Astronauts uncover vast tree lines in Russia shielding crops from wind
Mysterious, uniformly thick lines have drawn attention in the Volgograd region. These intriguing geometrical formations caught the eye of astronauts aboard the International Space Station, who proceeded to photograph them. NASA has since shed light on their origins and purpose.
10:17 AM EDT, April 10, 2024
This formation was initially spotted by astronauts of the International Space Station (ISS). A few years ago, they spotted satellite imagery displayed parallel triple lines, which prompted further investigation, and their photographs provided a clearer view.
Mysterious Lines in Russia
Upon a detailed examination, these enigmatic bands were revealed to be extensive rows of trees stretching for miles. Humans intentionally planted these trees to protect crops against wind erosion, a phenomenon in which the wind displaces the topsoil or rock, leading to deteriorative effects.
This countermeasure is particularly vital in areas devoid of vegetation. Farmers strategically plant trees and vegetation as natural barriers to combat the detrimental wind effects. This practice in the Volgograd area dates back to the 17th century, with farmers continually enhancing these barriers by planting additional tree layers.
As NASA clarified, the formation visible from the cosmos is quite vast, spanning approximately 8.7 miles. The individual lines measure about 197 feet in width, making the total span of these protective "lines" nearly half a mile wide. They occasionally intersect with streams or roads, and ample space is left between them for crop cultivation.
