SPACEPHOTOS

Alicante Area, Spain October 1993 Rainfall amounts along this east central coast of Spain are low, ranging between 12 and 16 inches (30-40 cm) per year. In spite of the meager rainfall amounts, the coastal basin supports substantial fruit gardens or orchards (called huertas). The huertas in the lowland areas between Alicante (harbor facilities are visible, lower left quadrant) and Cartegena (just off upper right corner) are famous for their extensive vegetation and subtropical crops. Practically anything can be raised, including cotton, sugar cane, and dates but the main emphasis is on citrus fruits and grapes. The coastal region, especially in the center of the image, is low-lying marshlands. Two ochre-colored salt marshes (Salinas de la Mata and Salinas de Torrevieja) are visible near the coast (right center). The north edge of Mar Menor (dark feature) is also visible in the upper right corner of the image. Several of the low mountains that are scattered throughout the scene cast shadows on their north facing slopes.