Heat is above us, within us, around us and seemingly here to stay for the next weeks. Since there are too many things to list about it that are not good, I thought we’ll look at one thing that is: droughts are a boon to archeology. At least that’s what they find in the United Kingdom, particularly Scotland and Wales.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/uk-heatwave-revealing-ancient-sites-wales-180969601/

Ditches that were dug 100 years ago, or 500, or 100os of years, around burial sites, or fortifications, for example, hold more moisture than the surrounding landscapes, even if they are covered up (and thus usually invisible.)

Plants who happen to grow on top or alongside these ditches have more access to moisture than everyone else in the vicinity and thus stay green longer or grow taller when everything else is withering on the stalk.

 

All you need is an airplane, an experienced eye and a sense for archeological shapes, and you are good to go. Surveys from above will reveal ancient configurations that are not standing out when nature is evenly green.

I am not sure if this translates to the U.S. – and frankly am too hot to check that out. But I did have some music by Mendelssohn in mind  that describes the Hebrides, the island chain in front of Scotland, and the rolling waves – providing a bit of cool relief.

Montages are views from an airplane window while approaching San Francisco.