Strange spiral holes in the Peruvian desert

The magnificent spiral holes in the Peruvian desert are actually a network of irrigation tunnels, helping people take groundwater and survive in dry weather.

According to Science Alert, the Nasca desert in southern Peru is home to many spiral holes dug deep into the ground, called puquios . These special structures cannot use carbon isotope analysis to date. Nor did the Nascas leave any evidence of the time and purpose of building them.

Picture 1 of Strange spiral holes in the Peruvian desert
Strange spiral holes in the desert in Peru.(Photo: Pikselstock).

Rosa Lasaponara of the Institute of Environmental Analysis Methods, Italy, uses satellite images to draw puquios distribution diagrams, and learns their links to nearby residential areas. As a result, spiral pits are located in a network of irrigation tunnels in the Nasca desert, helping people get groundwater. Lasaponara plans to publish his findings later this year in an article entitled " The Ancient Nasca World: A New View from Science and Archeology".

"The puquios system helps exploit endless water resources throughout the year, contributing to promoting intensive agriculture in the arid valley area. Technology for construction and regular maintenance of spiral holes based on integration Great cooperation and effort of the social organization system , " Lasaponara said.

Spiral pits operate by transporting wind into underground channels, putting pressure on water from deep underground water tanks to where they need to be used. The construction of a large-scale project such as the puquios system requires a comprehensive understanding of regional geology, as well as the transformation of the annual water supply.

"The puquios system is the most ambitious irrigation project in the region of Nasca, which allows water resources to be available year-round for use, not only for agriculture but also for domestic needs", Lasaponara explained. prefer.