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Disturbed earth?

Posted by Chris Hinch on Thu Aug 15, 2002 06:17:49 PM

This is an extract from an aerial photo taken of an RNZAF airfield five years after a number of crated p40's were rumoured to have been buried "out in the middle of the airfield" circa 1945.

Three areas look interesting, expecially when compared with photos of sister airfields taken at the same time, which show no similar surface variations, which tends to exclude natural variation on a grassed surface.

Note the two "cricket pitch" shapes - one in the centre, and another in the 1 oclock position. The upper shape is less distinct than the centre, perhaps older? They are at ground level (no shadow), but I can't figure out the white markings surrounding them.

Measured against the wingspan of a PBY in the original photo, the dimensions of centre "cricket pitch" is approx 20' x 70'. Any ideas what these could be in the context of an air force base circa 1950?

The other area of interest is the darker blob in the lower right corner. While there are other similar areas of darker variation throughout the photo, this one is significantly harder edged.

Any thoughts?

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