Laser Technology Unveils Hidden Ancient Road at Chaco Culture National Historical Park

-

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — Cutting-edge technology is transforming the way we explore historical locations such as Chaco Canyon. Recently, scientists discovered an entirely new road that was previously unknown, potentially offering insights into the lives of people who resided there centuries ago.

Story continues below

  • Investigation: Albuquerque officers and paralegal handled DWI cases that went missing
  • Crime: The Santa Fe Police have identified the man who died in a hit-and-run incident.
  • Don’t Miss: Rio Rancho will review proposals for redevelopment of the former country club golf course.

For many years, LiDAR technology has illuminated how landscapes appeared in times long gone. This tech employs laser light to gauge distances and generate three-dimensional representations of regions. Most recently, it assisted scientists in discovering an undocumented roadway within Chaco Culture National Historical Park—a network of historical sites located south of Farmington. People inhabited this place from 850 to 1250 CE, using these ruins as a meeting ground for various Navajo communities during those days.

"What we're seeing here highlights the extensive interconnectedness of the Chacoan culture across a vast region, illustrating just how advanced their civilization was," explained Aron Adams, the Chief of Resource Management at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Using both LiDAR technology and ground-level observations, researchers from Dartmouth College have uncovered evidence suggesting that there were actually two ancient roads at the Gasco site near Chaco Culture National Historical Park—double what was initially believed. A notable discovery made by this research team is that these roadways align perfectly with the sun’s position during the winter solstice as seen rising above Mount Taylor. According to their findings, these pathways appear more suited for ceremonial use than practical applications such as connecting communities through trade routes.

A member of the research team provided KRQE with this statement:

Our research combining LiDAR and on-the-ground observation led us to discover that there were two parallel roads at the Gasco Site. Before this study, we didn’t know the second road existed. This combination of LiDAR technology and ground survey also helped us see that the roads are aligned to the winter solstice sunrise over Mount Taylor, a very important mountain to Pueblo and Navajo people today. Rather than connecting settlements for trade, these roads instead seem define a sacred landscape.

Dartmouth archaeologist Robert S. Weiner, Ph.D.

Not only does LiDAR facilitate new findings, but it can also aid in protecting historical sites. "It allows us to determine whether walls are tilting or if there are other structural problems that require attention," explained Adams. "A key aspect for us is ensuring visitor safety, and we can use this technology to tackle the problematic sections identified throughout the pathways."

Officials from Chaco stated that the following month LiDAR technicians will conduct their research again in April, focusing on evaluating the architectural structures for maintenance purposes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

To stay updated with the most recent news, weather forecasts, sports updates, and live videos, visit KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Paradise Islands Offer Citizenship for Less Than £36,000

-
Image
Didn't you catch wind of it? For only $105,000, you can purchase citizenship to a tropical island paradise these days. The island country of Nauru located in the Pacific is offering passports to foreign nationals for $105,000 (£81,000) as part of an effort to generate funding for its climate emergency reserve. Soaring sea levels are swiftly eroding Nauru’s coastlines. In reaction, the nation’s leadership is considering a large-scale move inland; however, they are facing difficulties in securing funding for this initiative. Approximately ninety percent of the island's inhabitants will likely have to relocate to elevated areas due to sea levels surrounding Nauru increasing at a rate one point five times quicker than the worldwide average. Many nations provide citizenship in return for significant financial investments or property purchases. However, certain options may stand out specifically to wealthy Britons looking for opportunities. In fact, several stunning t...
Read more

Australian Grand Prix Fences Go Black for Clever Reason

-
Image
The 2025 Australian Grand Prix introduces several modifications to the circuit, primarily focusing on Turn 6 where Mercedes' George Russell had a crash in the previous year. However, the track authorities have implemented an additional alteration. The fencing along the Melbourne street race course has been painted black, particularly in the region of the starting grid. This minor alteration significantly enhances visibility for both spectators with tickets and photographers, despite its subtle nature. The cause stems from how light reflects off the metal. Black paint helps with this by absorbing the light, thus making it simpler to maintain visibility. Formula One tracks have consistently needed to address the visibility and safety of spectators holding tickets. Essential safety features include barrier walls and catch fencing, which protect not only the audience but also racers themselves. Take, for instance, Zhou Guanyu’s accident at Silverstone in 2023; without the p...
Read more

Bill Passes Just Hours Before Deadline, Averts Shutdown and Defeats Filibuster

-
Image
On Friday, senators moved forward with the stopgap funding measure approved by the House as the clock ticks nearer to a potential government closure. With a vote of 62 to 38, the senators decided to move forward with the proposal. Almost all Republicans along with ten Democrats helped override the filibuster. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from New York Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin from Illinois, along with Senators Angus King of Maine, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Gary Peters of Michigan, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, voted to advance the bill, going against the majority of their fellow Democrats. The House-passed short-term A spending measure, referred to as a continuing resolution (CR), would maintain funding at FY 2024 levels up until October 1st. Nevertheless, should Congress fail to pass this legislation before 11...
Read more