Sluice gate at right angled bend in irrigation channel in shadow of tall trees, Parque General San Martin, Mendoza, Argentina

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Mendoza, in the rain shadow of the Andes, has a semi-desert arid climate. Extensive irrigation has given rise to the cultivation of Mediterranean cash-crops, including olive-oil and wine production. The area receives an average mm of rainfall a year, mostly in the summer (November-March). The January average day-time temperature is 32 C (falling to C at night). The July winter average day-time temperature is C (falling to C at night). Drought-resistant pine trees and cacti are features of the natural vegetation. Irrigation ditches, first constructed by indigenous peoples, such as the Huarpes and Incas, are seen here in Parque General San Martin.

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Size: 4287px × 2848px
Location: Avenida Libertador, Parque General San Martin, Mendoza, Argentina, South America
Photo credit: © robert harrison / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: america, american, argentina, argentinian, avenida, avenue, channel, channels, climate, ditch, ditches, gate, general, geography, green, history, huarpes, incas, indians, irrigation, libertador, martin, mendoza, park, parque, puelches, rain-shadow, san, semi-desert, sluice, soils, south, trees, vegetation, view, water