Environmental and Socio-Environmental Dynamics in the Subtropical Maya Lowlands: Hydrosystems and Agrosystems of the Wetlands (bajos) around Naachtun

Summary

The eco-socio-system of the wetlands (bajos) situated around the city of Naachtun is studied in relation with the water and soil resources (availability, use, management), between environment, climate and societies. The objectives are to characterize the evolution of the hydrosystems and agrosystems during the last 3 millennia and particularly during the Classic Period. The approach is systemic and multi-scalar, based on interdisciplinary works with geoarchaeological, geomorphological, palaeo-ecological, geomatic and archaeological components. Fieldwork (coreholes, boreholes) are associated with spatial analysis works (geomatics), with laboratory analysis (sedimentary, geochimical, pedological, bio-indicators and geochronological analysis) and with the establishment of a frame of reference. Sedimentary records archived within the north bajo of Naachtun have good potential for the reconstruction of the past environmental and socioenvironmental dynamics (thickness, sedimentary facies variability, bio¬indicators content). Preliminary results indicate that this wetland associate water and soil resources which evolved under climate and anthropogenic controls. During the Classic Period, it was changed for water use and agriculture. The dynamic of this eco-socio-system was one of the factors which controlled the settlement and the development of the city of Naachtun.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Reconstructing Resource Availability, Use, and Management at Naachtun (Guatemala), a Regional Maya Center of the Classic Period

Keywords

Spatial Coverage