The relative role ofextensional tectonics and erosional lowering in the evolution of the Jiloca depression has been debated. The classic notion of a Pliocene, NNW-SSE trending graben is discussed by a number of authors; they enhance the role of differential erosion, based on the supposed identification of either numerous nested Paleogene-Early Miocene pediplains, or suballuvial Plio-Quaternary karstic surfaces.
Nevertheless, the geometry of the sedimentary infilling (up to 100 m thick, controlled by the NW-SE master faults) and the evidence of tectonic offset at the Calamocha and Concud faults (160-180 m and 250 m, respectively) supports its tectonic origin