essay

Tiwanaku raised field agriculture in the Lake Titicaca basin of Bolivia

tiwanaku and its hinterland : archaeology and paleoecology on an andean civilizationWashington, Dc • Published In 1996 • Pages: 109-151

By: Kolata, Alan L..

Abstract
Kolata and Ortloff examine the distribution, morphology, and function of raised fields through survey, aerial photography, and excavation of raised fields and their associated canals. Both the Catari and Tiwanaku river valleys were examined. The results of the excavations and some stratigraphic profiles are presented. The authors explore the reasons why raised fields work so well and some of the problems they overcome (salinization, drainage of saturated soils, increasing agricultural land area, heat storage, and soil fertility). They develop a mathematical model to explore the physical phenomena involved in heat storage in raised fields along with a hydraulic analysis of some of the canals and aqueducts.
Subjects
Organization and analysis of results of research
Topography and geology
Tillage
Water supply
Waterways improvements
tradition
Tiahuanaco
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
South America
Sub Region
Central Andes
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Archaeologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Sarah Berry ; 2002
Field Date
1979-1982 and 12986-1994
Coverage Date
1600 BP-900 BP
Coverage Place
southern Lake Titicaca basin; Bolivia
Notes
Alan L. Kolata and Charles R. Ortloff
For bibliographical references see document 8: Kolata
LCCN
95005837
LCSH
Indians of South America--Antiquities