Wind has a great influence on the landscape. Wind erodes surfaces by transporting small particles of sediment, soil and sand over long distances. Especially where the vegetation is sparse, new formations are formed in the form of dunes and drifts in the landscape.
This week’s photographs are from the sand dune area of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria. According to the myth, this is the Sahara in miniature, formed from sand brought here by the wind over millions of years. But science has established that this is just a myth. Analyzes show that the dunes were formed between 1720 and 1870. But it is still uncertain how they were formed. The most likely cause is that the great earthquake in Lisbon in 1755 and the subsequent tsunami wave moved enormous amounts of sand here in a short time.
Either way, it’s an amazing place that, with the help of the wind, is constantly changing. It was very windy when we were here. The sand swirled and it was impossible to defend against it. It was everywhere and it felt unpleasant in the windpipe and eyes. The photographic equipment was also exposed. Changing lenses was completely out of the question.