Vines in Volcanic Hollows

Vines in Volcanic Hollows is an original illustration set in La Geria, Lanzarote, Spain. It lies in the subtropics, where the climate is hot desert — evaporation far outruns rainfall.

Hundreds of shallow circular pits repeat across a charcoal-black volcanic slope, each holding one vivid green grapevine behind a low crescent wall of dark stone. Pale cones rise in the distance beneath a clear Atlantic sky, and the orderly yet hand-built pattern follows the contours rather than forming straight irrigated rows.

Why is each grapevine planted inside a dark volcanic hollow?

Because Lanzarote is dry and windy, farmers dig vines below the exposed surface so the hollows collect scarce moisture and shelter leaves from desiccating trade winds. Porous volcanic lapilli absorbs dew and rain, reduces evaporation, and slowly releases water toward the roots, while semicircular stone walls add protection. The contrast of isolated green plants against black ash is therefore a direct record of farming adapted to a young volcanic island.

Terpano is a free daily geography puzzle. You study one original illustration, place a pin on a borderless terrain map, and see how close you were. There is no account and no sign-up; progress stays in your own browser. It plays in 11 languages.