education and Science) and by the Research Group VIGROB-053 (University of Alicante).

Se perforó un sondeo de 30 m en la Bahía de Cartagena. El doble objetivo del mismo fue obtener datos sobre el antiguo frente marítimo de la ciudad romana y establecer la cronoestratigrafía y evolución paleoambiental. El sondeo (E3) se muestreó con alta resolución. Los sedimentos de la parte inferior (30-11,3 m) con predominio de colores marrones que indican condiciones oxidantes, la fauna de aguas salobres (Cerastoderma glaucum/Cyprideis torosa) y la sedimentación dominada por fangos y arenas, permiten interpretar el medio sedimentario estudiado como una llanura fangosa costera ligada a un abanico aluvial. Las edades AAR obtenidas revelan que todo el MIS5 está incluido en el registro. La parte superior (11,3-3,0 m), correspondiente al MIS 1, consiste en fangos orgánicos negros con arena y grava. Aparece una amplia diversidad de moluscos marinos en estadios juveniles de desarrollo. Todo esto representa el “cul de sac” de una bahía protegida donde se acumulaban restos vegetales, periódicamente afectada por llegadas de detríticos aluviales. Existe una somerización a techo del depósito, A new borehole was drilled at the end of the Cartagena Bay. The twofold aim of this operation was to obtain insights into the ancient Roman city seafront, and to establish its cronostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental evolution. A continuous 30 m long core (E3) was drilled and sampled with high resolution. The sediments of the lower part (30-11.3 m) with predominant brown colour indicating oxydizing conditions, the brackish-water fauna (Cerastoderma glaucum/Cyprideis torosa) and mud/sand dominance, allow to interpret the sedimentary environment as formed in a coastal mud flat linked to an alluvial fan. Consistent AAR dating ages reveal that the whole MIS5 record is included. The upper part of the record (11.3-3.0 m), which belongs to MIS 1, is made of black muddy sand and gravel. It appears a high diversity of marine mollusk species mostly in juvenile stage of development. This represents a complex environment: a “cul-d-sac” at the protected end of the bay where plant debris accumulated, being intruded by alluvial inputs. A growing continental influence likely occurred at the top

El sistema hidráulico de Santa Catalina del Monte constituye un ejemplo secular de las relaciones entre el ser humano y el medio en los relieves béticos y clima mediterráneo semiárido, revelándose la entidad y características de las actuaciones humanas para la captación, acopio y distribución de las aguas subterráneas y de manantial. The hydraulic system of Santa Catalina del Monte constitutes an ancient example of the relationships between the human being and the environment in the Bétic Range and Mediterranean semiarid climate, revealing the identity and characteristics of human interventions for the collection, storage and distribution of groundwater and natural spring water.

El objetivo principal de la presente “Guía Docente” es dar soporte a la realización de prácticas de campo con alumnos que cursan materias geológicas en las universidades de la Región de Murcia (Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia y Universidad Católica de Murcia) y en otras adyacentes, como las de Alicante, Elche y Almería. Esta guía también puede servir a cualquier persona con inquietudes por la Geología y la Naturaleza y que desee realizar prácticas de campo en el Parque Regional de Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas y Peña del Águila. Los títulos de grado susceptibles de beneficiarse de la presente guía son “Geología”, “Química”, “Ciencias Ambientales”, “Biología”, “Ciencias del Mar”, “Geografía Física” “Ingeniería de Minas”, “Ingeniería de Caminos” e “Ingeniería Civil”.

