DOCSLIB.ORG

High Resolution Drone Surveying of the Pista Geoglyph in Palpa, Peru

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
High Resolution Drone Surveying of the Pista Geoglyph in Palpa, Peru geosciences Article High Resolution Drone Surveying of the Pista Geoglyph in Palpa, Peru Karel Pavelka *, Jaroslav Šedina and Eva Matoušková Department of Geomatics, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Thakurova 7, Prague 6 16629, Czech Republic; [email protected] (J.Š.); [email protected] (E.M.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +42-22435-3865 Received: 3 November 2018; Accepted: 10 December 2018; Published: 13 December 2018 Abstract: Currently, satellite images can be used to document historical or archaeological sites in areas that are distant, dangerous, or expensive to visit, and they can be used instead of basic fieldwork in several cases. Nowadays, they have final resolution on 35–50 cm, which can be limited for searching of fine structures. Results using the analysis of very high resolution (VHR) satellite data and super resolution data from drone on an object nearby Palpa, Peru are discussed in this article. This study is a part of Nasca project focused on using satellite data for documentation and the analysis of the famous geoglyphs in Peru near Palpa and Nasca, and partially on the documentation of other historical objects. The use of drone shows advantages of this technology to achieve high resolution object documentation and analysis, which provide new details. The documented site was the “Pista” geoglyph. Discovering of unknown geoglyphs (a bird, a guinea pig, and other small drawings) was quite significant in the area of the well-known geoglyph. The new data shows many other details, unseen from the surface or from the satellite imagery, and provides the basis for updating current knowledge and theories about the use and construction of geoglyphs. Keywords: photogrammetry; RPAS; UAV; Peru; geoglyph Pista; mapping; drones 1. Introduction Remote sensing and Google Earth using satellite images became an instrument for archaeological documentation and research at the beginning of the new millennium [1]. New types of multispectral and stereoscopic data with very high resolution are an important source of data; in many projects, Google Earth can be used as a tool for the searching of new potential archaeological sites. The long-term usage of an aerial archaeological survey is very popular. RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system) also known as UAV (unmanned aircraft vehicle) or drones, are nowadays gaining importance [2]. Very high resolution (VHR) satellite data with a ground sampling distance (GSD) better than 1 m have been at disposal for civilian purposes since 1999. They support a new analytical possibility in archaeology and historical object documentation. Current civilian satellite images with GSD 0.35–1.0 m in panchromatic or pan-sharpened images serve as a perfect source for the documentation of known objects or finding possible newly detected archaeological sites or objects [3]. Satellite imagery can be used in some cases instead of basic fieldwork for searching for new objects and generally for documentation or mapping of an area of interest. Our possibility to detect a new object from satellite data ends in the case of linear objects by their thickness at 30–50 cm (0.7–1.0 pixels), in the case of 3D or point objects, some pixels (depend on object, but at least four pixels) are necessary for statistically appropriate detection. This means that linear objects with a thickness smaller than 30 cm and a point object smaller than 50 cm in diameter are invisible to us and for this reason unknown. Outputs with a better GSD can be obtained using aerial methods; however, they are not at their disposal or they are too expensive for small projects in many countries. There is a gap between remotely sensed data with GSD 50 cm Geosciences 2018, 8, 479; doi:10.3390/geosciences8120479 www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences Geosciences 2018, 8, 479 2 of 20 Geosciences 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 21 they are not at their disposal or they are too expensive for small projects in many countries. There is and GSD 5 cm; however, the better resolution can be important in special cases—e.g., searching of fine a gap between remotely sensed data with GSD 50 cm and GSD 5 cm; however, the better resolution details in orthophoto or in shaded digital surface model. can be important in special cases—e.g., searching of fine details in orthophoto or in shaded