Abstract

CAPPARELLI, Aylen; FRANGI, Jorge L.  and  KRISTENSEN, María J.. Inka urbanism associated with mesoclimatic conditions at the site "El Shincal de Quimivil" (Catamarca province, Argentina). Intersecciones antropol. [online]. 2006, n.7, pp.163-177. ISSN 1850-373X.

The Inkas managed the environment of the different regions they occupied based on their astronomical and agroecological knowledge, especially in relation to maize. Surplus production was redistributed through a well developed storage system. Within this framework, we propose that the Inkas used their knowledge of different habitats and associated ecological factors to plan and guarantee the smooth functioning of each architectonic unit at every administrative center. Therefore, our goal was to establish if there is a connection between different mesoclimatic conditions at El Shincal Inka site (Catamarca, Argentina) and the spatial distribution of three different architectural-functional structures (grain storage, residence, and cultivation) and a control (the plaza). Six climatic variables were studied through uni and multivariate analysis. The storage area presented the best conditions for drying and preserving crop grains: the highest soil temperature, evaporative capacity, and water vapor saturation deficit of the air. The residential area showed low evaporative capacity and water vapor saturation deficit during spring and summer, making it a more comfortable place under high seasonal air temperatures. The cultivation area presented lower air evaporative capacity during days with Zonda (regional wind with Foehn-like effect) and generally a mild mesoclimate that fits better the requirements of maize agroecology.

Keywords : Inka urbanism; Mesoclimate; El Shincal; Argentina.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )