In a major leap for heritage preservation technology, engineers have successfully combined hyperspectral satellite data with terrestrial muon tomography to map a hidden network of subterranean irrigation galleries beneath Caral-Supe, Peru. This 5,000-year-old urban center, known as the oldest city in the Americas, was previously thought to rely solely on surface water. The new imaging reveals a complex system of engineered stone channels designed to store and divert groundwater, demonstrating a high level of hydraulic sophistication in the Late Archaic period.
The project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture of Peru and global tech firms, allows archaeologists to study these fragile structures without invasive excavation. By understanding the original stone lashing and filtration techniques, conservationists hope to reinforce the site against the increasing threats of seismic activity and climate-induced flash flooding. This non-invasive 'digital x-ray' of the site sets a new standard for monitoring World Heritage sites located in sensitive geological zones.