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Did the flowering of the La tolita culture 3000 BP result from a natural disaster
Open accessAbstract
The La Tolita site appeared on the Pacific coast of northern Ecuador around 3000 BP, and its culture quickly spread throughout the interior alluvial plain of mangrove and thick rainforest vegetation up to an elevation of 2000m along the Andean slopes. New geomorphic evidence shows that the flowering of the La Tolita culture could have followed a natural disaster that opened a new waterway, which facilitated communication with gold bearing areas and Andean communities landward. The La Tolita area is located in the Esmeraldas-Tumaco seismic zone, one of the most active on earth. The channel avulsion is correlated with active fault motion in the alluvial lowlands of the Santiago and Cayapas River basins. We question here the relation between the two following phenomenons, natural disaster and cultural flowering.
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
New geomorphic and stratigraphic evidence from the Cayapas–Santiago estuary in northern Ecuador suggests the flowering of the La Tolita culture around 3000 BP followed a fault-driven channel avulsion that opened a shorter, wider estuary and gave access to gold-bearing areas and Andean communities. The authors question, rather than prove, a causal link between this natural disaster and the cultural expansion.
Key findings
- The present Cayapas–Santiago estuary resulted from a drainage deviation by faulting; interpolation of 14C-dated beach ridges places the avulsion at 2800–3200 BP (~3000 BP), and two dated beach ridges give 3251–2854 BP and 3260–2830 BP.
- At the El Indio section, a flood level (limy sand with wood fragments) dated cal. 2σ 3220–2960 BP separates Early La Tolita Culture (ELTC) deposits below from refuse middens above dated 2868–2702 BP and 2865–2730 BP; the midden above the flood contains the oldest manufactured gold artifact of the La Tolita sphere.
- The La Tolita island ceremonial center appeared by 2778–2545 BP, roughly 200–300 years after the avulsion; the authors note a gap of at least 90 years between the flood and the first gold artifacts, which they call too long for a close cause/effect relation.
- Early La Tolita sites now lie 1–2 m below mean upper sea level, implying at least 3–4 m of subsidence since occupation; the authors suggest a combination of slight sea-level lowering and temporary tectonic uplift may have created favorable conditions.
Methods
- Multidisciplinary synthesis of three separately developed projects: geomorphology of the La Tolita site (CNRS/UMR 6012, Pau University/IRSAM), archaeology (Museo del Banco Central–IRD/UMR 208), and geology/tectonics of the Esmeraldas area (IRD/Géosciences Azur–INOCAR).
- Drainage pattern analyzed on SPOT imagery and aerial photos for river deviation, abandoned valleys, and channel anomalies, using alluvial river geomorphology methods (Schumm et al. 2000) and geomorphic evidence of recent fault motion.
- Field study of a ~3 m lithologic section at the El Indio (Las Balsas) archaeological site, with AMS 14C dating of wood fragments and refuse layers and granulometric analysis.
Limitations
- Stated: the dating of the avulsion is not direct but estimated from nearby beach ridges; there is no 14C dating from the early ELTC level (Fig. 4, level 3); the El Indio section shows an erosive contact and a gap of at least 90 years, so a shorter gap cannot be excluded; the uplift hypothesis (3) "lacks of precise control"; no clear evidence of a tsunami was found in the record; and whether the geomorphic–cultural relation is fortuitous "can not be clearly established."
- Evident from the text: the causal argument rests on correlation of independently dated geomorphic and archaeological events rather than a demonstrated mechanism, and the authors themselves frame the relation as a question rather than a conclusion.
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- Findingcitation§ Discussion
Other levels of thin sand and silt in the El Indio section and other profiles are attributed to flood deposits, particularly in the upper part of sections in the Laguna de la Ciudad.
“Other levels of thin sand and silt are observed in the El Indio section and in other profiles attributed to flood deposits, in particular in the upper part of the sections located in the Laguna de la Ciudad”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data§ Introduction
The refuse level at El Indio yielded two 14C dates: 2868-2702 BP and 2865-2730 BP.
“This level of refuse yielded two 14C dates: respectively 2868-2702 and 2865-2730 BP.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
In the El Indio profile section, the oldest level including ELTC ceramics just predates the flood level.
“In the El Indio profile section, the oldest level including ELTC ceramics (fig. 4, level 3) just predates the flood level.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation§ Introduction
During the Holocene, the drainage of the central part of the El Placer fan was blocked against the rising La Boca uplift and redirected to the southwest toward the Cayapas River.
“During the Holocene the drainage of the central part of the El Placer fan was blocked against the rising La Boca uplift, and redirected to the SW toward the Cayapas River (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006; Santana, Dumont et al. 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Santana, Dumont et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingnone given§ Discussion
The geomorphic evolution shows that there was no connection between the Santiago River and the La Tolita area before the avulsion event.
“The geomorphic evolution shows that there was no connection between the Santiago River and the La Tolita area before the avulsion event.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data§ Introduction
The AMS 14C dating of wood fragments scattered in the middle part of the flood deposit at El Indio yielded a calibrated age of 3230 to 2960 BP.
“The AMS 14C dating of wood fragments scattered in the middle part of the flood deposit yielded a calibrated age of 3230 to 2960 BP.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation§ Discussion
The beach ridge in the El Indio section is now near the low sea level, registering a subsidence of at least 3-4 m.
“The beach ridge in the El Indio section in now near the low sea level registering a subsidence of at least 3-4m”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given§ Résumés
The channel avulsion is correlated with active fault motion in the alluvial lowlands of the Santiago and Cayapas River basins.
