Lapiaces or Lenares: What are they, how types are formed, and where there are

Lapiaces, also known as Lenar, are rock formations with a irregular surface and furrowed by slots, cracks and cavities. These structures appear in calcareous land and are characterized by their eroded appearance, with channels that can be narrow and deep or more wide and superficial.

At first glance, lapiaces may seem an abrupt and rugged landscape, almost as if the rock had been sculpted over time by natural forces. These formations can be found in different parts of the world, especially in mountainous areas or in places where limestone rock is exposed to weathering. They are usually areas of difficult transit due to irregularity of the terrainwhich gives them a unique aspect and, in some cases, even impressive.

Lapiaces are mainly formed by chemical erosion action in limestone or dolomitic rocksa process known as carstification. This phenomenon occurs when rainwater, slightly acidic due to carbon dioxide (CO₂) dissolved in the atmosphere and soil, comes into contact with limestone rock, mostly composed of calcium carbonate (Caco₃).

When the Acid water infiltrates the fissures or cracks of the rockit reacts chemically dissolving slowly calcium carbonate. With the passage of time, this solution expands the cracks and creates furrows, channels and cavities. The process is gradual and can last thousands of years, giving rise to the complex forms that characterize the lapiaces.

The speed and intensity of the formation of lapiaces depend on several factors:

• Rock composition: The purest limestones, with a high content of calcium carbonate, dissolve more easily.
• Climate: In regions with abundant rains and high humidity, the dissolution process is faster.
• PENDING OF THE LAND: Inclined surfaces favor water flow, which intensifies erosion in certain areas.

There are different types of lapiaces according to their shape and size. Some have fine and parallel furrows, while others show deepest and widest cavities. At the next point we will show you what are the types of lapiaces that exist.

There are several types of lapiaces or lenares, which are classified according to their shape, size and the way they have been modeled by erosion. Each type reflects the specific conditions of the terrain and the dissolution process that has acted on the limestone rock. Let’s see which are the main ones:

• Path of edges or grooves: This is the most common type and is characterized by the presence of narrow and elongated channels separated by sharp edges. These grooves are formed by the constant flow of rainwater that dissolves the rock progressively.
• Hoyos or Alveolar Path: It is distinguished by presenting small cavities or circular or irregular depressions on the surface of the rock. These forms are generated when water accumulates at specific points, dissolving calcium carbonate locally.
• Liaz in stands or staggered: This type presents a series of steps or terraces formed by differential erosion. It occurs when water dissolves the rock irregularly, creating surfaces at different heights.
• Smooth or polished surface lapiaz: It is a softer and less abrupt variety, where chemical erosion has smoothed the surface of the rock. It is common in areas where water flows constantly, but without forming deep furrows.
• Underground lapiaz: It is formed inside cave systems or galleries. Dissolution occurs due to water infiltration in deep cracks, creating hidden tasks under the surface. You may be interested in this article on water erosion: definition, types, causes and consequences.

In Spain, lapiaces are present in several regions, especially in areas with limestone formations, which are prone to karst erosion. We will see some of the most important lapiaces in the country along with its characteristics:

Torcal de Antequera (Málaga, Andalusia)

It is one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Spain and is declared a natural place. The Torcal de Antequera presents an extensive lapiaz with capricious shapes that have been sculpted by the action of water over millions of years. It has one average altitude of 1,200 meterswhich favors erosion for rain and wind.

Picos de Europa (Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León)

In the Picos de Europa National Park there are several lapiaces formed in limestone rock of Jurassic origin. These lapiaces are mainly located in the highest areas of the massif. Here the Ready lapiaces with deep grooves due to the humid and cold climate.

Being at altitudes greater than 2,600 meters, snow and thaw erosion increases. The majority of the tasks present are underground in the form of simas and caves, some of great depth such as the Torca del Cerro (more than 1,500 meters deep).

Sierra de Guara (Huesca, Aragon)

The Sierra de Guara is known for its karst formations, where the lapiaces with cannons, simas and ravines stand out. It is a famous area for sports such as Barranquismo. Are lapiaces in stands in slope areaswith natural steps formed by the dissolution of limestone. It has a large number of caves and underground galleries, some with archaeological remains.

Enchanted City (Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha)

The enchanted city is a natural place of national interest, famous for its lapiaces with shapes that They resemble human objects, animals or figures. It is a group of edges and alveolar, with molded rocks in curious figures by the action of rain and wind. The enchanted city is a clear prominent example of differential erosion, which has generated unique structures such as “the high torm” or “ships.”

Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Sierras (Jaén, Andalucía)

This extensive natural park hosts large areas of lapiaz, especially on the highest summits in the mountains. They are smooth and edge area, with shallow furrows in the most exposed areas. Here are Caves and Simas such as the Cave of Waterformed by the action of groundwater.

Now that you know what the Lapiaces are, you may also be interested in this article about the UADI or WADI: what it is, how it is formed and its difference with a cannon.

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