Michael's Photoblog
Nasca Lines, Peru (7)
Posted by Michael (Wuppertal, Germany) on 2 December 2007 in Landscape & Rural.
You remember the first picture of this series?
There was a tree just underneath the tower. Here´s another view taken from the ground level. You can see exactly how the lines have been painted. In the bottom right corner you can see markings of tires- they will last for some decades...
How did the Nasca people do that?
The lines were made by removing the iron oxide coated pebbles which cover the surface of the Nazca desert. When the gravel is removed, they contrast sharply with the light-colored earth underneath. There are several hundred simple lines and geometric patterns on the Nazca plateau, as well as over seventy curvilinear animal, insect, and human figures. The area encompassing the lines is nearly 500 square kilometers (200 square miles), and the largest figures can be nearly 900 feet (270 meters) long. The lines persist due to the extremely dry, windless, and constant climate of the Nazca region: the Nazca desert is one of the driest on Earth and maintains a temperature around 25°C (77°F) all year round, and the lack of wind has helped keep the lines uncovered to the present day and possibly the future.
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For the start of this series go to http://travelpix.aminus3.com/image/2007-11-26.html
Due to my work I am not able to answer your posts at once- but be sure, every of your highly appreciated comments is read! I will always have a look to your pictures at aminus 3- even there might no be a post underneath!