“The channel avulsion is correlated with active fault motion in the alluvial lowlands of the Santiago and Cayapas River basins.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
The oldest manufactured gold artifact of the ELTC (found in the midden) postdates the flood level.
“the occurrence of the oldest manufactured gold artifact of the ELTC (found in the midden) that postdate the flood level (Fig. 5)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Introduction
The refuse level at El Indio that postdates the flood event includes the oldest occurrence of gold metallurgy of the La Tolita Culture Sphere.
“However the refuse level (Fig. 4, level n° 5) that post date the flood event (Fig. 4, level n° 4) includes the oldest occurrence of gold metallurgy of the La Tolita Culture Sphere.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Introduction
Both levels of human occupation located below and over the flood layer at El Indio belong to the same cultural occupation.
“Both levels of human occupation located below (n° 3) and over (Fig. 4, levels n° 5 and 6) the flood layer, belong to the same cultural occupation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation§ Introduction
The avulsion occurred at 2800-3200 BP, estimated by interpolation of 14C dated beach ridges near the point of changing pattern of the estuary channel.
“The interpolation of 14C dated beach ridges (Tihay 1989; Tihay and Usselmann 1995) near the point of changing pattern of the estuary channel allows an estimation of 2800-3200 BP for the avulsion (Fig. 3, ~3000 BP beach ridge) (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Tihay 1989
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Tihay and Usselmann 1995
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data§ Introduction
The Cayapas River presents the same meandering pattern upstream from the confluence with the Santiago River and downstream from the avulsion point along the old river segment.
“The geomorphologic analysis of channel characteristics shows that the Cayapas River presents the same meandering pattern (the relation between width and sinuosity) upstream from the confluence with the Santiago River (Fig. 3, segment 1-2), and downstream from the avulsion point along the old river segment (Fig. 3, segment 3-4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
We did not find clear evidence of a tsunami event in the lithologic record or in the El Indio profile section.
“we did not find clear evidence of such an event in the lithologic record, or in the El Indio profile section.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Introduction
The area observed on aerial photos and SPOT image with a smooth pattern, interpreted as the mark of a flood area, is spatially related to the only identified avulsion.
“The area observed on aerial photos and SPOT image with a smooth pattern (Fig. 3), and interpreted as the mark of a flood area, is spatially related to the only identified avulsion (Fig. 5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
An erosion contact cut the early ELTC level at the base of the flood level in the El Indio section.
“An erosion contact cut the early ELTC level at the base of the flood level (Fig. 4, levels 3 and 4 respectively).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
An erosive contact is observed at the bottom of the refuse midden that overlay directly the flood level.
“An erosive contact is observed at the bottom of the refuse midden (Fig. 4, level 5) that overlay directly the flood level (Fig. 4, level 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given§ Introduction
The drainage re-direction generated an increase of discharge to the Cayapas River downstream from point 2 on Fig. 3.
“The drainage re-direction generated an increase of discharge to the Cayapas River downstream from point 2 on Fig. 3.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation§ Introduction
The present estuary of the Cayapas and Santiago Rivers, where the La Tolita culture spread and flourished after 3000 BP, resulted from a stepped evolution of the drainage pattern triggered by fault motion.
“The present estuary of the Cayapas and Santiago Rivers, where the La Tolita culture spread and flourished after 3000 BP resulted from a stepped evolution of the drainage pattern of the area triggered by fault motion (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006; Santana, Dumont et al. 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Santana, Dumont et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingcitation§ Introduction
The beach ridge accretion pattern presents relatively parallel lines except during the period 4000-3000 BP.
“The beach ridge accretion pattern presents relatively parallel lines except during the period 4000-3000 BP (Fig. 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Introduction
At the El Indio archeological section, an irregular but clear limit separates the lower ELTC midden from a 50-70 cm thick homogeneous light brown layer of sand including scattered centimeter-size wood fragments.
“An irregular but clear limit separates this lower level from a 50-70 cm thick homogeneous light brown layer of sand, including scattered centimeter-size wood fragments (Fig. 4, n° 4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation§ Discussion
The most important settlement in La Tolita island appeared by 2778-2545 BP, about 200 to 300 years after the avulsion.
“However, the most important settlement in La Tolita island appeared by 2778-2545 BP (Valdez 2006), that is about 200 to 300 years after the avulsion (Fig. 5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Findingown data§ Discussion
The 14C ages obtained from the midden suggest that the erosion contact between the flood and the refuse deposit represents a gap of at least 90 years.
“The 14C ages obtained from the midden suggest that the erosion contact between the flood and the refuse deposit represents a gap of at least 90 years (Fig. 5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data§ Discussion
According to the available dates, the ceremonial center in the La Tolita island (2778-2545 BP) begins to grow soon after metallurgy is practiced in the Santiago-Cayapas drainage area, as suggested by the presence of early gold artifacts found in the El Indio site (2868-2702 BP and 2865-2730 BP).
“According to the available dates, the ceremonial center in the La Tolita island (2778-2545 BP) begins to grow soon after metallurgy is practiced in the Santiago- Cayapas drainage area, as suggested by the presence of early gold artifacts found in the El Indio site (2868-2702 BP and 2865-2730 BP) (Fig 4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given§ Conclusion
The chronologic succession of events shows the apparition of the La Tolita island ceremonial center soon after the avulsion and opening of the new channel.
