New Castile Upland

an upland in Spain, in the southern part of the Meseta, or central plateau. The average elevation is 600–800 m. It is composed of dislocated clays, limestones, and sandstones and has a predominantly flat, plateau-like surface dissected by the valleys of large rivers, such as the Tagus and Guadiana. In the west are insular ranges of medium elevation rising to 1,601 m. The vegetation consists of sparse shrubs and grasses. The principal crops are wheat and sugar beets, and there are olive plantations and grape vineyards. Sheep raising is important. The chief city is Madrid, the capital of Spain.