RÍO TINTO
ONE OF THE TEN PLACES THAT RESEMBLES AN ALIEN PLANET
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Since ancient times, Rio Tinto has been mined for copper, silver and gold. Although research has not demonstrated the contrary, it is believed that as a result of mining , Río Tinto is notable for being very acidic (pH 2) and its deep reddish hue is due to iron dissolved in the water.
This has obviously made the place be considered one of the ten places that resemble an alien planet on earth. Scientists now believe that these conditions could be the perfect analogue to what happens when liquid water flows on other planets or moons, such as on Mars or perhaps on Jupiter's moon, Europa.
This lunar landscape has consumed not only mountains and valleys but even entire villages, whose populations had to be resettled in specially built towns nearby. Named after the river which flows through the region-itself named for the reddish streaks that colour its water-Rio Tinto has become a landscape within a landscape.
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