article

Environmental variability and settlement changes on the Parajito Plateau, New Mexico

American antiquity • 56 (2) • Published In 1991 • Pages: 315-332

By: Orcutt, Janet Dale.

Abstract

Using data on low-frequency alluvial and hydrological changes on the Colorado Plateau and high-frequency changes in climate for the northern Rio Grande, Orcutt proposes societies should respond with specific changes in settlement patterns and land use. These hypotheses are then compared against the archaeological data from 850-400 BP (AD 1150-1600) on population distribution and settlement patterns, including locations of field houses at different elevations. 'Low-frequency processes especially appear to have played a role in settlement change until AD 1450. After this date, settlement does not conform to expectations.' (page 315). Some of the possible reasons for remaining in the lower elevations despite dry conditions and aggrading flood plains include poor understanding of low-frequency processes; aggregation and intensive agriculture may have become too costly socially for people to move; human alteration of the landscape at high elevations may have degraded the environment enough so that it had not had enough time to recover; the lower elevations may have offered advantages for agriculture including longer growing season, broader flood plains and gentler slopes, and permanent water in drainages suitable for agriculture; and conflict.

HRAF PubDate

2012

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Sarah Berry; 2011

Field Date

not specified

Coverage Date

850-400 BP (AD 1150-1600)

Coverage Place

Pajarito Plateau, New Mexico, United States

Notes

Janet D. Orcutt

Includes bibliographical references (p. 329-332)

LCCN

46036122

LCSH

Indians of North America--Antiquities