theguardian.com
Lidar Reveals Extensive Pre-Columbian Urban Network in the Amazon
Using lidar technology, researchers discovered evidence of 10,000–24,000 pre-Columbian earthworks in the Amazon basin, revealing sophisticated urban settlements and sustainable land management practices that challenge historical assumptions about the region's human occupation.
- How did ancestral Amazonians manage to create and sustain large urban centers in the Amazon rainforest, and what specific techniques did they employ?
- The discovery connects historical accounts from 16th-century explorers with modern scientific evidence, revealing a complex urban landscape far exceeding previous assumptions. This necessitates a reassessment of historical narratives and the impact of colonization on indigenous populations and their environment.
- What is the significance of the discovery of thousands of pre-Columbian earthworks in the Amazon basin, and how does it challenge existing historical narratives?
- Lidar technology has revealed evidence of 10,000-24,000 pre-Columbian earthworks in the Amazon, challenging the notion of a sparsely populated, pristine jungle. These findings suggest large urban centers and sophisticated, sustainable land management practices by ancestral Amazonians.
- What are the potential implications of this discovery for understanding sustainable urban development and environmental management in the Amazon, and how can this knowledge inform future policies?
- Future research should focus on understanding the long-term sustainability of these ancient urban systems and how their practices can inform contemporary approaches to urban planning and environmental management in the Amazon basin. Analysis of soil composition and agricultural techniques is crucial to this goal.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the discovery as a revolutionary breakthrough that challenges established historical understanding of the Amazon. The positive tone and emphasis on the scale and sophistication of the pre-Columbian settlements strongly support this perspective. Headlines or subheadings (if present) would further emphasize this positive portrayal. The inclusion of quotes from researchers expressing enthusiasm and awe reinforces this framing. While the article acknowledges the destructive impact of colonization, this is presented as a counterpoint to the grandeur of the past, rather than a central theme.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and enthusiastic, emphasizing the remarkable nature of the discoveries. Terms like "lost world," "incredible," and "grandiose engineering work" contribute to this tone. While this may be justified given the excitement surrounding the findings, it could be argued that using more neutral language would maintain objectivity. For example, instead of "grandiose engineering work," the phrase "extensive earthworks" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the findings of lidar technology and the resulting discoveries of pre-Columbian settlements in the Amazon. While it mentions the challenges of previous archaeological methods, it doesn't delve into the limitations or potential biases of lidar technology itself, such as its cost, accessibility, or potential for misinterpretation of data. The article also doesn't explore alternative perspectives on the interpretation of the findings, which could exist among archaeologists with different methodologies or theoretical frameworks. Further, the article does not discuss the impact of ongoing deforestation or other modern pressures on these sites.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between the previous understanding of the Amazon as a 'pristine jungle' and the newly discovered evidence of extensive pre-Columbian settlements. While this highlights the significant impact of the findings, it could oversimplify the complexities of the historical relationship between humans and the Amazon ecosystem. There might be intermediate viewpoints or nuances that are not explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery of sophisticated pre-Columbian urban settlements in the Amazon challenges the notion of a pristine, sparsely populated jungle. These cities, with their planned layouts, infrastructure (roads, plazas, etc.), and sustainable practices (composting, managed forests), demonstrate advanced urban planning and resource management relevant to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The article highlights the sustainable aspects of these ancient cities, offering lessons for modern urban planning and resource management.