Travertine buildup reflects Ancient Rome's water usage

For years historians and scientists have tried to understand the ancient marvel of the Roman aqueducts to better understand Rome itself. Now archaeologists are using a new method - the buildup of travertine within the Anio Novus aqueduct - to determine how much water flowed into Rome.

The Anio Novus aqueduct is an ideal study candidate because not only was it the longest aqueduct, but it also has an associated written history. With modern understanding of flow rates and some calculus, the researchers were able to extrapolate a flow rate for the aqueduct. Find out just how much water flowed into ancient Rome in EARTH Magazine: http://bit.ly/1lm7YT8.

EARTH Magazine continues to bring readers the science behind the headlines. This month's features cover how conflict minerals are traced through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a proposed solution to an energy, environment and water conundrum. Also included are the latest research headlines, like what sinkholes on comets mean for the comets' composition, the role of ancient lakes in early life, and updates to the "tree of life." As always, participate in the "Where on EARTH Photo Contest" and the geo-crossword puzzle.

Provided by American Geosciences Institute