Project Relationship between Loma Oases in the desert and the Pleistocene settlement of South America Program Clarence E. Dammon Dean Term Academic Year 2022 Status Accepted Research Area Archaeology, human evolution CLA anthropology Description Loma oases are ecosystems unique to the arid central-western coast of South America, formed by the winter fog that accumulates on the slopes of the Andean foothills. They become seasonal homes to a unique and diverse suite of plant and animal species. Consequently, archaeologists hypothesize that Loma environments were vital to prehistoric Peruvians’ subsistence and settlement practices. Andean archaeologist Frédéric Engel emphasized this “Loma hypothesis” in his 1980s work. Later research has lent support; however, data are limited. This hypothesis predicts that if Lomas were essential to past people living on the Peruvian coast, then archaeological remains of their prehistoric settlements should be located near ancient Lomas. Interns will learn Geographic Information Systems and statistical inference to evaluate this prediction and the relationship between archaeological sites and Loma locations. Model results will provide insight into how Pleistocene humans chose their settlements and the types of non-maritime resources to which they would have access near the south American coast. Supervisor Erik Otarola-Castillo Mentor Type of work required Under instructor supervision, interns will learn Geographic Information Systems and statistical inference to evaluate this prediction and the relationship between archaeological sites and Loma locations.

Interns will digitize Engel’s archaeological site maps from Ica, Peru, and georeference the archaeological site locations therein.

They will use these and the locations of known modern and ancient Lomas and variables known to facilitate Loma formation to model the relationship between Loma and archaeological site location.

Interns will also learn various data manipulation techniques and use the R-programming language, including coding functions, routines, and documentation. Interns will also aid in preparing Powerpoint presentations and data entry, management, and analysis. Following initial work, interns will also have the opportunity to contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication and presentation at international professional conferences.
Websites www.eotarola.com Qualifications No specific experience is required. Candidates are required to possess a demonstrated interest and skill in two or more of the following: Anthropology, Archaeology or Biological Anthropology. Interested students must have knowledge of library research procedures (e.g., inter library loans). Desired (but not necessary) software knowledge includes R, ArcGIS, MS Excel, and Access. The intern will acquire many skills necessary to complete the outlined tasks through experiential learning Credit Hours 3 Weekly Hours 10 (estimated)