Geomorphology of the Upper General River Basin, Costa Rica

Abstract

In spite of the geomorphological diversity of Central America and Costa Rica, there are few detailed geomorphological maps. A 1:25,000 scale map of the Upper General River Basin (UGRB) in Costa Rica is presented, based on the interpretation of aerial photographs and field geomorphological mapping. A total of 43 types of landforms divided genetically into endogenic (tectonic features), and exogenic (fluvial, gravitational, and glacial features) are mapped for an area of 1560 km2. This cartography is important in terms of disaster prevention and mitigation (floods and hillslope processes), as well as for land use planning.