Humans as geomorphic agents: Lidar detection of the past, present and future of the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico

A groundbreaking study reveals that human activities have been the dominant geomorphic agents shaping landscapes since the rise of early urbanism, with lasting impacts visible even today. Using advanced lidar mapping, researchers analyzed the Teotihuacan Valley in Mexico, uncovering previously unrecognized features and documenting the destruction of archaeological sites due to modern mining operations. This multi-scalar approach links past, present, and future landscape dynamics, providing a critical geospatial database for informed stewardship decisions. The findings underscore the need to balance urban development with the preservation of heritage landscapes, offering valuable insights for policymakers and archaeologists alike.

Sugiyama, N., Sugiyama, S., Catignani, T., Chase, A. S. Z., & Fernandez-Diaz, J. C. (2021). Humans as geomorphic agents: Lidar detection of the past, present and future of the Teotihuacan Valley, Mexico. Plos One, 16(9), e0257550. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257550