Qochas on Andean highlands

TL;DR

This paper discusses the traditional Andean water management system of qochas, which are interconnected lakes or ponds used for agriculture, highlighting their structure, function, and visibility in satellite imagery.

Contribution

It provides an overview of the ancient water management technique of qochas, emphasizing their design, purpose, and the network of canals linking them.

Findings

Qochas are natural or artificial ponds used for agriculture in the Andes.

Their concave shape helps control evaporation.

Qochas are visible in satellite imagery.

Abstract

On the Andean highlands, the "qochas" are lakes or ponds of natural or artificial origin. An ancient agricultural technique is based on their use. Linked together by a network of canals, qochas form a system of water and soil management, alternately used for crops or pasture. The concave structure of qochas controls the strong evaporation produced by solar radiation and wind blowing. Qochas can be observed in the satellite imagery of Google Maps.