“The chronologic succession of events that shows the apparition of the La Tolita island ceremonial center soon after the avulsion and opening of the new channel.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingreasoning§ Conclusion
It is only about 300-400 years after the geomorphologic reorganization that the people reorganized the activities in the La Tolita island site.
“it is only about 300-400 years after the geomorphologic reorganization that the people reorganized the activities in the La Tolita island site”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given§ Introduction
By 2700 BP the La Tolita site began to grow around a central concentration of several earth mounds of different sizes.
“By 2700 BP the site began to grow around a central concentration of several earth mounds of different sizes (tolas or “Tolitas”).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation§ Discussion
The coast in front of the Esmeraldas-Tumaco area presents two caps, one of them the Galera Cap associated with an offshore promontory, that drastically reduces the effect of tsunami waves coming from southwest of Esmeraldas.
“the coast in front of the Esmeraldas-Tumaco area presents two caps, one of them the Galera Cap associated with an offshore promontory, that drastically reduces the effect tsunami waves coming from southwest of Esmeraldas (Mansour Ioualalen, personal communication, September 2009)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Mansour Ioualalen, personal communication, September 2009
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation§ Discussion
Tsunami waves are related from the 1906 and 1979 earthquakes in the area of Tumaco, in relation to focal mechanism located offshore, between the trench and the coast.
“Tsunami waves are related from the 1906 (Scheu 1911) and 1979 (Herd, Youd et al. 1981) earthquakes in the area of Tumaco, in relation to focal mechanism located offshore, between the trench and the coast.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Scheu 1911
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Herd, Youd et al. 1981 source
- Study design and conductown data§ Discussion
The dating of the avulsion is not direct; it is estimated from the ages of the closest beach ridges to the point of change of the morphology of the lower Cayapas-Santiago channel, from river to estuary system.
“The dating of the avulsion is not direct, it is estimated from the ages of the closest beach ridges to the point of change of the morphology of the lower Cayapas-Santiago channel, from river to estuary system.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ Discussion
There are some indices to set the onset of the post glacial transgression at a higher sea level than the present one (~2 m), as suggested by Tihay (1989), in agreement with the global post glacial sea level curve in the equatorial zone (Pirazzoli 1991).
“Regarding the hypothesis (2) there is some indices to set the onset of the post glacial transgression at a higher sea level than the present one (~2m) as suggested by Tihay (1989), in agreement with the global post glacial sea level curve in the equatorial zone (Pirazzoli 1991).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Tihay (1989)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Pirazzoli 1991 source
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
Thus the time gap observed between the flood level and the midden may represent the irregular conditions of sedimentation in the low drainage line where refuse deposit was accumulated.
“Thus the time gap observed between the flood level and the midden may represent the irregular conditions of sedimentation in the low drainage line where refuse deposit was accumulated.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ Discussion
On the basis of chemical analysis, Valdez et al. (2005) stress that the gold nuggets came from a placer washing area located at the Santiago river.
“On the basis of chemical analysis Valdez et al. (2005) stress that the gold nuggets came from a placer washing area located at the Santiago river.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez et al. (2005)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The apparition of the La Tolita island site postdates the avulsion that created the present estuary.
“The first evidence when comparing geomorphic changes and archeological culture evolution is that the apparition of the La Tolita island site postdates the avulsion that created the present estuary.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: The La Tolita island site could only be settled after the estuary existed.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
A combination of the processes hypothesized in (2) and (3) may give account of particularly favorable geomorphologic conditions in the area, allowing a relatively safe occupation of the coastal margin.
“A combination of the processes hypothesized in (2) and (3) may give account of particularly favorable geomorphologic conditions in the area, allowing a relatively safe occupation of the coastal margin.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ Introduction
The El Placer Pleistocene fan was beheaded by the deviation of the Mira River to the north along the active Canandé fault zone.
“The first important step of the evolution was the disruption of the El Placer Pleistocene fan, which was beheaded (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006) by the deviation of the Mira River to the north along the active Canandé fault zone (Eguez, Alvarado et al. 2003) (Fig. 2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Eguez, Alvarado et al. 2003 source
- Interpretationreasoning§ Introduction
The deviation in beach ridge accretion suggests a faster accretion of beach ridges during the period that predated the avulsion event.
“This deviation suggests a faster accretion of beach ridges during the period that predated the avulsion event.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation§ Introduction
There is evidence of settlements related to La Tolita culture along the Andean tributaries of the Cayapas and Santiago rivers by at least 2600 BP.
“There is evidence of settlements related to La Tolita culture along the Andean tributaries of the Cayapas and Santiago rivers by at least 2600 BP (De Boer 1996).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites De Boer 1996
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Introduction
The lower reach of the Cayapas River is the estuary channel that was active before the drainage deviation and the avulsion occurred.
“According to this observation the lower reach of the Cayapas River is the estuary channel that was active before the drainage deviation and the avulsion occur.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data§ Discussion
The age of 3220-2960 BP obtained from wood fragments in the flood level is coherent with the beach ridge dates.
“This is coherent with the age of 3220-2960 BP obtained from wood fragments in the flood level (Fig. 5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ Discussion
The constant occupancy of the area is assessed at regional scale.
“the constant occupancy of the area is assessed at regional scale (Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005; Valdez 2006)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data§ Résumés
The flowering of the La Tolita culture could have followed a natural disaster that opened a new waterway, which facilitated communication with gold-bearing areas and Andean communities landward.
