For years, it has been said that only wonders such as the Egyptian pyramids or the great Chinese wall could be distinguished from space. However, NASA has disassembled that belief by identifying a much more recent and functional construction that can be seen from outside the atmosphere. And the most surprising thing is that it is in southern Europe.
A structure that you did not expect to find from space
Far from the vestiges of the ancient world, there is a modern work that has managed to get the attention of NASA’s satellites. This construction is not made of stone or was erected by pharaohs or emperors. This is the gigantic plastic sea that covers a good part of the province of Almería, in Spain.
This surface of approximately 40,000 hectares is composed of greenhouses organized in rectilinear patterns that intensely reflect sunlight. That reflective capacity, added to its contrast to the desert landscape that surrounds it, makes it clearly distinguishable from space. According to NASA data, no other current human structure generates such striking effect on satellite images.
Why this white sea is key to agriculture
In addition to its spatial visibility, the so -called plastic sea fulfills a vital function for the agricultural economy of the region. Thanks to these greenhouses, Spain leads the production of fruits and vegetables in Europe, exporting large volumes every year.
Some key data on its importance:
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Agricultural efficiency: It is estimated that it produces 80% of the tomatoes and 60% of the cucumbers that are grown in the country.
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Climate control: Plastic covers allow maintaining stable temperature and humidity conditions.
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Natural protection: The structures act as barriers against pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.
What began as a strategy to take advantage of arid lands has evolved to become one of the greatest samples of how agricultural technology can transform the environment. And, incidentally, leave a visible mark until beyond the earth.
