Four thousand years of environmental change and human activity in the Cochabamba Basin, Bolivia

A 4000-year reconstruction of environmental change and human activity in the Cochabamba Basin, Bolivia, reveals two distinct periods of reduced moisture availability—around 4000–3370 and 2190–1020 years ago—correlating with El Niño/Southern Oscillation variations. Multiproxy analysis of Lake Challacaba sediments shows continuous human use of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan road network during this time, evidenced by high charcoal abundance. A notable decline in charcoal and increase in dung fungus around 1340–1210 years ago suggests cultural shifts played a significant role in shaping the modern landscape. Despite evidence of human impact on Polylepis woodlands today, no signs of woodland clearance were detected in this record.

Williams, J. J., Gosling, W. D., Coe, A. L., Brooks, S. J., & Gulliver, P. (2011). Four thousand years of environmental change and human activity in the Cochabamba Basin, Bolivia. Quaternary Research, 76(1), 58–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yqres.2011.03.004