The effect of landscape and hydrologic variables on the prehistoric Salado: Geoarchaeological investigations in the Tonto Basin, Arizona Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Geoarchaeological investigations in the Tonto Basin, Arizona provide insights into the Classic period Salado occupation from A.D. 1150 to 1450. Geomorphic reconstructions show that the Salado pursued irrigation agriculture on an intermediate Holocene terrace that was protected from flooding, while permanent settlements were located on stable Pleistocene landforms overlooking the field areas. Carrying-capacity-based calculations show that the population during the Classic period numbered in the low thousands. The development and subsequent cultural changes during the Classic period are tied to streamflow variations and cultural factors. The final abandonment of the Tonto Basin around A.D. 1450 is not the result of a major landscape change, but instead is linked to high frequency hydrologic variations that influenced food production coupled with cultural factors. 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

published proceedings

  • Geoarchaeology

author list (cited authors)

  • Waters, M. R.

citation count

  • 10

complete list of authors

  • Waters, Michael R

publication date

  • February 1998

publisher