by Dan1195 » Mon 21 Jan 2008, 13:52:30
I believe this show intends to examine what would happen to the artificial landscape we have created if humans simply disappeared overnight.
Over a period of 10-20 years we only have one urban area that I can think of that tells us what to expect: Pripyat, Ukraine, abandoned following the Chernobyl disaster. Many structures have already begun to decay and a couple of building collapses have already occurred.
What structures at which locations last the longest: assuming no catastrophic loss (earthquake, hurricane, tornado, etc.). More precipitation and greater temperature swings would shorten the lifespan. So would heavier rainfall, due to mold, weathering, more plant growth, etc. So Semi-arid climates outside of coastal, tornado, and earthquake areas would maintain structure the longest.
Wooden structures probably last 100 years
Steel & concrete skyscrapers: 500-1000?..really unsure here.
Stone monuments probably last the longest. The Pyramids Might survive the longest. Due to size, stone construction, and arid climate. Probably many thousands of years if no major climate shifts in the area occur.
Ultimately erosion and geological active destroy almost all evidence. Dont know if anything would indicate we were technologically advanced say 100 million years from now if our species were able to come back and examine the planet at that time. Many someone else has a better idea on that.