New research hopes to shed light on Easter Island

Oxford. 16 November 2007. Archaeologist Dr. Chris Stevenson (Virginia Department for Historic Resources / Earthwatch) was today awarded the international Aviva/Earthwatch Award for Climate Change Research to further his 18 year investigation on Easter Island (Rapa Nui).

The archaeologist, who has worked with over 400 Earthwatch volunteers, suspects that prolonged climate change was a primary factor to blame for the abrupt cultural reorganization, change in religion, and overall demise of the island's great civilisation nearly 300 years ago.

"It is my hypothesis that deforestation, intensive agriculture and aggressive resource extraction occurred within a climatically uncertain environment that was becoming increasingly arid," says Dr. Stevenson.

Stevenson argues that deforestation was recognised as a problem by inhabitants and their agricultural innovations helped to alleviate the effects for several centuries. Coupled with this is the possibility that extended periods of drought further reduced the available moisture in the ground and caused the island to endure even greater subsistence problems. Sediment cores from the Rano Kau Crater Lake are currently being analyzed to determine if vegetation changes and water level fluctuations reflect more arid conditions.

This £6,000 award will allow Dr. Stevenson, alongside Earthwatch volunteers, to investigate what agricultural techniques were employed on Easter Island and how these corresponded with periods of prosperity and decline.

A better understanding of ancient farming methods, such as the use of rock gardens to shield heavy winds, will indicate what environmental pressures existed at the time, shedding further light on the mysterious decline of this iconic society.

"Once again Easter Island can be used as a model planet Earth to underscore the importance of a sustainable balance between forests and water resources with the human need for subsistence and material goods," concludes Dr. Stevenson.

Louella Eastman, group CSR director for Aviva says, "Scientific research into the effects of climate change plays a key role in helping us to better understand, and address, one of the biggest challenges facing our society globally. Aviva is proud to recognise and support this work through the Aviva/Earthwatch Award and congratulates Dr. Chris Stevenson on his climate change work on Easter Island."

 For more information interviews and images please contact Zoe Gamble, PR Manager, + 44 (0) 1865 318852 / 07725690469 / zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk

Editors Notes 

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