digital This problem can solve use of RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft system or simple “drones”), surface model. they typicallyThis problem provide can datasolve withuse of a RPAS GSD (remotely better than piloted 5 cm. aircraft It has system been or possible simple to“drones”), use data they from RPAStypically since provide 2010. However, data with ita isGSD not better easy than to use 5 cm. it in It some has been cases, possible because to use of a data meteorological, from RPAS since safety, or2010. bureaucratic However, point it ofis view.not easy However, to use surfaceit in some large cases, archaeological because of objects a meteorological, are very well visiblesafety, fromor heightbureaucratic such as subsurfacepoint of view. objects However, based surface on crop large marks archaeological [3–7]. objects are very well visible from heightIn particular, such as subsurface they are objectsobjects based that are on notcrop overshadowed marks [3–7]. by growing vegetation—i.e., object in desert orIn semi-desertparticular, they areas. are Such objects an that area are isPeru, not over whereshadowed more advanced by growing civilizations vegetation—i.e., existed object in the in dry coastaldesert areas or semi-desert before the areas. conquest. Such an area is Peru, where more advanced civilizations existed in the dry coastal areas before the conquest. 1.1. Geoglyphs and Lines: State-of-the-Art 1.1.Near Geoglyphs Nasca and city, Lines: approximately State-of-the-Art 400 km southeast from the Peruvian capital city Lima (Figure1), there isNear a famous Nasca archaeological city, approximately area, which 400 km contains southeast thousands from the of Peruvian world-known capital geoglyphscity Lima (Figure and lines. The1), Nasca there is city a famous is located archaeological 40 km from area, the which Pacific contains coast inthousands a dry landscape, of world-known interwoven geoglyphs with and fertile valleyslines. withThe Nasca occasional city is rivers. located The 40 first km scientificfrom the informationPacific coast aboutin a dry geoglyphs landscape, and interwoven lines in Peruvian with desertfertile was valleys brought with by occasional P. Kosok, whorivers. later The collaborated first scientific with information M. Reiche. about Dr. Maria geoglyphs Reiche, and a charismatic lines in scientistPeruvian born desert in Dresden/Germany, was brought by P. Kosok, worked who in thelater Peruvian collaborated desert with near M. Nasca Reiche. city Dr. to Maria document Reiche, and explaina charismatic interesting scientist geoglyphs born in and Dresden/Germany, lines in the city worked neighbourhood in the Peruvian since WW desert II. near Based Nasca on her city work, to thedocument Nasca lines and and explain geoglyphs interesting were geoglyphs added to and the lines UNESCO in the city (United neighbourhood Nations Educational, since WW II. Scientific Based andon Cultural her work, Organization) the Nasca worldlines heritageand geoglyphs list in 1995 were and added they areto preservedthe UNESCO by Peruvian(United lawNations [8–11 ]. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage list in 1995 and they are preserved Other areas were not under auspices of law and they are in very bad condition, such as cases [10,11]. by Peruvian law [8–11]. Other areas were not under auspices of law and they are in very bad The origin of geoglyphs and lines is not clear, with many scientists and laics trying to explain the condition, such as cases [10,11]. The origin of geoglyphs and lines is not clear, with many scientists origin and reason [11,12]. The main hypothesis, which attempts to explain the origin of geoglyphs and and laics trying to explain the origin and reason [11,12]. The main hypothesis, which attempts to lines, talks about the astronomical reason (calendar) [8,9,12], the designation of water resources [13], explain the origin of geoglyphs and lines, talks about the astronomical reason (calendar) [8,9,12], the anddesignation religious ritualsof water [9 ,resources14–16]. There [13], and are alsoreligious technical rituals theories [9,14–16]. that There they are were also areas technical for weaving theories or spinningthat they long were ropes areas [17 for–19 weaving]. There areor spinning also bizarre long theories ropes [17–19]. about extra-terrestrials,There are also bizarre pre-Columbian theories Olympiaabout extra-terrestrials, games, art, etc. [pre-Columbian11,20]. Olympia games, art, etc. [11,20]. (A) (B) FigureFigure 1. (1.A )( GeoglyphA) Geoglyph Pista Pista near Palpa,near Palpa, (Google (Google