Dissertation Research: Maya Wetlands Project: Ecology and Subsistence in Prehispanic Belize

9318930卡尔伯特在帕特里克·卡尔伯特博士的指导下，杰弗里·贝克先生将为他的博士论文收集数据。他将在低地伯利兹进行地质考古研究。贝克先生希望重建史前玛雅人的农业实践。他特别想了解在低地地区实践的栽培技术，也就是一年中有部分时间会受涝的“巴霍斯”。他将利用地质学和生态学技术研究巴霍土壤的性质、化学成分和保水特性。他将研究一些巴乔类型的植被，以了解土壤、水和植被之间的关系。最后，他还将进行考古挖掘，以确定田地是否经过人类改造，以及玛雅人如何使用这些田地。考古证据表明，古代玛雅人能够在地势低洼的热带地区耕种，并生产足够的食物来养活大量人口。虽然许多考古学家认为，这是通过一种隆起的田地系统实现的，而且景观得到了广泛的修改，但其他人不同意这种说法。不幸的是，解决这一问题所需的基本地质和生态数据并不存在。贝克先生将进行的研究应该有助于解决这个问题。这个项目之所以重要，有几个原因。古代玛雅人在今天只养活少量人口的地区繁衍生息。史前人民已经开发出农业技术，如果进行重建，可能会产生直接的实际利益。该项目还将进一步培养一位非常有前途的年轻科学家。***

9318930 Culbert Under the direction of Dr. Patrick Culbert, Mr. Jeffrey Baker will collect data for his doctoral dissertation. He will conduct geoarchaeological research in lowland Belize. Mr. Baker wishes to reconstruct agricultural practices of prehistoric Mayan peoples. In particular he wants to understand cultivation techniques which were practiced in lowland areas or "bajos" which are waterlogged for portions of the year. He will employ both geological and ecological techniques to study the nature of bajo soils, their chemistry and their water retention characteristics. He will study the vegetation of a number of bajo types to understand the relationship between soil, water and vegetation. Finally he will also conduct archaeological excavation to determine whether fields underwent human modification and how Mayan peoples used them. Archaeological evidence demonstrates that ancient Mayan peoples were able to farm low-lying tropical areas and produce enough food to support large populations. While many archaeologists believe that this was accomplished through a system of raised fields and that landscape was extensively modified, others disagree. Unfortunately the basic geological and ecological data necessary to address this question does not exist. The research which Mr. Baker will conduct should help to remedy this problem. This project is important for several reasons. Ancient Mayan peoples thrived in regions which today support only small populations. Prehistoric peoples had developed agricultural techniques which, if reconstructed could have direct practical benefit. The project will also further the development of an extremely promising young scientist. ***