“New geomorphic evidence shows that the flowering of the La Tolita culture could have followed a natural disaster that opened a new waterway, which facilitated communication with gold bearing areas and Andean communities landward.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The flood deposit at El Indio is interpreted as representative of the avulsion that opened the new estuary.
“An important point for the comparison between geomorphic and archeological cultural evolution, and in particular for the interpretation of the El Indio profile section, is the interpretation of the flood deposit as representative of the avulsion that opened the new estuary (Fig. 4).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductcitation§ Discussion
The flood level at El Indio was identified as particular and important before and independently from the analysis of the avulsion geomorphology, on the basis of the erosion base level and thick basal granulometry.
“This flood level was identified as particular and important before and independently from the analysis of the avulsion geomorphology (Valdez 2006), on the basis of the erosion base level and thick basal granulometry.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Conclusion
The new channel access opened a shorter and more direct connection to places and new resources.
“the new channel access opened a shorter and more direct connection to places and new resources.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The strategic location, both coastal and riverine, and the close access to the gold bearing area on the Santiago river played a major role in the development of the site as a regional ceremonial center.
“the strategic location, both coastal and riverine, and the close access to the gold bearing area on the Santiago river certainly seem to have played a major role in de development of the site as a regional ceremonial center.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation§ Discussion
The availability of the new resource allowed the center to gain control of the extraction, the transformation and the eventual trade of the gold artifacts.
“In turn, the availability of the new resource allowed the center to gain control of the extraction, the transformation and the eventual trade of the gold artifacts (Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The initial settlement on the La Tolita island was determined by economic and communication criterion than by a random choice.
“it seems that the inital settlement on the La Tolita island was determined by economic and communication criterion than by a random choice.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Conclusion
The chronology of events shows that a major cultural event marked a change in the activities of the region after the geomorphologic reorganization.
“The chronology of events shows that a major cultural event marked a change in the activities of the region after the geomorphologic reorganization.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ Conclusion
The geomorphologic reorganization stands -probably abruptly- on the scene on which the La Tolita Culture developed.
“the geomorphologic reorganization stands -probably abruptly- on the scene on which the La Tolita Culture developed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ Conclusion
The geomorphologic reorganization of the estuary did favor the cultural events that followed.
“what seems clear is that the geomorphologic reorganization of the estuary did favor the cultural events that followed.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Conclusion
The center was the only point on the coast that intersected the fluvial communication lines imposed by the introduction of intensive gold extraction and symbolic trade in the economy of the area.
“the center was the only point on the coast that intersected the fluvial communication lines imposed by the introduction of intensive gold extraction and symbolic trade in the economy of the area.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data§ Discussion
The time gap of at least 90 years between the flood and the first appearance of gold artifacts is too long to establish a close relation of cause/effect between the two events.
“The time gap of at least 90 years between the flood and the first appearance of gold artifacts is too long to establish a close relation of cause/effect between the two events.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ Discussion
The geomorphic reorganization has obviously modified the sedimentary transport and deposition of the area, redirecting the drainage from the gold bearing area of the Santiago River toward a new single estuary channel.
“the geomorphic reorganization has obviously modified the sedimentary transport and deposition of the area, redirecting the drainage from the gold bearing area of the Santiago River toward a new single estuary channel.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning§ Discussion
The economic impulse given by the strategic location and the goldsmith craft specialization made La Tolita island a very suitable place for cultural interactions involving ideological power management.
“Thus the economic impulse given by the strategic location and the goldsmith craft specialization, made La Tolita island a very suitable place for cultural interactions involving ideological power management.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given§ Conclusion
The La Tolita area in northern Ecuador and southern Colombia presents exceptional scenarios of both geomorphologic and cultural changes, apparently structured together in time and space.
“The La Tolita area in northern Ecuador and southern Colombia presents exceptional scenarios of both geomorphologic and cultural changes, apparently structured together in time and space.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- It may state two separate claims as one. 35
- Probably not a substantial claim. 20
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ IntroductionThe upper segment of the present estuary upstream from La Tolita shows a fluvial pattern that cuts sharply through the beach ridge frame of the pre-existing coastal margin, whereas the lower segment downstream from La Tolita to the estuary mouth presents a normal estuary pattern with beach ridges curved toward the estuary.
“The upper segment, upstream from La Tolita (Fig. 3, segment 3-5) shows a fluvial pattern that cuts sharply through the beach ridge frame of the pre-existing coastal margin, whereas the lower segment, downstream from La Tolita to the estuary mouth (Fig. 3, segment 5-6) presents a normal estuary pattern, with beach ridges curved toward the estuary (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ IntroductionThe subsidence tendency seems to resume about 500 years after the avulsion event, and a situation similar to the present is observed from around 2000 BP.
“The subsidence tendency seems to resume about 500 years after the event, and a situation similar to the present is observed from around 2000 BP (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ DiscussionThe Laguna de la Ciudad is an extensive wetland with 2 m of flood deposits covering the last archaeological level.
“the Laguna de la Ciudad is (as its name implies) an extensive wetland with 2m of flood deposits covering the last archaeological level (Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005; Valdez 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown data§ DiscussionAs far as the correlation between the flood level observed in the El Indio profile section and the avulsion is accepted, the El Indio section shows that the ELTC occupation predates the flood, and resumes later.