Earth, Earth, satellite satellite image fromimage 2013) from and 2013) (B) localizationand (B) oflocalization cities Palpa of and cities Nasca Palpa in and Peru Nasca (Google in Peru maps). (Google maps). SomeSome lines lines and and objects objects were were analysedanalysed asas astronomicallyastronomically oriented oriented [8,9,11,12,20–23], [8,9,11,12,20–23 ],with with many many lineslines or or geoglyphs geoglyphs neither neither of of known known originorigin nornor originaloriginal use. use. It It is is not not the the goal goal to to argue argue about about the the originorigin or or purposes purposes of of geoglyphs; geoglyphs; however,however, thethe result of detailed detailed documentation documentation may may serve serve other other professionals [16]. Unfortunately, simply explained theories are always sought. Apparently, there is no Geosciences 2018, 8, 479 3 of 20 uniform use of geoglyphs and lines, which is due to long-term land use. It should be noted that the geoglyphs are of different types and they could have been created by different civilizations, which used geoglyphs and lines differently.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Geoglyphs of Har Karkom (Negev, Israel): Classification and Interpretation
    PAPERS XXIV Valcamonica Symposium 2011 THE GEOGLYPHS OF HAR KARKOM (NEGEV, ISRAEL): CLASSIFICATION AND INTERPRETATION Federico Mailland* Abstract - The geoglyphs of Har Karkom (Negev, Israel): classification and interpretation There is a debate on the possible interpretation of geoglyphs as a form of art, less durable than rock engravings, picture or sculpture. Also, there is a debate on how to date the geoglyphs, though some methods have been proposed. Har Karkom is a rocky mountain, a mesa in the middle of what today is a desert, a holy mountain which was worshipped in the prehis- tory. The flat conformation of the plateau and the fact that it was forbidden to the peoples during several millennia allowed the preservation of several geoglyphs on its flat ground. The geoglyphs of Har Karkom are drawings made on the surface by using pebbles or by cleaning certain areas of stones and other surface rough features. Some of the drawings are over 30 m long. The area of Har Karkom plateau and the southern Wadi Karkom was surveyed and zenithal pictures were taken by means of a balloon with a hanging digital camera. The aerial survey of Har Karkom plateau has reviewed the presence of about 25 geoglyph sites concentrated in a limited area of no more than 4 square km, which is considered to have been a sacred area at the time the geoglyphs were produced and defines one of the major world concentrations of this kind of art. The possible presence among the depictions of large mammals, such as elephant and rhino, already extinct in the area since late Pleistocene, may imply a Palaeolithic dating for some of the pebble drawings, which would make them the oldest pebble drawings known so far.
    [Show full text]
  • Sacred Places Europe: 108 Destinations
    Reviews from Sacred Places Around the World “… the ruins, mountains, sanctuaries, lost cities, and pilgrimage routes held sacred around the world.” (Book Passage 1/2000) “For each site, Brad Olsen provides historical background, a description of the site and its special features, and directions for getting there.” (Theology Digest Summer, 2000) “(Readers) will thrill to the wonderful history and the vibrations of the world’s sacred healing places.” (East & West 2/2000) “Sites that emanate the energy of sacred spots.” (The Sunday Times 1/2000) “Sacred sites (to) the ruins, sanctuaries, mountains, lost cities, temples, and pilgrimage routes of ancient civilizations.” (San Francisco Chronicle 1/2000) “Many sacred places are now bustling tourist and pilgrimage desti- nations. But no crowd or souvenir shop can stand in the way of a traveler with great intentions and zero expectations.” (Spirituality & Health Summer, 2000) “Unleash your imagination by going on a mystical journey. Brad Olsen gives his take on some of the most amazing and unexplained spots on the globe — including the underwater ruins of Bimini, which seems to point the way to the Lost City of Atlantis. You can choose to take an armchair pilgrimage (the book is a fascinating read) or follow his tips on how to travel to these powerful sites yourself.” (Mode 7/2000) “Should you be inspired to make a pilgrimage of your own, you might want to pick up a copy of Brad Olsen’s guide to the world’s sacred places. Olsen’s marvelous drawings and mysterious maps enhance a package that is as bizarre as it is wonderfully acces- sible.
