Above, Corrientes region, Argentina, material studied runs from Esquina north-east along the course of the Corrientes river.

Above, it may not be realised on the ground, but these satellite images show that these ponds were at one time artificially constructed in rows, with interlinking small channels in the Pampa Aullagas region of the Altiplano. On the Altiplano there are many such examples of this type of landscape, some natural, some artificial as above, which are known as bofedales (wetlands).

Above, examples of natural bofedales in the Andes.

See also the page Beni for examples of extremely large artificial ponds in the Beni region of Bolivia and additional examples in the Corrientes region.

When Europeans after the Conquest settled in the Americas, wherever they found swampy land they would either not use it at all or drain it and plough it up for agriculture. The native Americans however found the swamp a friendly environment and wherever there is to be found a fairly level area with a plentiful water supply, there is often to be found remains of ancient cultures. An example is the Tabasco region of Mexico where remains of ancient canals can still be seen on satellite images.

Above, in the region north-east of Esquina and rio Corrientes there are many artificial ponds with interconnected canals similar to those which exist on the Bolivian Altiplano.

Typical circular artificial ponds and islands near Esquinas, by the rio Parana and rio Corrientes, Argentina...

Typical circular artificial ponds and islands near Esquinas, by the rio Parana, Argentina...
Many other regioins have accumulations of similar ponds which could be studied to see if artificial or natural or adapted for human use.

Typical circular artificial pond and island on the northern side of rio Parana in Paraguay...

Typical interconnected ponds on the northern side of rio Parana in Paraguay...

Change of climate has meant many ponds now dried up but still leave their characteristic patterns on Google imagery, northern side of rio Parana in Paraguay...

the interconnecting channels can clearly be seen on these photos, Corrientes zone

this larger pond measures 2400 metres or 4800 sumerian cubits or 12 furlongs in length, Corrientes zone

These ponds Corrientes region of Argentina are surrounded by what appears to be a system of contoured irrigation canals similar to those seen on the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia and possibly used today for rice cultivation. Note how the ponds are linked by an interconnecting system of canals, again similar to those seen on the altiplano in Bolivia. See also contoured irrigation channels in the Altiplano

The region of the rio Corrientes in Argentina is studded with many artificial ponds and islands and in its upper reaches it becomes a vast swamp land, the Esteros del Ibera.

 
Esteros del Ibera ...

 
Estero del Ibera, people still live and farm there in this giant nature reserve...

Esteros del Ibera, local resident may be watching you...

This pond in the Esteros del Ibera is 100 Sumerian double yards of 100 shusi in diameter...

These look like artificial canals and artificial circular islands...

These look like artificial canals and artificial islands...

This looks like artificial circular island with nearby canal...

example of lagoons joined by canals...

parallel fine canals but can't tell if ancient or modern, the oval pond lower right is typical artificial pond...

the pond measures 200 metres or about 400 Sumerian cubits of 30 shusi in length, - one furlong - a typical length of artificial pond such as found in the Beni and other regions, 660 English feet or 600 Sumerian feet....

more nearby artificial ponds....

artificial island or pond 1000 Sumerian feet in diameter...

This looks like remains of ancient canals...

This looks like remains of ancient canals, this example about 30ft wide but see below...

  
  
Unfortunately, in recent times a large embankment was built across the zone although this was later ordered to be removed by the authorities, it makes it difficult to determine whether the canal seen in previous photo is ancient or remains of modern works.

An example of abandoned irrigated cultivations in the rio Corrientes area.

An example of abandoned irrigation canals in the rio Corrientes area.