Scientists have recently made a breakthrough in unraveling the mystery behind the massive statues on Easter Island that have puzzled experts for centuries.
Located in Polynesia, Chile, these mysterious stone figures, known as moai, have captivated the imagination of people worldwide.
However, their purpose and the reason for their specific placement on the island have long remained a subject of speculation.
Believed to have been carved between the 1300s and 1600s, the Easter Island statues have now been found to have a connection to the island's limited freshwater resources.
Researchers from New York's Binghamton University conducted an exploration of Easter Island to investigate this enduring mystery.
The study revealed that the island's residents relied heavily on groundwater discharge, as only a small amount of naturally available freshwater existed on the remote island.
Groundwater discharge occurs when water from underwater aquifers, which are layers of rock or sediment containing water, flows out of the ground.
This phenomenon allowed the ancient inhabitants to access drinkable freshwater wherever it emerged along the coast.
The statues were strategically placed in close proximity to these freshwater sources, ensuring a readily available water supply for the island's population.
The porous volcanic soils of the island quickly absorbed rainwater, resulting in a lack of streams and rivers.
However, when tides were low, freshwater from underground aquifers would flow directly into the sea, allowing humans to capture and utilize this valuable resource.
By analyzing the salt content in coastal waters, the research team established a correlation between freshwater availability and the statues' positioning.
The study's lead anthropologist, Carl Lip, emphasized the significance of the research findings, stating that the location of the statues and other features on the island now makes perfect sense.
The statues were strategically positioned where freshwater was immediately accessible, ensuring a sustainable water source for the island's inhabitants.
David Attenborough explained this in his visit to the Easter islands if I remember correctly, one user said.
They’ve narrowed it down to someone carving rocks, would you believe it, the second user said.
Did they find the person that burned the statues? The third user commented.
I herd it was a group of men waiting for thier wife's to get ready, another user joked.
