What are the most popular theories about why the Anasazi disappeared from Arizona in the 1300's?

Question

I'm writing a research paper, so links would be helpful. The most popular 3-5 would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

The theories of disapearance seem to be of proposterity as for the impossibility!

possible reasons:

Some speculate that the Anasazi left because of a severe draught which destroyed their crops and caused all of the animals to migrate, and they simply left their belongings because they were to burdensome to carry. Others believe that invaders attacked the Anasazi and they left with no time to bring their things. Still others attribute the fall of the Anasazi to depleted resources, population increases or breakdowns in social structure. Although there is no evidence as to why they abandoned their homes, the Anasazi did not simply disappear as many people believe. Their descendants live today and have since formed 18 tribes throughout the Southwest.

Answer 2

Many think it was a combination of environmental and societal factors that pushed the Ancestral Puebloans from the Mesa Verde/Chaco Canyon area.  Most theories contribute it to...

- Drought (causing a reduction in Maize yield and other resources including potable water)

- Deforestation and topsoil erosion

- Conflict / warfare - probably because of competition for limited resources (as seen by the aggregated and defensive nature of many of the thirteenth century Ancestral Puebloan settlements)

- Increasing population density and declining population health

You also need to consider "pull factors" that were present in the areas where the Ancestral Puebloans migrated to, such as access to a wider range of agricultural options, better opportunities for trade, security, and sanctification, and new religious developments.