 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Mysterious Sea Bowls in La Palma

   June 17, 2021

    Cazoletas en el mar

   Photographer:  Jose F. Arozena

   Summary Authors:  Jose F. Arozena &  Cadan Cummings

   These circular or ovoid shaped holes of different sizes and depths are
   called sea bowls. Mysterious in nature, their origin has been
   hypothesized to be human made by the ancient inhabitants of the  La
   Palma island- the so-called  Awaras- since their creation has not
   been explained geologically. Several theories for their purpose range
   from serving a role in regional  fishing or  livestock farming to
   representing a part of sacred history for native populations. Located
   adjacent to the sea which is historically used to wash sheep and other
   livestock, the sea bowls could have served a role in bathing and
   deworming cattle in summer months. This evidence is supported by their
   names on marine maps stemming from livestock terms- such as “cattle
   tip” shown in the images above.  Alternatively, their orientation on
   the horizon points approximately to where the Sun rises and sets during
   the  solstices. Whether a part of ancient livestock agriculture,
   marking annual astrological events, or something altogether different,
   these sea bowls in the  volcanic basalt rock have endured the test
   of time as their shape remains even after being covered by  hightide
   repeatedly for countless years.

   For more about the geology and history of La Palma, see Professor
   Miguel Martin’s videos and podcasts in the Canarian prehistory magazine
    Iruene.
     * Mazo. La Palma island, Canary Islands, Spain Coordinates:
        28.605556, -17.777778

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    More...

Geology Links

     *  Earthquakes
     *  Geologic Time
     *  Geomagnetism
     *  General Dictionary of Geology
     *  Mineral and Locality Database
     *  Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness
     *  This Dynamic Earth
     *  USGS
     *  USGS Ask a Geologist
     *  USGS/NPS Geologic Glossary
     *  USGS Volcano Hazards Program

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   Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the  Universities
   Space Research Association.

https://epod.usra.edu
 
