Barbezieux Crop Circle

Summary

On June 12, 1981, an agricultural worker in Barbezieux (Charente) discovered a circular area of about 20 meters in diameter in a cornfield. At the center, the plants had disappeared and the soil was cracked with a 80 cm deep depression. Around it, the stalks were dry as if exposed to intense heat. Five holes of 4 to 5 cm in diameter formed a trapezoid-like pattern. The soil had an unusual smell, and analysis confirmed the central area had been exposed to temperatures above 100 °C. Although heavy rain was recorded between June 8 and 9, researchers favored the hypothesis of a lightning strike. The observed effects, such as progressive drying and the holes, could be explained by an electrical discharge inducing currents in the soil.