    [Show full text]
  • Sacred Places Europe: 108 Destinations
    Reviews from Sacred Places Around the World “… the ruins, mountains, sanctuaries, lost cities, and pilgrimage routes held sacred around the world.” (Book Passage 1/2000) “For each site, Brad Olsen provides historical background, a description of the site and its special features, and directions for getting there.” (Theology Digest Summer, 2000) “(Readers) will thrill to the wonderful history and the vibrations of the world’s sacred healing places.” (East & West 2/2000) “Sites that emanate the energy of sacred spots.” (The Sunday Times 1/2000) “Sacred sites (to) the ruins, sanctuaries, mountains, lost cities, temples, and pilgrimage routes of ancient civilizations.” (San Francisco Chronicle 1/2000) “Many sacred places are now bustling tourist and pilgrimage desti- nations. But no crowd or souvenir shop can stand in the way of a traveler with great intentions and zero expectations.” (Spirituality & Health Summer, 2000) “Unleash your imagination by going on a mystical journey. Brad Olsen gives his take on some of the most amazing and unexplained spots on the globe — including the underwater ruins of Bimini, which seems to point the way to the Lost City of Atlantis. You can choose to take an armchair pilgrimage (the book is a fascinating read) or follow his tips on how to travel to these powerful sites yourself.” (Mode 7/2000) “Should you be inspired to make a pilgrimage of your own, you might want to pick up a copy of Brad Olsen’s guide to the world’s sacred places. Olsen’s marvelous drawings and mysterious maps enhance a package that is as bizarre as it is wonderfully acces- sible.
    [Show full text]
  • Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology
    Books Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology Edited by Deodato Tapete Printed Edition of the Special Issue Published in Geosciences www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences MDPI Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology Books Special Issue Editor Deodato Tapete MDPI • Basel • Beijing • Wuhan • Barcelona • Belgrade MDPI Special Issue Editor Deodato Tapete Italian Space Agency (ASI) Italy Editorial Office MDPI AG St. Alban-Anlage 66 Basel, Switzerland This edition is a reprint of the Special Issue published online in the open access journal Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263) from 2017–2018 (available at: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences/special_issues/archaeology). For citation purposes, cite each article independently as indicated on the article page online and as indicated below: Books Lastname, F.M.; Lastname, F.M. Article title. Journal Name Year, Article number, page range. First Edition 2018 ISBN 978-3-03842-763-6 (Pbk) ISBN 978-3-03842-764-3 (PDF) Articles in this volume are Open Access and distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY), which allows users to download, copy and build upon published articles even for commercial purposes, as long as the author and publisher are properly credited, which ensures maximum dissemination and a wider impact of our publications. The book taken as a whole is © 2018 MDPI, Basel, Switzerland, distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). MDPI Table of Contents About the Special Issue Editor ..................................................................................................................... vii Preface to “Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology” ........................................................... ix Deodato Tapete Remote Sensing and Geosciences for Archaeology Reprinted from: Geosciences 2018, 8(2), 41; doi: 10.3390/geosciences8020041 ......................................
