A Resilient Landscape of the High Alpujarra (Granada): The Hydraulic System of the Trevélez-Juviles Ground Water Channel and the Barranco de los Molinos (Ravine of the Mills)

Abstract

[EN] The centre of the High Alpujarra is defined by a stratified landscape from the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the Guadalfeo river valley. The meltwater has made possible the development of hydraulic systems that have given structure to the agricultural lands linked to the settlements of this region throughout history. One of the most outstanding cases can be found in the surroundings of Barranco de los Molinos, linked to the fertile plains of Juviles, Timar and Lobras. Captured at 2511 metres above sea level, next to the Borreguiles del Puerto de Trev€!iez and Jeres del Marquesado, an acequia de careo forms the backbone of this system. Barranco de los Molinos is one of the ravines into which it pours its waters, after transferring the water from the Trev€!iez river basin to the catchment area of the river Berchules. A series of concatenated water channels that, even today, irrigate the agricultural districts located to the east of the village of Juviles also originate in it, continuing downstream where they supply different irrigated lands in Timar and Lobras on their way, concluding at around 900 metres above sea level.