Salinas de Janubio facts for kids
The Salinas de Janubio are special salt flats located on the island of Lanzarote. This island is part of the Canary Islands, which are found off the coast of Africa. The salt flats are about 9 kilometers (around 5.6 miles) north of a town called Playa Blanca.
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What Are Salt Flats?
Salt flats are large, flat areas where salt is collected from seawater. At Salinas de Janubio, a natural lagoon was formed in 1730. This happened when lava from volcano eruptions flowed and created walls around a part of the ocean. This natural lagoon is perfect for making salt.
How Is Salt Made Here?
The Salinas de Janubio started making salt in 1895. Here's how it works:
- Water from the natural lagoon is let into shallow pools.
- The sun and wind then make the water evaporate (dry up).
- As the water evaporates, the salt is left behind.
- This salt is then collected.
Originally, wind power was used to pump the water into the pools. Big windmills would turn and move the water. Today, electric pumps do this job, making it faster and easier.
How Much Salt Is Produced?
The Salinas de Janubio can produce a lot of salt! Each year, anywhere from 2,000 to 15,000 tons of salt can be collected. That's a huge amount!
What Is the Salt Used For?
The salt from Janubio has been very important for the local people.
- Preserving Fish: In the past, and even today, salt is used to keep fish from spoiling. This was especially important before refrigerators were common.
- Making Dyes: Local artists use this salt to help make dyes. These dyes are used for coloring fabrics and other materials.
- Festival Decorations: The colorful dyes made with Janubio salt are often used for special decorations. You can see these beautiful decorations during the annual Corpus Christi festival on the island.
Who Visits the Salt Flats?
Besides people, many different kinds of migratory birds visit the Salinas de Janubio. These birds travel long distances and find a good place to rest and feed at the salt flats. It's an important spot for wildlife!
See also
In Spanish: Salinas de Janubio para niños
