The Incan Empire was conquered by Spanish colonists in the 16th century, and the remains of the ancient city of Machu Picchu were lost for over 400 years, but the Inca language Quechua is still spoken by 8 million people.
Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel perched high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is a testament to both ancient engineering genius and the awe-inspiring forces of nature. The relationship between Machu Picchu and the tectonic boundary of the Andes Mountain range is a fascinating tale of geological wonder that has shaped this world wonder for millennia. In this blog post, we will explore how the tectonic forces at play have influenced the formation, preservation, and continued existence of Machu Picchu.
The Formation of the Andes Mountain Range
The Andes Mountains are the result of the ongoing collision between the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate, two of the Earth's tectonic plates. This tectonic boundary, known as a convergent boundary, is where the Nazca Plate is subducting beneath the South American Plate. The immense pressure generated by this collision has caused the Earth's crust to buckle and uplift, giving rise to the towering peaks of the Andes.
The Elevation of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is situated within this dynamic tectonic context. At an elevation of approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, it lies within the eastern slopes of the Andes. This elevation is not just a random geographical detail; it is intimately connected to the tectonic processes shaping the region.
Geological Stability and Preservation
One remarkable aspect of Machu Picchu's location is its relative geological stability. While the Andes are geologically active with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, Machu Picchu sits on a relatively stable platform. This stability has contributed to the preservation of the site over centuries.
Terracing and Agriculture
The Incas, the ancient civilization that built Machu Picchu in the 15th century, were ingenious agricultural engineers. The terraced fields that cover the slopes of Machu Picchu not only showcase their agricultural prowess but also serve as a testament to their understanding of the local geology. These terraces were designed to mitigate the effects of erosion, a common issue in mountainous regions, and maximize agricultural productivity in a tectonically active area.
The Role of Faults and Fissures
The Andes are riddled with geological faults and fissures due to the ongoing tectonic activity. While these natural features have contributed to the formation of majestic landscapes, they also pose potential challenges. Understanding the geological characteristics of the area has been crucial in ensuring the preservation and restoration of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu's Endurance
Despite its proximity to a tectonic boundary, Machu Picchu has endured the test of time. This endurance is a testament to both the advanced engineering techniques of the Incas and the geological stability of its location within the Andes.
The Incas, while remarkable engineers and architects, did not intentionally engineer Machu Picchu to withstand earthquakes or to move with the fault lines in the Andes Mountains. Instead, the site's relative stability and survival through seismic events can be attributed to a combination of factors, some of which were by design, and others were a matter of geographical luck.
Geographical Location: Machu Picchu is situated on a ridge between two fault lines, which, by sheer coincidence, has contributed to its relative stability. While the surrounding Andes are seismically active, this specific location experiences less ground motion during earthquakes due to its position within the mountainous terrain.
Dry Stone Construction: The Incas were adept at constructing buildings using dry stone techniques, which involve precisely shaping and fitting stones without the use of mortar. This method allows structures to flex and absorb some of the energy during seismic events, reducing the risk of collapse.
Terracing: The terraced agricultural fields surrounding Machu Picchu were engineered to mitigate erosion. These terraces also played a role in stabilizing the slopes and reducing the risk of landslides during earthquakes.
Adaptation to Local Conditions: The Incas were known for their ability to adapt to the local environment. They built structures with sloping walls and trapezoidal doorways that could withstand the effects of gravity and seismic activity. These design elements were more about practicality than earthquake resistance, but they inadvertently helped the structures endure.
Lucky Avoidance of Major Faults: Machu Picchu is not located directly on a major fault line, which means it has been less susceptible to the most destructive seismic events in the region. Major earthquakes are more likely to occur along specific fault lines, and Machu Picchu's relative isolation from these fault lines has contributed to its preservation.
It's important to note that while Machu Picchu has endured earthquakes and remains largely intact, it is not entirely earthquake-proof. Seismic activity can still pose a threat to the site, and ongoing preservation efforts are in place to protect this invaluable cultural treasure.
In recent years, efforts have been made to assess and strengthen Machu Picchu's structures against potential seismic events, balancing the need to preserve the site's authenticity with the imperative to ensure its long-term survival. These efforts reflect our evolving understanding of earthquake engineering and the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage sites like Machu Picchu for future generations.
Conclusion
Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," is not only a remarkable archaeological wonder but also a testament to the intricate dance between geology and human history. The tectonic boundary of the Andes Mountain range has played a pivotal role in the formation and preservation of this iconic site. As visitors stand in awe of Machu Picchu's ancient beauty, they are also witnessing the enduring power of Earth's tectonic forces, a harmonious marriage of nature and human ingenuity that continues to captivate the world.
Reflection
How are Peruvian teachers being trained to adapt, and overcome, the challenges that lie at the intersections of language, culture, and resources?
When I was first assigned to the IFE in Peru, I began my research. Like many Americans, my knowledge of Peru started and stopped with Machu Picchu. After sharing my intended travel plans with a friend, she sent me a TikTok about the "tectonic" relationship between these ancient ruins and the Andean cliffs they have teetered on for thousands of years. I was amazed. I began looking for ways to connect this incredible feat of ancient engineering to the modern landscape of education as I was experiencing it. The shifting, earthquaking inducing tectonic plates began to mimc the shifting value systems upon which our entire education system was built in the U.S. The increasing polarization and deprioritization of education as a core right in this county was causing the shake-up of school organization, administrative structures, legislative agendas, and student outcomes. I began to question how equipped our teachers were to navigate these shifts.
Teacher education and teacher alternative certification programs in the U.S. have undergone little revamping over the last 50 years.Yes, it is true that trends come and go as they always have, but the approach and central message of these programs has remained the same. The same texts and lesson planning techniques are taught today as was taught decades ago. The teacher-educators have been assimilated into the world of higher-ed which is notorious for its slow moving progression into the modern era. Ironically (or perhaps not), I moved from the classroom into an administrative role during this time. I was now in charge of teacher supervision, curriculum development, and professional training for new teachers and paraprofessionals. How was I qualified to do this? I became a teacher out of graduate school with very little formal pedagogical training. I learned how to teach on the job. I sought out teachers who had years of experience and found professional developments that I hoped would expand my skills and understand. This led me to Fulbright.
Now I found myself faced with this life expanding opportunity. To travel and witness first hand how other teachers were facing these challenges. How another country was preparing its educators to face these challenges. How was I going to shape this experience? How was it going to shape me? One thing was true...the shifts will continue and teachers will need to find way to move and settle into these new landscapes if they wanted to be effective. What lessons could I learn to support them?
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