Center-Pivot Irrigation in the Great Plains

A satellite image of the area around Garden City, Kansas, USA. The bright red areas are very reflective in infrared wave lengths, indicating vigorous crop growth. The Arkansas River runs through the center and a reservoir (blue) is visible on the left. To the north, fields are square and rectangular, reflecting the Township and Range survey system. South of the river, the circular-shaped fields result from irrigation. In the center of each field, water is pumped from a well and distributed to the field by means of a rotating springer mechanism. [Image credit: Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Smithsonian Institution]

Created by Ingolf Vogeler on 30 April 1996.