essay

The natural and human setting

tiwanaku and its hinterland : archaeology and paleoecology on an andean civilizationWashington, Dc • Published In 1996 • Pages: 23-56

By: Binford, Michael W., Kolata, Alan L..

Abstract
This chapter examines the geology, surface hydrology, groundwater, climate, paleoclimate, pollen found in lake cores, Lake Titicaca (water quality, lake levels, productivity, etc.), aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna, etc. of the southern Lake Titicaca basin. Also examined are the chronology of widespread use of raised field agriculture, settlement patterns, and other land-use practices up to the present day. The authors ask the question of, '…how Tiwanaku civilization emerged and flourished in the seemingly harsh environment of the Andean altiplano. Our description of ecosystems and their potential economic uses by humans should demonstrate that this environment is not as difficult as it appears …' (page 54).
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Climate
Topography and geology
Fauna
Flora
Tillage
tradition
Tiahuanaco
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Types
Geologist
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry ; 2002
Field Date
not specified
Coverage Date
1900 BP-800 BP
Coverage Place
Tiwanaku and Catari River drainage basins; Bolivia
Notes
Michael W. Binford and Alan L. Kolata
For bibliographical references see document 8: Kolata
LCCN
95005837
LCSH
Indians of South America--Antiquities