The Rock of Gibraltar Explained

The Rock of Gibraltar is a monolithic limestone mountain near the Strait of Gibraltar. Romans called it Mons Calpe.

Early Jurassic limestones and dolomites form the Main Ridge. These sedimentary strata are overturned.

The Rock of Gibraltar formed during the early Jurassic Period.

Calcite dissolves slowly in rainwater to form caves. The Rock contains over 100 caves.

A sandy tombolo with a maximum elevation of 3 m links the promontory to the continent.

About 300 Barbary macaques live in the nature reserve. These animals are protected by law.

An estimated 250,000 raptors cross the Strait annually. The Rock accumulates migrating birds during passage periods.

The Rock rises 426 m near the south end at O'Hara's Battery.