Tree rings reveal a devastating megadrought forced Mesa Verde abandonment around 1270. Dendrochronology shows a prior 23-year megadrought (A.D. 1140-1162) with severely reduced precipitation. Tree ring cutting dates on beams from Mesa Verde cluster tightly between 1260 and 1276 — after that, construction stopped. Paleoclimate records from lake sediments confirm the drought was regional in scale across the western half of North America. Maize needs 12-18 inches of rain per season. There was almost none. 🌲
23-year megadrought caused cliff dwelling abandonment around 1270
United StatesTheorySite mentioned
Key facts
- Dendrochronology shows a 23-year stretch with virtually no precipitation towards end of 1200s
- Tree ring cutting dates on beams from Mesa Verde cluster tightly between 1260 and 1276
- After 1276, almost no new construction or major repairs occurred
- The drought was hemispheric in scale confirmed by paleoclimate records from lakes
- Maize cultivation requires 12-18 inches of rain per growing season
Sources
How bad is the Western megadrought? Scientists look at tree rings ...kpbs.org
The new tree ring study shows how high temperatures have made the region's soil drier. Dry soil means less water in streams and rivers. When ...
Tree Rings Are Evidence of the Megadrought—and Our Doomsapiens.org
Scientists are using dendroclimatology to investigate megadroughts in the western U.S., and the trees are telling a disturbing tale.
How bad is the Western megadrought? Scientists look at tree rings ...sourcenm.com
The new tree ring study shows how high temperatures have made the region's soil drier. Dry soil means less water in streams and rivers. When ...
Tree rings tell tale of megadroughts - Science Newssciencenews.org
Tree rings in ancient timber show that the Colorado Plateau experienced a 60-year drought in the 12th century.
The A.D. 1130–1180 Megadrought in the Northern Southwestcrowcanyon.org
The single greatest megadrought recorded for North America occurred in the western half of the continent from AD 1140–1162.
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