A 5000 YR RECORD OF HURRICANE STRIKES FROM A COASTAL LAGOON, OAXACA, MEXICO

In September 1997 hurricane Pauline hit the Oaxacan coastline of Mexico causing significant damage and loss of life. In this paper we attempt to document the frequency with which intense hurricanes have hit the region. Our study area comprises Laguna Pastoria which is a large coastal lagoon ringed with mangroves and shielded from the Pacific Ocean by a large barrier island beach complex. We will present analyses of aerial photographs, stratigraphic cores, pollen analysis as well as archaeological data in order to understand the frequency and intensity with which hurricanes have impacted the region in the past.