Geomorphology and human palaeoecology of the Méma, Mali

Abstract

The Méma is a semi-arid region in central-Mali with a rich archaeological heritage indicating the former existence of large urban settlements. Previous investigations suggest that the Méma is an important area in which to study the origins of Sahelian agriculture, metallurgy, and urbanism, the continuing effects of long-term desiccation, the fluvial history of the Niger River basin, human responses to desertification, and regional abandonment. As a basis for such future studies, a geomorphological map of the Méma was made based on remote sensing and field data. In this report the geomorphological map is presented with a discussion of the origin and chronology of the landforms. Following upon this discussion, the archaeology of the Méma is described, with theoretical considerations about the origin of urbanism and the abandoment of the urban settlement