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Amazonian Dark Earths: Geoarchaeology

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Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology

Introduction

Amazonian Dark Earths (hereinafter ADEs) are expanses of anthropogenic soils that formed on generally nutrient-poor upland soils of the Amazon basin during pre-Columbian times. Expanses of ADEs range from <1–80 ha, and overall agricultural aptitude is higher than the vast majority of soils in the region. These soils are much sought after by local farmers who use them to grow specific crops. Most of the documented expanses of ADEs are found on Tertiary-age sediments located in riparian and interfluvial positions of the Amazon basin. However, instances are also reported on Quaternary alluvial sediments and on human-made earthworks, highlighting that the formation of these soils was an outcome of specific forms of pre-Columbian settlement. The discovery of ADEs alongside the main waterways of the region has been a crucial Rubicon for Amazonian archaeology: these soils record the effects of pre-Columbian indigenous societies’ creative manipulation of environmental affordances....

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Archaeology, University College London, WC1H 0PY, London, UK

    Manuel Arroyo-Kalin

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Correspondence to Manuel Arroyo-Kalin .

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  1. Department of Archaeology, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Claire Smith

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Arroyo-Kalin, M. (2014). Amazonian Dark Earths: Geoarchaeology. In: Smith, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0465-2_2252

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