“As far as the correlation between the flood level observed in the El Indio profile section and the avulsion is accepted, the El Indio section shows that the ELTC occupation predates the flood, and resumes later.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- The authors state this as an assumption: The correlation between the flood level observed in the El Indio profile section and the avulsion is accepted.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ DiscussionTwo beach ridges, distant about 500 m, are dated in this area, giving 14C conventional ages of 3251-2854 BP and 3260-2830 BP respectively.
“Two beach ridges, distant about 500m, are dated in this area, giving 14C conventional ages of 3251-2854 BP (Fig. 5, D) and 3260-2830 BP (Fig. 5, E) respectively (Santana et al., 2006, fig. 5, D and E).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Santana et al., 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ IntroductionThe Early La Tolita archeological sites are presently found 1-2 m below the mean upper sea level, suggesting a total subsidence of at least 3-4 m since the occupation.
“The Early La Tolita archeological sites are presently found 1-2m below the mean upper sea level (Fig 4) (Valdez 2006), suggesting a total subsidence of at least 3-4m since the occupation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingreasoning§ DiscussionThe stratigraphic record is continuous, but as the section is located in a local topographic low used at least episodically by local drainage, some layers are reduced or may lack due to erosion.
“The stratigraphic record is continuous, but as the section is located in a local topographic low used at least episodically by local drainage, some layers are reduced or may lack due to erosion.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingcitation§ DiscussionAt regional scale there is no evidence of a gap of human occupation or a cultural change inside the ELTC period.
“At regional scale there is no evidence of a gap of human occupation or a cultural change inside the ELTC period (Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005; Valdez 2006).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown data§ IntroductionOnly one avulsion is observed, with permanency of the old channel that pre-dates the avulsion.
“It is important to note that we observe only one avulsion, with permanency of the old channel that pre-dates the avulsion.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown data§ IntroductionThere is no evidence of deposits of marine origin, such as from a tsunami, at El Indio, although their occurrence would not be unexpected.
“There is no evidence of deposits of marine origin (i.e. from a tsunami) although their occurrence would not be unexpected.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionThe context of the drainage re-organization related to the La Tolita site suggests fault motion -and possibly source- located inland or near the coast (the rise of the La Boca uplift) that should not be able to produce a tsunami wave.
“the context of the drainage re-organization related to the La Tolita site suggests fault motion -and possibly source- located inland or near the coast (the rise of the La Boca uplift) that should not be able to produce a tsunami wave.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ IntroductionThe local subsidence in the Concepción area and the drainage changes downstream from Concepción resulted from the rise of the La Boca uplift, which blocked and re-directed the drainage toward the Cayapas River through a new channel.
“We interpret the local subsidence in the Concepción area and the drainage changes downstream from Concepción as the result of the rise of the La Boca uplift that blocked and re-directed the drainage toward the Cayapas River through a new channel (Fig. 3, segment 1’-2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionHypothesis (3) lacks precise control but is coherent with observations of light uplift and subsidence in relation with the seismic cycle.
“The hypothesis (3) lacks of precise control but is coherent with observations of light uplift and subsidence in relation with the seismic cycle.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionExchange between the coastal and highland cultures is evidenced since the Early La Tolita period, but trade seems to have increased notably from 2400 BP onward.
“Exchange between the coastal and the highland cultures is evidenced since the Early La Tolita period, but trade seems to have increased notably from 2400 BP onward (Valdez 1987).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez 1987
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionThe presence of obsidian from the eastern ridge of the Andes near Quito has been well documented in the Tolita region by 3000 BP.
“The presence of obsidian, a highland commodity coming from the eastern ridge of the Andes, near Quito, has been well documented in the Tolita region by 3000 BP (Burger, Asaro et al. 1994).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Burger, Asaro et al. 1994 source
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionThe La Tolita area has registered some of the strongest earthquakes of the 20th century, some accompanied by tsunamis and vertical deformation of the coastal margin.
“This area has registered some of the strongest earthquakes of the 20th century (1906, Ms 8.7; 1942, Ms 7.9; 1958, Ms 7.8; 1979, Ms 7.9) (Kelleher 1972; Herd, Youd et al. 1981; Swenson and Beck 1996), as it did in 1868 and 1875 (Scheu 1911), some of them accompanied by tsunamis (Scheu 1911; Herd, Youd et al. 1981; Espinoza 1992) and vertical deformation of the coastal margin (Herd, Youd et al. 1981”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown data§ DiscussionThere is no 14C dating from the early ELTC level, but the good coherency between the dating of the beach ridge and the flood level leaves few possible variations in age.
“There is no 14C dating from the early ELTC level (Fig. 4, level 3), but the good coherency between the dating of the beach ridge obtained from the extension of the El Indio beach ridge to the south and the flood level leave few possible variations in age (Fig. 5).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone given§ IntroductionThe outmost expansion and cultural climax of the La Tolita-Tumaco society was coeval with the fast development of the La Tolita island site as a ceremonial center, which reached its zenith around the beginning of the Common Era.
“The outmost expansion and the cultural climax of the La Tolita-Tumaco society was coeval with the fast development of La Tolita island site as a ceremonial center, which reached its zenith around the beginning of the Common Era.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone given§ IntroductionThe La Tolita center maintained its prominence until the year 400 AD, when it was abandoned, but its material culture remained present until the year 800 AD.
“The center maintained its prominence until the year 400 AD, in which it was abandoned, but its material culture remained present until the year 800 AD in which all its manifestations ceased in the region.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisenone given§ IntroductionExchange developed between the coast and the highlands using the Santiago-Cayapas drainage, which flows straight down slope from the Andes.
