Deciphering natural hazard histories based on tree-ring analyses in contrasting tropical ecosystems of Costa Rica
Fecha
2020
Tipo
tesis doctoral
Autores
Quesada Román, Adolfo
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
Resumen
Climatic and anthropogenic changes are contributing to the degradation of different ecosystems
in Costa Rica, thereby altering climatic, ecological, and geomorphic conditions. The hypothesis
of this PhD thesis is that high tropical biodiversity of Costa Rica and the tropics is suitable to
improve the understanding of hydrogeomorphic process dynamics and to generate baseline
data on past disasters in a limited-data region. The principal motivation to link natural hazards
and dendrochronology in this low-latitude region is the persisting scarcity of data on past
hydrogeomorphic processes and the desire to define methods that can reduce its exposure and
vulnerability. The principal research aim of this study therefore was to provide reference data
that can improve the understanding of hydrogeomorphic processes as well as to explore the
potential of tropical tree species in dendrochronological applications. This study thus combines
remote sensing, meteorological assessments and tree-ring techniques with statistical analyses,
hydraulic modelling, and risk assessments. The innovative nature of this research described the
very limited experience available in terms of tree-ring analysis in Costa Rica and the clear lack
of understanding on past disasters and their linkage to climate. This study will likely contribute
to the implementation of new methodologies in disaster risk research and will hopefully
contribute to future adaptation strategies in the tropics, the most biodiverse region of the world.
Descripción
Palabras clave
CLIMATE CHANGE, Anthropogenic changes, Tropical biodiversity, NATURAL DISASTERS