Amazonian Dark Earths: Geoarchaeology

摘要: Amazonian Dark Earths (hereinafter ADEs) are expanses of anthropogenic soils that formed on generally nutrient-poor upland the Amazon basin during pre-Columbian times. Expanses ADEs range from <1–80 ha, and overall agricultural aptitude is higher than vast majority in region. These much sought after by local farmers who use them to grow specific crops. Most documented found Tertiary-age sediments located riparian interfluvial positions basin. However, instances also reported Quaternary alluvial human-made earthworks, highlighting formation these was an outcome forms settlement. The discovery alongside main waterways region has been a crucial Rubicon for archaeology: record effects indigenous societies’ creative manipulation environmental affordances. Thus, they highlight human inhabitation was, is, more efficient adaptation limitations. Their ubiquity provides strong evidence existence sedentary demographically denser societies before European colonization. Moreover, examined strictly archaeological perspective, one best signatures occupations with limited preservation potential. sui generis artifacts extraordinary relevance present-day concerns: soil scientists currently studying properties order develop techniques amelioration permit recuperation amendment degraded infertile soils.