Abstract
We explore the concept of scales to examine emerging irrigation realities, i.e., connecting more agents within larger spaces - relates to the complexity of irrigation systems. Modern hydraulic models allow the inclusion of emerging multi-scale issues over time, including social issues related to different spatial and temporal scales. We show that the time needed to manage irrigation efficiently relates to the size of a system. By reconstructing ancient Hohokam irrigation systems in Arizona, we identify how longer-term extension of spatial scales created management problems beyond the scope of available technology. This approach allows greater understanding of how stresses in daily irrigation management may have impacted longer-term societal stability.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 735-746 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Human Ecology |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- Hohokam
- Middle Gila River
- Arizona
- Irrigation management
- modelling
- agency
- levels of complexity