“Exchange developed between the coast and the highlands using the Santiago-Cayapas drainage, that flows straight down slope from the Andes.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionAccording to this interpretation, stress accumulation raises the coastal margin before a tectonic event, and subsidence is observed as the stress is released.
“According to this interpretation stress accumulation raises the coastal margin before a tectonic event, and subsidence is observed as the stress is released.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationcitation§ DiscussionThese thin sand and silt levels represent repetitive floods, seasonal or pluri-annual, probably associated with progressive subsidence of the area.
“They represent repetitive floods, seasonal or pluri-annual, probably associated to the progressive subsidence of the area.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionA faster beach ridge accretion can be obtained by a lesser subsidence as stressed in hypothesis (3).
“Also a faster beach ridge accretion can be obtained by a lesser subsidence as stressed in hypothesis (3).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionHypothesis (1) (higher sediment transport to the coast generated more active beach ridge accretion) lacks arguments, as climate and sedimentary transport conditions to the coast do not seem to have changed drastically since the mid Holocene.
“The hypothesis (1) lacks arguments, as climate and sedimentary transport conditions to the coast do not seem to have changed drastically since the mid Holocene.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Climate and sedimentary transport conditions to the coast have not changed drastically since the mid Holocene.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationown data§ IntroductionThe dual estuary channel observed here accounts for the new mean discharge and accommodates temporary discharge variations, as no other avulsion is observed.
“The dual estuary channel observed here (the previous Cayapas River channel and the new one after the avulsion) accounts for the new mean discharge, and do accommodate the temporary discharge variations, as no other avulsion is observed.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationcitation§ IntroductionThe geographic setting that eventually favored the cultural flowering of the La Tolita site was inherited from a natural disaster that occurred about 3000 BP, as evidenced by the opening of a new estuary shorter and wider than previously, resulting from drainage deviation by faulting.
“In this paper we show that the geographic setting that eventually favored the cultural flowering of the La Tolita site was inherited from a natural disaster that occurred ~3000 BP (Dumont, Santana et al. 2006), as evidenced by the opening of a new estuary which was shorter and wider than previously, as a result of a drainage deviation by faulting.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Dumont, Santana et al. 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Premisenone given§ RésumésThe La Tolita area is located in the Esmeraldas-Tumaco seismic zone, one of the most active on earth.
“The La Tolita area is located in the Esmeraldas-Tumaco seismic zone, one of the most active on earth.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionAlthough early evidence of metallurgy has been found in the area surrounding the island site by 3000 BP, the craft achieved its highpoint in La Tolita around 2300 BP.
“Although early evidence of metallurgy has been found in the area surrounding the island site, by 3000 BP, the craft achieved its highpoint in La Tolita around 2300 BP (Valdez et al, 2005).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez et al, 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ IntroductionLa Tolita's coastal location, at the mouth of the Santiago Cayapas river basin, benefited from better communication with the hinterland than any other settlement in the region.
“It seems evident that La Tolita’s coastal location, at the mouth of the Santiago Cayapas river basin, benefited from better communication with the hinterland than any other settlement in the region.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone given§ IntroductionThe La Tolita island site and other sites of the same period belong to the La Tolita-Tumaco culture sphere of northern Ecuador and South Colombia, which extended over 500 km of the coastal margin.
“The La Tolita island site and the other sites of the same period in the surrounding area belong to the La Tolita-Tumaco culture sphere of northern Ecuador and South Colombia, that extended over 500 km of the coastal margin.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionBoth the El Indio beach ridge and Laguna de la Ciudad show a clear indication of subsidence.
“Both of these locations show a clear indication of subsidence.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionThese ELTC site locations suggest that these areas represented at that time relatively safe morphology regarding risk of flood from rivers and destruction by waves for sites near the beach ridge.
“This supposes that these areas represented at that time relatively safe morphology regarding the risk of flood from rivers and destruction by waves for the sites located near the beach ridge.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone given§ IntroductionThe La Tolita site developed near the coast at the mouth of the Cayapas River, which provided easy communication with the Andean communities.
“The La Tolita site developed near the coast at the mouth of the Cayapas River (Fig. 2), which provided easy communication with the Andean communities.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionThis is considered as an important change in the evolution of the ELTC.
“This is considered as an important change in the evolution of the ELTC (Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisecitation§ IntroductionThe early development of the La Tolita culture began on the Pacific coast of northern Ecuador around 3000 BP and quickly spread through the interior alluvial plain of mangrove and thick rainforest vegetation up to an elevation of 200 m along the western Andean slopes.
“The early development of the La Tolita culture (Stirling 1963) began on the Pacific coast of northern Ecuador around 3000 BP (Valdez 1987), and quickly spread throughout the interior alluvial plain of mangrove and thick rainforest vegetation up to an elevation of 200m along the western Andean slopes.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez 1987
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionIt is easier to understand the occurrence of gold artifacts in the La Tolita area after the geomorphic reorganization.
“it is easier to understand the occurrence of gold artifacts in the La Tolita area after the geomorphic reorganization.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionThe technique used to work the early gold artifact was hammered and assembled to form a thin sheet that was subsequently cut, shaped and perforated to be assembled as an ornament.
“it was hammered and assembled to form a thin sheet that was subsequently cut, shaped and perforated to be assembled as an ornament.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez et al. (2005)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim.
Premisecitation§ DiscussionValdez points out the presence of several ELTC sites along the 3000 BP beach ridge and further inland in the Laguna de la Ciudad area.