    [Show full text]
  • Implications for the Phoenix Basin Hohokam
    THE ORGANIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL LABOR AMONG SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION AGRICULTURALISTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PHOENIX BASIN HOHOKAM Christopher N. Watkins ABSTRACT all the labor necessary to maintain agricultural lands Recent research has highlighted the ways in which Hohokam and irrigation features. Canal agriculture is a labor- households organized labor. In this study I consider the possibility intensive activity that requires people to perform a that the Hohokam may have drawn on agricultural labor from be- series of different tasks at coordinated times. This yond the immediate household. Using a sample of 10 ethnographi- form of agriculture encourages large households and cally known smallholder irrigation agriculturalists, I examine the necessitates cooperation between households (see nature and occurrence of supra-household agricultural labor. Wilk and Netting 1984; Wilk and Rathje 1982). While it Sharecropping, or working the land of another in exchange for a share of the crop, is present universally in the ethnographic cases is clear the Hohokam households combined labor to examined. Other forms of supra-household labor such as slavery, construct, maintain, and operate their canal systems, servitude, wage labor, and fixed rent arrangements are present, there has been little research on the source of this la- but are much less common. I propose that sharecropping arrange- bor and the labor required to manage fields and crops. ments did exist between patron-households and client laborers in Should we expect that Hohokam households provided prehistoric Hohokam communities of the Phoenix Basin. Further- all or most of their own labor? If not, where might pa- more, I argue that field houses are a likely context to observe such tron households have turned for client labor? behavior.
    [Show full text]
  • Rock Art of Latin America & the Caribbean
    World Heritage Convention ROCK ART OF LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN Thematic study June 2006 49-51 rue de la Fédération – 75015 Paris Tel +33 (0)1 45 67 67 70 – Fax +33 (0)1 45 66 06 22 www.icomos.org – [email protected] THEMATIC STUDY OF ROCK ART: LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN ÉTUDE THÉMATIQUE DE L’ART RUPESTRE : AMÉRIQUE LATINE ET LES CARAÏBES Foreword Avant-propos ICOMOS Regional Thematic Studies on Études thématiques régionales de l’art Rock Art rupestre par l’ICOMOS ICOMOS is preparing a series of Regional L’ICOMOS prépare une série d’études Thematic Studies on Rock Art of which Latin thématiques régionales de l’art rupestre, dont America and the Caribbean is the first. These la première porte sur la région Amérique latine will amass data on regional characteristics in et Caraïbes. Ces études accumuleront des order to begin to link more strongly rock art données sur les caractéristiques régionales de images to social and economic circumstances, manière à préciser les liens qui existent entre and strong regional or local traits, particularly les images de l’art rupestre, les conditions religious or cultural traditions and beliefs. sociales et économiques et les caractéristiques régionales ou locales marquées, en particulier Rock art needs to be anchored as far as les croyances et les traditions religieuses et possible in a geo-cultural context. Its images culturelles. may be outstanding from an aesthetic point of view: more often their full significance is L’art rupestre doit être replacé autant que related to their links with the societies that possible dans son contexte géoculturel.
    [Show full text]
  • Book of Abstracts
    Book of abstracts XVIII° CONGRES UISPP PARIS JUIN 2018 18th UISPP WORLD CONGRESS, PARIS, JUNE 2018 1 Table of contents XVIIIe congres UISPP Paris.pdf1 IV-1. Old Stones, New Eyes? Charting future directions in lithic analysis. 10 Found Objects and Readymade in the Lower Palaeolithic: Selection and Col- lection of Fully Patinated Flaked Items for Shaping Scrapers at Qesem Cave, Israel, Bar Efrati [et al.]................................ 11 Lithic technology as part of the `human landscape': an alternative view, Simon Holdaway........................................ 13 Moving on from here: the evolving role of mobility in studies of Paleolithic tech- nology., Steven Kuhn.................................. 14 The settlement system of Mount Carmel (Israel) at the threshold of agriculture as reflected in Late Natufian flint assemblages, Gal Bermatov-Paz [et al.]..... 15 What lithic technology (really) wants. An alternative "life-theoretical" perspec- tive on technological evolution in the deep past, Shumon Hussain......... 16 Exploring knowledge-transfer systems during the Still Bay at 80-70 thousand years ago in southern Africa, Marlize Lombard [et al.]............... 17 Technological Choices along the Early Natufian Sequence of el-Wad Terrace, Mount Carmel, Israel, false [et al.].......................... 18 Trying the old and the new: Combining approaches to lithic analysis, Aldo Malag´o[et al.]...................................... 19 Early tool-making and the biological evolution of memory systems in brains of early Homo., Michael Walker............................. 21 New methodology for studying old lithics to answer new questions: about the laterality in human evolution., Am`eliaBargall´o[et al.]............... 23 1 Approaches and limits of core classification systems and new perspectives, Jens Frick [et al.]....................................... 24 On the application of 3D analysis to the definition of lithic technological tradi- tion, Francesco Valletta [et al.]...........................
