Rachel Egan, M.A. University of Colorado Boulder

When the Volcano Erupts: Lessons from the Archaeological Record on Human Adaptation to Catastrophic Environments

How do repeated disasters shape and strengthen communities? The Tilarán-Arenal region of Costa Rica is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, but despite the risk, from the advent of sedentary villages during the Tronodora phase (2000-500 B.C.) until the arrival of Spanish in the 16th century, people demonstrated remarkable resilience. Using this region as a case study, Egan’s research uses archaeology, tephrochronology, and geographic information systems to explore the innovative ways pre-Hispanic people adapted to the hazardous nature of their environment.

Held at the CU Boulder Museum of Natural History (15th and Broadway) in the Paleontology Hall.