Are Desert Grids the New Crop Circle?

Everyone loves a conspiracy. Aliens have gotten the credit for crop circles in Europe and North America but what accounts for various grids and other geometric patterns in the Kumtag Desert in Gansu? Recently seen on Google Maps, the following photos are launching conspiracy rumors and explanations ranging from US landmark target practice to wind farms. Others are scoffing, saying that they're merely doctored photos.

Maybe they're just large-scale cultural representations. The following photo does bear an uncanny resemblance to the "cracked ice" lattice woodwork traditional in the Suzhou area.

Instead of questioning the Google Map findings, what about turning them into art instead? That's exactly what New York artist Jenny Odell does. Using aerial images from Google Satellite View, Odell creates fascinating works centered around similar landmarks or venues, like Manhattan sports stadiums.

The Guardian has provided answers for some of the findings, including a large fluorescent blue pool. (Spoiler alert: It's the world's biggest potash fertilizer plant). Those grids still remain a mystery.

So what do you think those grids are? Or do you know of any interesting or puzzling markings around Beijing? Take a look on Google Maps or Google Earth and let us know if you spot anything, or if you can come up with an intriguing compilation of Beijing structures or sites.

Intrigued? Want more? Look for our upcoming December issue – the Ecology feature details about a shocking discovery about Beijing’s landfills made with Google Maps.

Photos: Gizmodo.com, Soufun.com, Jennyodell.com