Atlantis

Evidence from high resolution satellite imagery of the existence of ancient canals on the Bolivian Altiplano similar to those described by Plato.

Evidencia desde fotos satelitales de alta resolución de la existencia de acequias antiguas sobre el altiplano boliviano similar a los descrito por Platón

By J.M. Allen


Above left, the traditional grid of parallel canals on the rectangular, level plain of Atlantis. "And on the inland side of the city, channels were cut in straight lines, … and they transported also on boats the seasons' products, by cutting transverse passages from one channel to the next"…Plato

Above right, theoretical drawing showing how the grid of canals fits the rectangular Altiplano, with Pampa Aullagas at its centre where the city should be.

satellite photo altiplano canals
High resolution satellite image showing ancient parallel canals on the Altiplano near Lake Poopo.


Enlargement. The parallel canals are approximately 550 to 600ft (167metres to 183metres) apart with intermediate canals 275 to 327ft (84 to 100 metres) apart.


enlargement


Many of the ancient channels are barely visible at first


Enlargement begins to show them clearly


One can see the chequerboard pattern of transverse canals


Another system of wandering channels like canalised rivers crosses the straight canals and appears to link up a system of wells fed originally from the underground water table.


The canals are supplied by a system of wells connected by feeder canals


Detail of well supplying canal system. The well has an outer diameter of 200ft and the water level appears to be too low for the system to function today.


Detail of another well 200ft in diameter with close by, remains of straight channels.


Section of canalised river with wells feeding straight canals. Some of the canals are still in use today but the vast majority appear to be abandoned and the cultivations fallen into disuse. Recently, attempts have been made to expand the cultivation of quinoa in the region.


canal fed by well, internal diameter 60ft


the canal disappears under rio Desaguadero.


straight canals continue under the rio Desaguadero.


Irrigation canals with feeder channel and well.


canals disappearing under present-day lake UruUru


enlargement of canals in chequerboard pattern disappearing under present-day lake UruUru


canals beneath present day salt desert.

Historic Atlantis in Bolivia canals galleryCLICK for canals gallery

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