ABSTRACT
The paleolimnological and paleoecological studies at Laguna de Cocos were designed to provide baseline information about ancient environments of the area as recorded by the continuously deposited sediments of a perennial pond or shallow lake. The core from Laguna de Cocos consisted of an organic, biopelic marl composed of gastropod shells, ostrocodes, inorganic calcite, clays and organic material. Dennis E. Puleston designed archaeological excavations in wetland fields located in the town of San Antonio on Albion Island to investigate their mode of construction, age, and use but published only preliminary results before his untimely death. The discovery of artificial channels and ridges on river flood plains and on low ground surrounding marshes, swamps, and lakes along the Rio Hondo and on Albion Island in northern Belize in association with Maya settlement provided the primary evidence of an intensive, prehistoric agricultural system in the region.
