alluvium

Deposits of alluvium and volcanic ash have made desirable soil that is among the top 2% in the world.

Paved surfaces end miles from the rock outcrop, so we drive on overgrown rutted two-tracks that cross the loose sandy dune fields that show up on our geologic maps as “QAL”—Quaternary alluvium.

“Great buildings, like great mountains, are the work of centuries,” Hugo says, whereby “each wave of time lays down its alluvium”.

The island’s geology — a heart of granite in the west, compacted alluvium in the east — is such that most of it could be hollowed out.

“In a way, the flood is a blessing as fresh silt and alluvium deposits increase the productivity of the forest undergrowth,” Das tells the Hindu.