Description
Geology and archaeology intersect in this dynamic talk. Les McFadden sets the stage by describing the deep time of geologic events that produced the iconic rock formations and landscape of the Mesa Verde National Park area. Matt Schmader discusses how the geologic landscape dictated choices for dwelling locations and access to resources like water, stone, and agricultural land. Both lecturers talk about climate change and its effects in the past, present, and future.
Les McFadden is a professor emeritus in the UNM Earth & Planetary Sciences Department. He received an MS & PhD in geosciences from the University of Arizona after earning a BA in anthropology from Stanford University. Matt Schmader has more than 38 years of field experience in southwestern archaeology. He is an adjunct professor in UNM’s Anthropology Department. He earned his MA and PhD from UNM, is superintendent emeritus of City Open Space, and was the only city archaeologist from 2007 through 2016.