An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

lower elevation. Thus, the mound literally straddles the changing surface contour. This
extant topography may be representative of the landform as it existed along the northern
edge of Field 1 during the Formative period, prior to the erosion of land due to changes in
the course of the San Juan River.
Approximately 100 m southwest of Structure 86 is a 7 m high pyramidal mound,
Structure 84. This mound is being destroyed not only by the undercutting caused by
seasonal flooding but also by rainfall runoff and cattle grazing, which have damaged the
structure and further weakened the structural integrity of the embankment. Figure 4.10 is
a view of the embankment directly below Structure 84 from river level that demonstrates
the continued slumping of the river cut profile. The last vestiges of Structures 85 and 107
lie to either side of Structure 84 and may be completely removed by erosion in the
coming years. These three structures stand atop a broad, low platform that can be seen in
Figure 4.11, with Structure 85 on the extreme left, Structure 84 prominent near the center,
and Structure 107 barely visible near the tree on the right.
Figure 4.10. View to the west of slumping embankment
containing portions of Structure 84
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