The Mayan civilization Light Destroyed By Drought

Previously suspected severe drought has caused the collapse of Maya civilization, but a recent study showed that mild drought could be the cause.

Researchers from the Center for Scientific Research Yucatan in Mexico and the University of Southampton in England said their analysis showed droughts only cause a reduction in annual rainfall by 25 to 40 percent.

Smaller amounts of rain means that the open water sources, such as in ponds and lakes, evaporates more quickly than the amount that can be replaced by rainfall.

"Data shows that the main cause is the reduction of summer storm activity," said Eelco Rohling of the University of Southampton.

The analysis showed that a simple dry season water shortages could trigger, in an area that does not have a river, and just rely on rainfall as a source of water.

"Summer is prime season for the cultivation and storage of fresh water replenishment system belongs to the Maya, but no rivers in the lowlands of the Yucatan," Rohling said.

"Social Disruption and left the city is a consequence of severe drought, especially since it seems to keep recurring drought in fast tempo," he added