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Geomorphic analysis of Hohokam settlement patterns on alluvial fans along the western Flank of the Tortolita Mountains, Arizona
Author(s) -
Waters Michael R.,
Field John J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
geoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.696
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1520-6548
pISSN - 0883-6353
DOI - 10.1002/gea.3340010401
Subject(s) - alluvial fan , alluvium , geology , archaeology , prehistory , human settlement , alluvial plain , settlement (finance) , pleistocene , holocene , geomorphology , geography , paleontology , structural basin , world wide web , computer science , payment
Geoarchaeological investigations of the alluvial piedmont or bajada emanating from the Tortolita Mountains, Arizona, show that the distribution of Hohokam sites apparent from the surface is complete and undisturbed by geological processes. Late Holocene geomorphic processes and their resultant deposits on the bajada affected the location of prehistoric Hohokam agricultural settlements. Hohokam settlements were commonly situated on small alluvial fans dominated by sheetwash processes and deposition of fine‐grained alluvium, where floodwater farming could be easily pursued with little modification of the natural surface. Large alluvial fans, dominated by channel processes and coarse‐grained alluvium were avoided by the Hohokam farmer because these areas were less suitable for floodwater farming.