“Valdez (Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005; Valdez 2006) points out the presence of several ELTC sites along the 3000 BP beach ridge, as well as further inland in the area of the Laguna de la Ciudad (Fig. 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Valdez 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionThese techniques are simple but need some ability and knowledge.
“These techniques are simple but need some ability and knowledge.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationcitation§ DiscussionAs the gold placers began to be exploited, the Tolita site gained fame as a unique production center that was visited by a growing population which had contact with different areas, including the sierra.
“As the gold placers began to be exploited the Tolita site gained fame as a unique production center that was visited by a growing population which had contact with different areas, that included the sierra.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Valdez, Gratuze et al. 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Premisenone given§ ConclusionThe early La Tolita people were present in the area before the geomorphologic reorganization.
“the early La Tolita people, that were present in the area before the geomorphologic reorganization”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone given§ DiscussionIt necessarily needed some time to be discovered as a new opportunity to find the raw material that could be worked here or in some other place.
“It necessarily needed some time to be discovered as a new opportunity to find the raw material that could be worked here or in some other place.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionThe new channel gave access to gold deposits, and that could have been crucial to the development of a goldsmith specialization in the Tolita center.
“What seems clear is that the new channel gave access to gold deposits, and that could have been crucial to the development of a goldsmith specialization in the Tolita center.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone given§ ConclusionCoastal-sierra relationship did exist before the geomorphologic changes, but were never predominant or brought forth a major cultural change.
“the fact that coastal - sierra relationship did exist before the geomorphologic changes, but were never predominant or brought forth a major cultural change.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ ConclusionThis event was an increase of gold extraction, metallurgy and craft specialization in the area.
“This event was an increase of gold extraction, metallurgy and craft specialization in the area.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ ConclusionThis new activity favored the economy and triggered exchanges with both coastal and sierra regions, where gold metallurgy was poorly known.
“This new activity favored the economy and triggered exchanges with both coastal and sierra regions, where gold metallurgy was poorly known.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ DiscussionThe new access to placer area, through the avulsion channel and the re-directed drainage system, made the gold deposits more evident and perhaps even easier to wash.
“The new access to placer area, through the avulsion channel and the re-directed drainage system, made the gold deposits more evident and perhaps even easier to wash.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationreasoning§ ConclusionThe geomorphologic reorganization could have influenced two of the main elements of the La Tolita cultural preponderancy: the occurrence of a specialization in gold metallurgy, and the communication with the deep hinterland (and eventually up to the Andean sierra).
“The geomorphologic reorganization could have influenced two of the main elements of the La Tolita cultural preponderancy: the occurrence of a specialization in gold metallurgy, and the communication with the deep hinterland (and eventually up to the Andean sierra).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
The authors state this as an assumption.
The La Tolita island site could only be settled after the estuary existed.
“As this archeological site was settled on an island at the estuary mouth, it is logical to assume that this would only be possible after the estuary existed.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
The correlation between the flood level observed in the El Indio profile section and the avulsion is accepted.
“As far as the correlation between the flood level observed in the El Indio profile section and the avulsion is accepted”
The paper relies on this without support.
Climate and sedimentary transport conditions to the coast have not changed drastically since the mid Holocene.
“climate and sedimentary transport conditions to the coast do not seem to have changed drastically since the mid Holocene”
The paper relies on this without support.
The effect of a tsunami on a specific place of a coast depends principally on the type and position of the offshore source, and the bathymetry of the near shore area off the coast.
“The effect of a tsunami on a specific place of a coast depends principally from the type and position of the offshore source, and the bathymetry of the near shore area off the coast.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Wet tropical forest conditions make the discovery of archeological sites a hard task.
“the wet tropical forest conditions make the discovery of archeological sites a hard task”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Flood layer is misidentified as level 3
MinorThe discussion calls level 3 the flood layer, but the figure caption identifies level 4 as the flood layer and level 3 as a layer containing early La Tolita ceramics.
“An erosive contact is observed at the bottom of the refuse midden (Fig. 4, level 5) that overlay directly the flood level (Fig. 4, level 3).”
“3: grey silt-clay sand including early La Tolita ceramics (ELTC); 4: flood level, limy sand with wood fragments”
Flood deposit has two reported date ranges
MinorThe field-section description reports a calibrated age beginning at 3230 BP, whereas the figure caption and later discussion give 3220 BP for the flood deposit.
“The AMS 14C dating of wood fragments scattered in the middle part of the flood deposit yielded a calibrated age of 3230 to 2960 BP.”
“4: flood level, limy sand with wood fragments, 14C dated (cal. 2 sigma) 3220-2960 (Beta 223218)”
Different maximum elevations for the culture's spread
MinorThe English abstract says the culture spread up the Andean slopes to 2000 m, while the main text gives 200 m for the same description.
