This geometric pattern in 18th-century ashfall deposits at Lanzarote is a human adaptation to permit agricultural use of this barren, wind-swept terrain. Grape vines and fig trees planted in shallow depressions excavated in the extensive pyroclastic-fall deposits are surrounded by low circular walls of volcanic blocks and bombs. This concentrates moisture in the finer-grained center of the pits and partially shelters the plants from the severe winds that sweep across the volcanic plain.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1977.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Lanzarote