MadSci Network: Earth Sciences
Query:

Re: Where can I find information about etchings on the ground?

Date: Tue Mar 13 16:49:51 2001
Posted By: Carol Stein, , geology/geochemistry, Gannett Fleming, Inc.
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 982876938.Es
Message:

The subject of etchings on the ground is fascinating!  As you have noted, 
they are found in a variety of places.  Perhaps the largest and most 
well-known are those found on the Nazca Plain in Peru, a few hundred miles 
south of Lima.  If you use the Internet, or have a librarian who can help 
you, there are many, many references to the "Nazca Lines" as they are 
called.  These markings look as though they were made to be viewed from 
a position above the earth's surface, and have even been described as 
'airport runways' for visitors from outer space (although one may wonder 
why a spaceship would need a runway).....  

There are also some astonishingly good pictures of large giraffes (!) 
carved on rocks in the Sahara desert, thought to have been left by 
prehistoric people thousands of years ago -- see the Sept. '99 issue of 
National Geographic.

Then, of course, there are lots of references to the petroglyphs (images 
carved on rock) in the southwestern US.  Again, you might try the Internet 
or your friendly local librarian for references to the Anasazi culture. 
These people fluorished in the area that is now New Mexico and Arizona, but 
then they mysteriously disappeared around 900 AD, leaving a wonderful 
legacy of rock art that includes the popular figure Kokopelli, the Flute 
Player.  There have been several TV shows, including a NOVA episode, on 
Chaco Canyon, where there is an abundance of rock art.

Hope this helps!  


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