“up to an elevation of 2000m along the Andean slopes”
“up to an elevation of 200m along the western Andean slopes”
Citations
Cites
Smith, N. D., Cross, T. A., Dufficy, J. P., & Clough, S. R. (1989) · Sedimentology · doi:10.1111/j.1365-3091.1989.tb00817.x · Cited by 594
Active Tectonics and Alluvial Rivers
Schumm, S. A., Dumont, J. F., & Holbrook, J. (2002) · Medical Entomology and Zoology · Cited by 416
Self-citationRupture zones of large South American earthquakes and some predictions
Kelleher, J. A. (1972) · Journal of Geophysical Research · doi:10.1029/jb077i011p02087 · Cited by 406
Sennson, J. L., & Beck, S. L. (1996) · Pure and Applied Geophysics · doi:10.1007/bf00876670 · Cited by 125
The Great Tumaco, Colombia Earthquake of 12 December 1979
Herd, D. G., Youd, T. L., Meyer, H., Arango C., J. L., Person, W. J., & Mendoza, C. (1981) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.211.4481.441 · Cited by 72
Dumont, J. F. (1996) · Tectonophysics · doi:10.1016/0040-1951(95)00200-6 · Cited by 56
Self-citationDatabase and map of Quaternary faults and folds of Ecuador and its offshore regions
Eguez, A., Alvarado, A., Yepes, H., Machette, M. N., Costa, C., & Dart, R. L. (2003) · Open-File Report · doi:10.3133/ofr03289 · Cited by 52
Dumont, J. F., Santana, E., Valdez, F., Tihay, J. P., Usselmann, P., Iturralde, D., & Navarrete, E. (2005) · Geomorphology · doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2005.07.011 · Cited by 34
Self-citationAn Initial Consideration of Obsidian Procurement and Exchange in Prehispanic Ecuador
Burger, R. L., Asaro, F., Michel, H. V., Stross, F. H., & Salazar, E. (1994) · Latin American Antiquity · doi:10.2307/971882 · Cited by 34
General Theory of Meandering Valleys and Underfit Streams
Dury, G. H. (1970) · Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-349-15382-4_10 · Cited by 23
Traces behind the Esmeraldas Shore: Prehistory of the Santiago‐Cayapas Region, Ecuador
Isbell, W. H. (1997) · American Anthropologist · doi:10.1525/aa.1997.99.4.856 · Cited by 18
Terremotos tsunamigénicos en el Ecuador
Espinoza, J. (1992) · AquaDocs (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) · Cited by 14
Dumonti, J.-F. (1991) · Cited by 10
Dumont, J.-F. (1992) · Bulletin de l’Institut français d’études andines · doi:10.3406/bifea.1992.1089 · Cited by 8
Self-citationEvidencia temprana de metalurgia en la Costa Pacífica ecuatorial
Valdez, F., Gratuze, B., Yépez, A., & Alegría, J. A. H. (2004) · Boletín Museo del Oro · Cited by 7
Self-citationWorld Atlas of Holocene Sea-Level Changes
(1991) · Elsevier Oceanography Series · doi:10.1016/s0422-9894(08)x7026-6 · Cited by 1
Flagged first, then by citations
1 of the 17 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Research works printed but not linked: 12
- Buys J., and Domínguez V., 1987, “Excavaciones arqueológicas en Cumbayá, provincia de Pichincha, Ecuador”, Miscelánea Antropológica Ecuatoriana, vol. 7, 31-48.
- Buys J., and Domínguez V., 1989, “La arqueología de Cumbayá, provincia de Pichincha, Ecuador”, in Bouchard J.F., and M. Guinea M. (eds.), Relaciones interculturales en el área ecuatorial del Pacífico durante la época precolombina, Oxford, BAR International Series, vol. 503, 75-95.
- Buys J., and V. D., 1988, “Un Cementerio de hace 2000 años : Jardín del Este”, in Cruz I., (ed.), Quito antes de Benalcázar, Centro Cultural Artes, Quito, 31-50.
- Doyon L., 1995, “La secuencia cultural Carchi-Narrio vista desde Ecuador”, in Cristóbal Gnecco (ed.), Perspectivas regionales en la arqueología del Sur occidente de Colombia y Norte de Ecuador, Popayán, Editorial Universidad de Cauca, Colombia, 59-84.
- Dumont J. F., and Garcia F., 1991, “Active subsidence controlled by basement structures in the Marañon Basin of northeastern Peru”, IASH Bulletin , vol. 200, 343-350.
- Jones J., 1979, “Mochica Works in Art in Metal : a review”, in Benson E., (ed.), Pre-Columbian Metallurgy of South America, Washington D.C., Dumbarton Oaks, 53-104.
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Lim, S., Ledru, M.-P., Valdez, F., Devillers, B., Houngnon, A., Favier, C., & Bremond, L. (2014) · Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology · doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.12.021 · Cited by 16
Self-citationClay embodiments: Materializing Asymmetrical Relations in Pre-Hispanic Figurines from Ecuador
Ugalde, M. F. (2021) · doi:10.53179/9783868933987 · Cited by 1
Agriculture précolombienne dans le pacifique colombo-équatorien
Ariza Pareja, M. A. (2026) · doi:10.70675/858d242dz87b5z4412z9b21z64dec129e4db
Metadata
- Authors
- Dumont, J. F., Valdez, F., Santana, E., Tihay, J. P., Usselmann, P., & Navarrete, E.
- ORCID
- Valdez, Francisco
- Venue
- Cybergeo
- Publisher
- OpenEdition
- Published
- 2011
- ISSN
- 1278-3366 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2124210998
- Semantic Scholar
- a860e3e23c8c1267e0810167eb89e700ed1f3195
- Cited by
- 3
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2023: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 2.33
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- Cybergeo (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- OpenEdition (OpenEdition) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
- Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Geophysics › Geological and Tectonic Studies in Latin America
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Amazonian Archaeology and Ethnohistory
- Keywords
- cultural flourishing, natural disasters, channel avulsion, active faulting, alluvial geomorphology, gold mining, northern Ecuador, 3000 BP
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-10, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-10 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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