Geomorphological Insights on Human-Volcano Interactions and Use of Volcanic Materials in Pre-Hispanic Cultures of Costa Rica, through the Holocene
Fecha
2018
Tipo
artículo original
Autores
Ruiz Cubillo, Paulo
Mana, Sara
Gutiérrez, Amalia
Alarcón Zamora, Gerardo Miguel
Garro Mora, José Francisco
Soto Bonilla, Gerardo J.
Título de la revista
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Resumen
Critical Zones (CZ) in tropical environments, especially near active volcanoes, are rich in
resources such as water, food, and construction materials. In Central America, people
have lived near volcanic centers for thousands of years and learned to take advantage of
these resources. Understanding how pre-Hispanic societies lived in this type of CZs and
interacted with volcanoes, provides us with insights on how to reduce the negative impact
derived from volcanic activity in modern cities. In this multidisciplinary approach we focus
on two case studies in Costa Rica near Poás and Turrialba volcanoes, which are currently
active, in order to obtain a comprehensive view of human-volcano interactions through
time. We use a methodology based on historical accounts, geological and archeological
fieldwork, geomorphological characterization based on remote sensing techniques and
past (pre-Hispanic), and present land use analysis. The northern Poás region represents
a case of a poorly developed pre-Hispanic society, which subsisted mainly on hunting
and gathering activities, had no permanent settlements and was probably affected by
the activity of the Hule and Río Cuarto maars. In spite of their vulnerability and lack of
infrastructure, they used geomorphology to their advantage, achieving natural protection.
Conversely, the Guayabo National Monument (GNM) near Turrialba Volcano represents
a cultural peak in pre-Hispanic societies in Costa Rica. Archeological remains and
structures at this site indicate that this society had a good understanding of physical
and geological processes and was therefore able to take advantage of natural resources
for water and food supply, construction, and protection as well as hazard prevention and
mitigation. The use of new technologies, some accessible and low-cost such as Google
Earth and others with restricted access and higher costs such as LiDAR, allowed us to
complete a rapid and efficient characterization of land use and geomorphological features
of the study area. This study helps to establish how some locations near volcanic edifices
are more prone the effects of volcanic hazards than others and why this data should be
included in volcanic risk assessment and land planning processes.
Descripción
Palabras clave
Guayabo, Poás, Turrialba, Prehispánico, pre-Hispanic, Critical Zone, Land use, Human-volcano interaction, Holocene