[ESP] Amplias regiones del planeta sufren las consecuencias de una escasez permanente o estacional de agua. Las áreas costeras, gracias a los avances de la tecnología de desalación, pueden utilizar las plantas desaladoras. El suministro se puede hacer tomando el agua directamente del mar (tomas abiertas), o mediante sistemas de captación en la franja litoral, aprovechando así el poder depurador y filtrante de los sedimentos costeros. Sondeos verticales, perforaciones horizontales dirigidas (PHD), túneles paralelos a la costa con taladros laterales, zanjas drenantes, son otras tantas alternativas posibles. Se concluye que la instalación de una planta desaladora tiene que tener en cuenta la identificación de áreas acuíferas costeras con características favorables para la captación de agua de mar en ellas, para así reducir considerablemente los costos de explotación posteriores. [ENG] Extensive areas of our planet suffer the consequences of permanent or seasonal water shortage. Thanks to advances in desalination technology, coastal areas can now use desalination plants. The seawater can be supplied either by taking water directly from the sea (open intakes), or using abstraction systems along the coastal belt, which take advantage of the filtration and purification of the coastal sediments. Vertical boreholes, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), tunnels running parallel to the coast with lateral bores, and interceptor drains, are other possible alternatives. It is concluded that the installation of a desalination plant must identify and take account of coastal aquifers whose characteristics favour the tapping of seawater, in order to considerably reduce subsequent exploitation costs. Este trabajo es una aportación al proyecto IGCP 513 de la UNESCO. Además, la contribución de uno de los firmantes (APB) se ha hecho en el marco de los proyectos CGL2007-63450/HID (MEC) y 017/SGTB/2007 (MMA).

In Rambla del Pizcalejo (Caravaca, Murcia, Spain) new Proboscidea fossil remains were found. In this paper are described all postcranial bones belonging to a 2-4 years old Mammuthus. Stratigraphycal and mollusc data confirm the lacustrine paleoenvironment. The remains shouldn’t have suffered a hard transport; neither should their time of exposure have been long. The date of the remains is not precise due to the lack of chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data. It is only the assignment of the remains to the genus Mammuthus that allows to surmise a period about Plio-Pleistocene

In Rambla del Pizcalejo (Caravaca, Murcia, Spain) new Proboscidea fossil remains were found. In this paper are described all postcranial bones belonging to a 2-4 years old Mammuthus. Stratigraphycal and mollusc data confirm the lacustrine paleoenvironment. The remains shouldn’t have suffered a hard transport; neither should their time of exposure have been long. The date of the remains is not precise due to the lack of chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data. It is only the assignment of the remains to the genus Mammuthus that allows to surmise a period about Plio-Pleistocene

[ESP] La Sierra de Quibas es principalmente un relieve carbonatado del Jurásico Inferior. Su estructura principal es un macizo encuadrado entre el Subbético Medio y el Prebético Sur. La estructura interna es un anticlinorium NE-SW. Una Cartografía detallada (E. 1:25, 000) ha señalado anómalos plieges (casi N-S) causados por la acción haloquinética de materiales del Triásico. También se han detectado actividades neotectónicas a partir del Mioceno Superior con casi N-S subraya que se han activado algunas fallas; las fallas N-S anteriormente comprencsivas son ahora s [ENG] The Sierra de Quibas is mainly adistensivas. En el margen SE de la Sierra de Quibas hay un importante yacimiento paleontológico del Pleistoceno en una cueva kárstica llena de material detrítico rojizo con dolomitas del Bajo Jurásico, controlada por las fallas NE-SW. [ENG] The Sierra de Quibas is mainly a Lower Jurasic carbonated relief. Its main structure is a klippe of Middle Subbetic on Southern Prebetic. The internal structure is a NE_SW anticlinorium. Detailed geological mapping (E. 1:25,000) has pointed to anomalous folds (almost N-S) caused by the halokinetic action of Triassic materials. Also has been detected a Neotectonic activity starting in the Upper Miocene with almost N-S stresses wich have reactivated some faults; the N-S faults previously compressive are now distensive. In the SE edge of the Sierra de Quibas there is an important Pleistocene paleontological site in a karstic cave filled up with reddish detritic material within the Lower Jurasic dolomites, controlled by NE-SW faults. Este proyecto se enmarca dentro de los proyectos de la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia: Séneca PI-44/00837/FS/01 u Justo 4331, Ginves 3134. Agradecemos a Francisco Serrano su aportación en nla datación micropalenteológica del Mioceno, así como al Ayuntamiento de Abanilla, a Marsa (Cehegín, Murcia), y a Cajamurcia, su inestimable colaboración.