    [Show full text]
  • 137607 Escape to Adv.Final
    EscapeTourist Attractions toAdventure and Events Imperial Valley Joint Chambers of Commerce Chambers of Commerce offices throughout Imperial County carry a host of information on local tourist attractions and events. Brawley Chamber of Commerce 204 South Imperial Avenue, Brawley 92227 (760) 344-3160. brawleychamber.com Calexico Chamber of Commerce 1100 Imperial Avenue, Calexico 92231 (760) 357-1166. calexicochamber.net Calipatria Chamber of Commerce 150 North Park Avenue, Calipatria 92233 (760) 348-5039. El Centro Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 1095 S. 4th Street, El Centro 92243 (760) 352-3681. elcentrochamber.com Holtville Chamber of Commerce 101 West Fifth Street, Holtville 92250 (760) 356-2923. holtvillechamber.com Imperial Chamber of Commerce 400 S. Imperial Ave. #2, Imperial 92251 (760) 355-1609. imperialchamber.org Westmorland Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 699, Westmorland 92281 (760) 344-3411. Desert Area Information – For information about the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area or other remote areas of Imperial County contact the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) El Centro Field Office, 1661 S. 4th St., El Centro, CA 92243, (760) 337-4400. blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro.html. Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area – Visitor information and emergency medical services are available weekends during the winter season (October- May) at BLM’s Cahuilla and Buttercup Ranger Stations. Visit www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro.html, uniteddesert gateway.org, americansandassociation.org. Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area – 5172 Highway 78. For visitor information call (760) 767-5391. ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1217. Salton Sea Information – Both the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, 100-225 State Park Rd., North Shore, CA 92254, and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, 906 W.
    [Show full text]
  • Rasbdb Subject Keywords
    Leigh Marymor, Compiler KEYWORD GUIDE A joint project of the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Bay Area Rock Art Research Association KEYWORD GUIDE Compiled by Leigh Marymor, Research Associate, Museum of Northern Arizona. 1 September 15, 2020 KEYWORD GUIDE Mortars, cupules, and pecked curvilinear nucleated forms. Canyon Trail Park, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. Compiled by Leigh Marymor, Research Associate, Museum of Northern Arizona. 2 September 15, 2020 KEYWORD GUIDE Aerial Photography .......................................... 9 Archival storage ............................................... 9 Table of Contents Augmented Reality .......................................... 9 Bias ................................................................... 9 INTRODUCTION: .................................................. 7 Casts ................................................................. 9 Classification .................................................... 9 SUBJECT KEYWORDS: ........................................... 8 Digital Sound Recording................................... 9 CULTURAL CONTEXT ..............................................8 Digital Storage ................................................. 9 CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ..................8 Drawing.......................................................... 10 Cultural Tourism ...............................................8 Historic Documentation ................................. 10 Community Involvement ...................................8 Laser Scanning
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Pre-Columbian “Geoglyph” Builders on Amazonian Forests
