Bajada "Hanging" Canals of the Safford Basin,Southeastern Arizona: Excellence in Prehistoric Engineering

Summary

A large network of exceptionally well-engineered prehistoric canals has now

been discovered near Safford, Arizona. Within an area of roughly 450 km2, 12

distinct canal systems, comprised of 41 canals, have been identified originating

from the bajada of the Pinalen~o Mountains. Conveying water from runoff and

springs, the longest canal is about 13 km, and the total length of all systems

exceeds 125 km.