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science2025-08-16 01:25 am
ysabetwordsmith) wrote in science2025-08-16 01:25 am
Entry tags:
Climate Change
Mexican cave stalagmites reveal the deadly droughts behind the Maya collapse
Summary:
Chemical evidence from a stalagmite in Mexico has revealed that the Classic Maya civilization’s decline coincided with repeated severe wet-season droughts, including one that lasted 13 years. These prolonged droughts corresponded with halted monument construction and political disruption at key Maya sites, suggesting that climate stress played a major role in the collapse. The findings demonstrate how stalagmites offer unmatched precision for linking environmental change to historical events.
Just in case you thought climate change wasn't very important, a shift in the environmental conditions is one of the leading causes of civilization collapse.
Summary:
Chemical evidence from a stalagmite in Mexico has revealed that the Classic Maya civilization’s decline coincided with repeated severe wet-season droughts, including one that lasted 13 years. These prolonged droughts corresponded with halted monument construction and political disruption at key Maya sites, suggesting that climate stress played a major role in the collapse. The findings demonstrate how stalagmites offer unmatched precision for linking environmental change to historical events.
Just in case you thought climate change wasn't very important, a shift in the environmental conditions is one of the leading causes of civilization collapse.