Commemoration of the emergence of the Geological Society of Spain Commission on Tectonics

Abstract

In the 1980s, and after years of socio-political instability, several circumstances had given a strong impetus to geological studies in Spain. Among them, the generalized growth of Spanish universities, including Geology faculties and departments. Several emerging issues in Structural Geology were object of research, discussion and controversy. Within this framework, a group of structural geologists promoted the Comission on Tectonics (CT) in the bosom of the recently created Geological Society of Spain. The CT officially started in June 1989, through a constitutional meeting at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. This was followed by the first annual field trip of the CT, hold in Cap de Creus. Since then, the CT has organized uninterrupted annual meetings and field trips through which the main issues of the structural geology of Spain and neighbouring territories have been shared and discussed. The organization of field trips has involved a large number of structural geologists. At present, the CT has 150 members. The achievement of a better gender balance and the generational renewal are key issues that will ensure its future relevance. We aim to pay tribute to the people who allowed the emergence and survival, through the last 30 years, of this remarkable scientific initiative.