BTN News: When we think of landmarks visible from space, we often imagine colossal structures like Egypt’s Great Pyramid or China’s Great Wall. However, in an unexpected twist, it’s the vast greenhouses of El Ejido, Almería, Spain—popularly referred to as the “Sea of Plastic”—that stand out from orbit. This expansive agricultural marvel is so reflective that it can be seen even from the International Space Station, capturing the attention of astronauts and satellites alike. Here’s why this unique site is making headlines and how it transformed into a vital agricultural hub visible from space.
A Surprising Sight: How El Ejido’s Greenhouses Became a Space Landmark
On May 24, 2022, NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite captured striking images of the “Sea of Plastic” surrounding the small town of El Ejido in the Campo de Dalías, a coastal plain in the province of Almería. This vast network of greenhouses covers approximately 12,756 hectares, nearly half of Almería’s agricultural land. The gleaming white plastic that covers these structures makes them one of the most recognizable features from space, even more noticeable than some of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Turning a Desert into a Greenhouse Paradise
Despite Almería’s arid climate, which is among the driest in Europe, the region has transformed into a booming center of greenhouse agriculture. Starting in the 1950s, local farmers began to experiment with plastic coverings, discovering that they provided better protection from harsh winds and helped retain moisture in the soil. Over time, this innovation led to the development of thousands of greenhouses, each producing significant quantities of fruits and vegetables.
A Giant in European Agriculture: El Ejido’s Impressive Output
Today, El Ejido’s greenhouses produce between 2.5 to 3.5 million tons of fresh produce annually, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons. This output makes the region a crucial supplier of out-of-season produce for much of Europe. Remarkably, this transformation has turned Almería into a vital food source for the continent, defying its naturally dry conditions through innovation and adaptation.
Visible from Space: Why El Ejido Stands Out
So, why are El Ejido’s greenhouses so easily visible from space? The answer lies in their reflective surfaces. The white plastic used in these structures reflects large amounts of sunlight, creating a bright patch that is easily noticeable from orbit. According to Spanish astronaut Pedro Duque, “the greenhouses in southern Almería are the most visible human-made structures from space.” The visibility of the Great Wall of China pales in comparison, mainly because it blends in with its surrounding landscape.
Environmental Impact: Reflecting Sunlight and Cooling the Area
Interestingly, the reflective nature of the “Sea of Plastic” has contributed to a localized cooling effect in the region. By bouncing sunlight back into the atmosphere, the greenhouses help reduce temperatures on the ground, a phenomenon confirmed by NASA. This effect demonstrates an unexpected environmental benefit of the greenhouses, which are often criticized for their extensive use of plastic.
From Scrubland to Space Visibility: The Evolution of El Ejido’s Greenhouses
Before becoming a visible patch of white from space, the Campo de Dalías was mainly covered by scrub, grass, and small seasonal crops. It wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that farmers began to cover their fields with plastic to enhance productivity. This technique, initially intended to guard against wind and retain moisture, led to a massive agricultural boom, gradually replacing the traditional landscape with a sea of greenhouses.
Conclusion: An Agricultural Marvel Seen Around the World
El Ejido’s “Sea of Plastic” offers a fascinating case study in human innovation and resilience. Not only has this region transformed itself into a major agricultural hub, but it has also become an unexpected landmark visible from space. Through creative farming techniques, Almería has defied its harsh climate, providing fresh produce to millions across Europe and demonstrating the power of human ingenuity. As scientists and astronauts continue to observe the Earth from above, El Ejido’s reflective landscape serves as a bright reminder of how human enterprise can reshape the planet in remarkable ways.