    Impact of pre-Columbian “geoglyph” builders on Amazonian forests Jennifer Watlinga,b,1, José Iriarteb, Francis E. Maylec, Denise Schaand, Luiz C. R. Pessendae, Neil J. Loaderf, F. Alayne Street-Perrottf, Ruth E. Dickaug, Antonia Damascenod, and Alceu Ranzih aMuseum of Archaeology and Ethnography, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-070, Brazil; bDepartment of Archaeology, College of Humanities, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QE, United Kingdom; cDepartment of Geography and Environmental Science, School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AB, United Kingdom; dDepartment of Anthropology, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; eCentre of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13416-000, Brazil; fDepartment of Geography, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom; gHD Analytical Solutions, Inc., London, ON M5H 1V3, Canada; and hLaboratory of Paleontology, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco 69916-900, Brazil Edited by James O’Connell, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, and approved December 28, 2016 (received for review August 27, 2016) Over 450 pre-Columbian (pre-AD 1492) geometric ditched enclo- depth of forest modifications (23). Terrestrial paleoecology sures (“geoglyphs”) occupy ∼13,000 km2 of Acre state, Brazil, rep- programs are essential for a better understanding of these issues, resenting a key discovery of Amazonian archaeology. These huge which have strong implications for the resilience of Amazonian earthworks were concealed for centuries under terra firme (upland forests to human impact and, subsequently, their future conser- interfluvial) rainforest, directly challenging the “pristine” status of vation (24–26). this ecosystem and its perceived vulnerability to human impacts.
    [Show full text]
  • Rockhound Ramblings
    Rockhound ramblings FEBRUARY 2017 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PASADENA LAPIDARY SOCIETY - PASADENA, CALIFORNIA INSIDE THIS ISSUE Editor’s 2 Message Reports, Contact & 2 Club Information Ed’s Corner 3 Workshop Current Club News Current Club Events Feature Articles 4 Azurite, A Beautiful Mineral ! Society Events 5 Articles, Information Azurite is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. It is also known and Photos as Chessylite after the type found locally at Chessy-les-Mines near Lyon, France. The mineral, a carbon- 6 ate, has been known since ancient times, and was mentioned in Pliny the Elder's Natural History under the Field Trip Greek name kuanos (κυανός: "deep blue," root of English cyan) and the Latin name caeruleum. The blue Editor’s Quiz of azurite is exceptionally deep and clear, and for that reason the mineral has tended to be associated Federation Reports since antiquity with the deep blue color of low-humidity desert and winter skies. The modern English name Tips, Safety 7 of the mineral reflects this association, since both azurite and azure are derived via Arabic from the Persian Rock & Gem Shows lazhward — an area known for its deposits of another deep blue stone, lapis lazuli ("stone of azure"). Member-to-Member Photos courtesy of thesphinxandthemilkyway.com, trinityminerals.com and geologyin.com Calendar 8 ROCKHOUND RAMBLINGS Page 2 FEBRUARY 2017 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PASADENA LAPIDARY SOCIETY contact Jennifer Jang and reserve one or The members in charge of these events will be Editor’s Corner more display cases to show off items they looking for help, and you can email Dear Members, have made or acquired.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Évora ARCHMAT
    University of Évora ARCHMAT (ERASMUS MUNDUS MASTER IN ARCHaeological MATerials Science) Mestrado em Arqueologia e Ambiente : Ciencia dos Materiais Arqueologicos Rock paintings and microorganisms – a new insight on Escoural cave Guilhem Mauran m34312 Ana Teresa Caldeira, Universidade de Évora António Candeias, Universidade de Évora Nicola Schiavon, Universidade de Évora Évora, September 2016 This page intentionally left blank Rock paintings and microorganisms – a new insight on Escoural cave Infrared reflectography of charcoal drawings of horses’ heads in Escoural cave. ©Sonia Costa, Hercules Lab., Universidade de Evora, Evora, Portugal. ARCHMAT 2014-2016 Guilhem MAURAN m34312 Table of contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................... I TABLE OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................................ III TABLE OF TABLES .......................................................................................................................................... III TABLE OF APPENDIXES ................................................................................................................................ IV TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................................... V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]