The Fortuna section has been studied in order to select a suitable section in Spain that could be a good candidate to define the Ypresian/Lutetian boundary stratotype. At present, this section is the most suitable, mainly because it is a complete marine section, well exposed and very rich in microfossils. A variation of mineralogical composition on the clays coincides with the most important change in planktonic foraminifera across the Y/L boundary. At this location, the data allowed us to infer a transgressive event associated with important hot and wet climatic changes that are the origin of an alteration and neoformation processes of clay minerals

The Sierra de Quibas is mainly a Lower Jurassic carbonated relief. Its main structure is a klippe of Middle Subbeticon Southern Prebetic. The internal structure is a NE-SW anticlinorium. Detailed geological mapping (E. 1:25,000) has pointed to anomalous folds (almost N-S) caused by the halokinétic action ofTriassic materials. Also has been detected a Neotectonic activity starting in the Upper Miocene with almost N-S stresses which have reactivated some faults; the N-S faults previously compressive are now distensive. In the SE edge of the Sierra de Quibas there is an important Pleistocene paleontological site in a karstic cave filled up with reddish detritic material within the Lower Jurassic dolomites, controlled by NE-SW faults

The Sierra de Quibas is mainly a Lower Jurassic carbonated relief. Its main structure is a klippe of Middle Subbeticon Southern Prebetic. The internal structure is a NE-SW anticlinorium. Detailed geological mapping (E. 1:25,000) has pointed to anomalous folds (almost N-S) caused by the halokinétic action ofTriassic materials. Also has been detected a Neotectonic activity starting in the Upper Miocene with almost N-S stresses which have reactivated some faults; the N-S faults previously compressive are now distensive. In the SE edge of the Sierra de Quibas there is an important Pleistocene paleontological site in a karstic cave filled up with reddish detritic material within the Lower Jurassic dolomites, controlled by NE-SW faults

The Fortuna section has been studied in order to select a suitable section in Spain that could be a good candidate to define the Ypresian/Lutetian boundary stratotype. At present, this section is the most suitable, mainly because it is a complete marine section, well exposed and very rich in microfossils. A variation of mineralogical composition on the clays coincides with the most important change in planktonic foraminifera across the Y/L boundary. At this location, the data allowed us to infer a transgressive event associated with important hot and wet climatic changes that are the origin of an alteration and neoformation processes of clay minerals

[SPA] Al noroeste de Cartagena se encuentran unas canteras de calcaren ita bioclástica de edad Mioceno superior, denominada localmente" roca tabaire" que se ha utilizado, en forma de bloques, como material de construcción en esa ciudad, desde tiempos prerromanos hasta principios del siglo XX, especialmente por su facilidad de trabajo y su proximidad. A dichas explotaciones se debe el nombre del pueblo de Canteras. En este trabajo se lleva a cabo un estudio geológico del área de Canteras, con descripción de su estratigrafía, tectónica, petrografía, y se pone de relieve varios aspectos relacionados con el valor patrimonial geológico minero de las canteras y su entorno. [ENG] Northwest of Cartagena (Murcia, Spain) are located several quarries of an upper Miocene calcareous sandstone, locally called "tabaire rock", that has been used for building since pre roman epochs until the beginning of the XX century, especially for its facility of work and proximity. These quarríes are the reason of the village's name of Canteras. At present work a geological study of the Canteras area is carried out with its stratigraphy,tectonics and petrography, as well as several aspects related wíth its value as geological and mining heritage.

