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Cultural responses to the altithermal: The role of aquifer‐related water resources
Author(s) -
Sheehan Michael S.
Publication year - 1994
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.3340090203
Subject(s) - aquifer , arid , groundwater , adaptation (eye) , water resources , geography , ecology , geology , biology , geotechnical engineering , neuroscience
The focus of this research is Early Archaic adaptation to the hot and dry Altithermal in the North American Great Plains. The view presented here suggests a direct link between Altithermal climatic conditions and cultural responses to those conditions. Water was a key factor in cultural adaptation to arid Altithermal conditions. Statistical analysis reveals a significant relationship between Early Archaic site location and certain sources of groundwater that is not apparent during the periods preceding and succeeding the Altithermal. The distribution of Early Archaic sites may reflect increased emphasis on predictable water supplies offered by aquifers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.