Missouri State University archaeologists Daniel Pierce and Christopher Bodine are preparing to embark on an ambitious expedition to Brazil, where they aim to uncover ancient geoglyphs in the Amazon rainforest. This expedition is part of the Terra Incognita Research Institute’s GOJIRA project, which stands for Geoglyph Observations through Jungle Imagery in Remote Amazonia. The project aims to study these massive surface designs, which have become visible due to deforestation and the use of LiDAR technology.
The pair, both native Missourians, have been based in Brazil for over a year, focusing their efforts on the southern part of the Amazon. Their work is driven by a passion for discovery and a belief that significant research can emerge from unexpected places, not just prestigious academic institutions. The research is funded through a crowdfunded initiative, a testament to the growing trend of public support for scientific exploration.
Pierce highlighted the significance of the geoglyphs, describing them as