[ES] Se describe un ejemplar de tortuga gigante encontrado en el Mioceno superior (Messiniense) del Puerto de la Cadena (Barranco del Cigarrón, Sierra de Carrascoy-Cresta del Gallo; Murcia, España) y clasificado como un macho adulto de Cheirogaster bolivari. También se realiza un estudio geológico y micropaleontológico con el fin de dar una interpretación sedimentaria de la zona y fijar la fecha del depósito., [EN] A fossil of an adult male specimen of the giant land tortoise Cheirogaster bolivari from the Messinian of Murcia (Spaini is described in this paper. Also, an geologigal and micropaleoneologial study is carry out to find an sedimentary interpretation and obtain the date of deposit.

Several karstic and reel-originated aquifers of Eocene limestones are located in Sierra Aitana (Alicante, Spain) being the most important one that of Sella. This one still shows non influenced regime with ubiquos springs. This is the only unexploited aquifer in a very water-demanding zone, with several other overexploited. At a first research phase the Sella aquifer has been defined through hidrogeologic detailled mapping, geophysical survey and piezometry with precision levelling

Several karstic and reel-originated aquifers of Eocene limestones are located in Sierra Aitana (Alicante, Spain) being the most important one that of Sella. This one still shows non influenced regime with ubiquos springs. This is the only unexploited aquifer in a very water-demanding zone, with several other overexploited. At a first research phase the Sella aquifer has been defined through hidrogeologic detailled mapping, geophysical survey and piezometry with precision levelling

Séveral sections has been studied across the Murcia Region in arder to select a suitable section in Spain that could be a good candidate to define the Ypresian/Lutetian boundary stratotype. The sections of Casa Carreño, Quipar and Fortuna contain sediments along the Ypresian/Lutetian transition, being the Fortuna section the most suitable, mainly because it is a complete marine section, well exposed and very rich in planktic microfossils. The following planktic foraminifera biozones and subzones has been identified: Acarinina pentacamerata Biozone, with Subbotina boweri Subzone, and Truncorotaloides praetopilensis Subzone (Ypresian, Early Eocene), Hantkenina nuttalli Biozone, with Hantkenina nuttalli Subzone, Clogigerapsis subconglobata Subzone, and Clobigerapsis kugleri Biozone (Lutetian, Middle Eocene)

Séveral sections has been studied across the Murcia Region in arder to select a suitable section in Spain that could be a good candidate to define the Ypresian/Lutetian boundary stratotype. The sections of Casa Carreño, Quipar and Fortuna contain sediments along the Ypresian/Lutetian transition, being the Fortuna section the most suitable, mainly because it is a complete marine section, well exposed and very rich in planktic microfossils. The following planktic foraminifera biozones and subzones has been identified: Acarinina pentacamerata Biozone, with Subbotina boweri Subzone, and Truncorotaloides praetopilensis Subzone (Ypresian, Early Eocene), Hantkenina nuttalli Biozone, with Hantkenina nuttalli Subzone, Clogigerapsis subconglobata Subzone, and Clobigerapsis kugleri Biozone (Lutetian, Middle Eocene)

The Lorca Basin is located in the Betic Ranges (SE o f Spain) over the contact between the Betic domain s.s. (in te rn a l zones) and the Subbetic one (external zones). For the complementary use of the mineralogical and tectosedimentary analysis it has been necessary the realization of the geologic cartography. It have been differentiated five continental formations of the Quaternary and twelve neogenes formations dated from the upper Burdigalian to the Pliocene. They were originated in marine environments with entrance of continental contributions except for the upper Messinian-PUocene which have a fluvial-lacustrine origin. The most abundant material are marls, sandstones, lutites, gypsiferous levels, conglomerates, sands and limestones

The Lorca Basin is located in the Betic Ranges (SE o f Spain) over the contact between the Betic domain s.s. (in te rn a l zones) and the Subbetic one (external zones). For the complementary use of the mineralogical and tectosedimentary analysis it has been necessary the realization of the geologic cartography. It have been differentiated five continental formations of the Quaternary and twelve neogenes formations dated from the upper Burdigalian to the Pliocene. They were originated in marine environments with entrance of continental contributions except for the upper Messinian-PUocene which have a fluvial-lacustrine origin. The most abundant material are marls, sandstones, lutites, gypsiferous levels, conglomerates, sands and limestones

[ESP] Se analiza la dirección preferencial en casi 500 piping del Saladar de La Mata-Los Ventorrillos (Alhama de Murcia) y se trata de relacionarla con la tectónica actual de distensión asociada a los esfuerzos de dirección casi N-S. [ENG] It was studied the preferential direction of 500 pipes in La Mata-Los Ventorrillos, Guadalentín valley (SE Spain), an area of saladar, salt soil areas where water is rarely over the land surface. The directions of those pipes was related to the present distension tectonics, wich is north-south oriented.

[ESP] Se estudian los aspectos más sobresalientes del Valle y Ensenada de Escombreras (SE de España) y se pone de manifiesto cómo además de la tectónica y de la litología es el viento el que ha condicionado las formas de relieve más significativas anteriores a los depósitos aluviales recientes. Cabe destacar cómo el valle actual experimentó los efectos de una transgresión marina durante el Pleistocéno superior y después, con la retirada del mar, quedaron depósitos tales como marino-eólico, eólico-coluvial, coluvial-aluvial y aluvial-lacustre. [ENG] They are studied the most relevant aspects of The Valley and Harbor of Escombreras (SE Spain). It is made clear that not only tectonic and lithology but also the wind conditioned the most significative relief forms previous to recent alluvial deposits. It is interesting to point out as apart of the present valley suffered the effect of a marine transgression during the Upper Pleistocene, and, after, when the sea get withdrawn, they were left deposits like marine-aeolian-colluvial, colluvial-alluvial and lacustrine-alluvial ones.

[ESP] Se analizan los rasgos físicos y medioambientales de un tipo criptoambiental continental, así como los factores que han intervenido decisivamnete en su génesis y evolución tales como: geológicos, geomorfológicos, hidrogeológicosy antrópicos; estos últimos son los principales responsables del retroceso de este ecosistema. Se trata de un saladarque, a pesar de su grado de fragmentación y retroceso actual, sigue conservando los rasgos característicos de estos medios, como: semiendorreismo, salinización del suelo, vegetación halófila y avifauna característica. [ENG] Physical and environmental features of continental marshes are analyzed. So the controlling (geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology and human) factors on its genesis and evolution. Human factors are the main cause of the ecosystem backward, maintain the characteristic features of these enviroments. temporal swamping, soli salinization, halofit vegetation and representative water birds.

Neogene sedimentation in the Lorca basin has been related to tectonics specially to Basin's Central Fault, whic has alternately like inverse and normal according to compressive ord is tensible phases; likewise the depocentre has been displaced successively to one side and the other of the fore-mentioned accident.

[ESP] Se estudia un yacimiento musteriense en superficie desde una perspectiva arqueológica y geológica. La industria lítica tiene abundancia de cuchillos, denticulados y escotaduras con retoques inversos y abruptos. Posible atribución al musteriense de tradición achelense. El yacimiento se encuentra desplazado del lugar original por sucesivas arroyadas. [ENG] A mousterian site is syudied in a archaeological and geological way. Lithic industry has a possibly belonges to mousterian of acheulean work. The site is deplaced of its original point becausa of consecutives gullies

Neogene sedimentation in the Lorca basin has been related to tectonics specially to Basin's Central Fault, whic has alternately like inverse and normal according to compressive ord is tensible phases; likewise the depocentre has been displaced successively to one side and the other of the fore-mentioned accident.

The complementary use of the mineralógical and tectosedimentary analysis has allowed to establish five tectosedimentary units (TSU) in the Lorca Basin dated from the upper Burdigalian to the Pliocene. They were originated in marine environments with entrance of cotinental contributions except for the TSU-5, that has a fluvial-lacustrine origin. The absence of two tectosedimentary units at the north of the basin supported the existence of a fracture in the middle of the basin that has conditioned their space-temporal evolution