Análisis integrado de variabilidad climática, dinámica de precipitación y conflictos por el agua para la gestión del recurso hídrico en Costa Rica

Tesis (Doctorado en Ciencias Naturales para el Desarrollo con énfasis en Gestión de Recursos Naturales). Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. Universidad Nacional Costa Rica, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Doctorado en Ciencias Naturales para el Desarrollo, 2018.Water resources management in the tropics is challenged by climate variability and unregulated land use change and their impacts on the complex interactions between vegetation, soil, and atmosphere. Costa Rica, for example, is a nation with a vast wealth of water resources. The country, however, has recently faced water conflicts due to social, economic, legal, and political impediments in response to limited water availability during El Niño events and inefficient use of its water resources. In addition, tropical fragile biomes, such as the Páramo, have been understudied ecosystems for which it is crucial to identify moisture transport pathways influencing rainfall generation processes. This thesis consists of three parts. The first part focuses on the analysis of hydro-climatic and ecohydrological conditions across six major biomes in Costa Rica. Using the Budyko and the Tomer-Schilling frameworks, reanalysis data points located in the Caribbean and Pacific domains were classified according to their ecohydrological resistance and resilience between 1989 and 2005. Observed data were used to evaluate the reanalysis products. Resistance was defined as the standard deviation in the water excess (Q/P or runoff vs. precipitation), and resilience was defined as the standard deviation of the energy (AET/ PET or actual evapotranspiration vs. potential evapotranspiration) of the water excess. A strong orographic separation was obtained between the water-limited Pacific slope and the energy-limited Caribbean slope. The Caribbean slope is characterized by low resistance and high resilience to changes in the hydro-climatic conditions, with small relative changes in water excess, whereas the Northern Pacific slope has high resistance and low resilience and shows strong changes in water excess. Some areas of the Northern Pacific region covered by lower and pre-montane forests have recently suffered significant increments in the dryness index (PET/P). The second part presents a spatial distribution and temporal analysis of water conflicts in Costa Rica from 2005 to 2015. In total, 719 water conflicts were analyzed of which 54% were among private individuals and government. The largest urban areas and the Grande de Tárcoles basin were identified as the main ‘hot spot’ for the conflicts. Water conflicts were mainly caused by spills of wastewater, water pollution, water shortage, infrastructure damage, and flooding, and can be predicted using a multiple linear model x including the municipal population and the number of hydro-meteorological events (r2=0.77). The identified hydro-meteorological events also coevolved significantly with the changes in precipitation regimes (r=0.67, p=0.021). The findings suggest that there is a need to recognize that water infrastructure longevity across the country concatenates and amplifies water conflicts, mainly in the most populated area located in the Central Valley. Finally, the third part presents a stable isotope analysis of precipitation and moisture sources using rainfall samples collected on a daily to weekly basis between January 2015 and May 2016 at two Páramo sites: Chirripó (Costa Rica; 3,400 m a.s.l.) and Cajas (southern Ecuador; 3,900 m a.s.l.). Isotopic composition (i.e., δ18O and deuterium excess) was used to identify how rainfall generation influences the seasonal variations at each study site. Air mass back trajectory analysis was used to identify preferential moisture transport pathways. Our results demonstrated the strong influence of the northeast trade winds from the Caribbean Sea at Chirripó and the preferential influence of the Amazon Forest at Cajas. Mean δ18O and deuterium excess altitudinal relationships for local precipitation are consistent with increased condensation rates of atmospheric vapor with elevation. Finally, the hydrological conditions of the glacial lakes located in the highlands of Chirripó, Costa Rica, were assessed using a unique data set of water stable isotopes collected between September 2015 and July 2017. Stable isotope records (δ18O, deuterium excess and line-conditioned excess) of local precipitation, streams, and glacial lakes were compared and used to estimate evaporative losses of lakes using the linear resistance model and the experimental-estimated local evaporation line (LEL) of Chirripó. The isotope signals revealed non-seasonal evaporative conditions for the glacial lakes and evaporation to inflow (E/I) ratios below 10%. Overall, national and regional strategies are needed to effectively optimize water use efficiency and water storage and to include a climate vulnerability component in future water management plans. These truly integrated water resources management plans should include, for example, water conflicts as indicators of hydro-climatic changing conditions and water supply and sanitation infrastructure status, and could incorporate recently-developed techniques based on the analysis of stable isotopes in precipitation and surface water as indicators of climate variability

Tracing Water Sources and Fluxes in a Dynamic Tropical Environment: From Observations to Modeling

Código de proyecto: Isotope Network for Tropical Ecosystem Studies (ISONet). Producción relacionada con el Observatorio del Agua y Cambio Global (OACG).Tropical regions cover approximately 36% of the Earth’s landmass. These regions are home to 40% of the world’s population, which is projected to increase to over 50% by 2030 under a remarkable climate variability scenario often exacerbated by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and other climate teleconnections. In the tropics, ecohydrological conditions are typically under the influence of complex land-ocean-atmosphere interactions that produce a dynamic cycling of mass and energy reflected in a clear partition of water fluxes. Here, we present a review of 7 years of a concerted and continuous water stable isotope monitoring across Costa Rica, including key insights learned, main methodological advances and limitations (both in experimental designs and data analysis), potential data gaps, and future research opportunities with a humid tropical perspective. The uniqueness of the geographic location of Costa Rica within the mountainous Central America Isthmus, receiving moisture inputs from the Caribbean Sea (windward) and the Pacific Ocean (complex leeward topography), and experiencing strong ENSO events, poses a clear advantage for the use of isotopic variations to underpin key drivers in ecohydrological responses. In a sequential approach, isotopic variations are analyzed from moisture transport, rainfall generation, and groundwater/surface connectivity to Bayesian and rainfall-runoff modeling. The overarching goal of this review is to provide a robust humid tropical example with a progressive escalation from common water isotope observations to more complex modeling outputs and applications to enhance water resource management in the tropics.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigaciones Geofísicas (CIGEFI)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Básicas::Facultad de Ciencias::Escuela de FísicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Sociales::Facultad de Ciencias Sociales::Escuela de Geografí

Data Descriptor: Daily observations of stable isotope ratios of rainfall in the tropics

We present precipitation isotope data (δ2H and δ18O values) from 19 stations across the tropics collected from 2012 to 2017 under the Coordinated Research Project F31004 sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Rainfall samples were collected daily and analysed for stable isotopic ratios of oxygen and hydrogen by participating laboratories following a common analytical framework. We also calculated daily mean stratiform rainfall area fractions around each station over an area of 5° x 5° longitude/latitude based on TRMM/GPM satellite data. Isotope time series, along with information on rainfall amount and stratiform/convective proportions provide a valuable tool for rainfall characterisation and to improve the ability of isotope-enabled Global Circulation Models to predict variability and availability of inputs to fresh water resources across the tropics.Fil: Munksgaard, Niels C.. James Cook University; Australia. Charles Darwin University. School of Environmental Research; AustraliaFil: Kurita, Naoyuki. Nagoya University; JapónFil: Sánchez Murillo, Ricardo. Universidad Nacional; Costa RicaFil: Ahmed, Nasir. Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission; BangladeshFil: Araguas, Luis. International Atomic Energy Agency (iaea); AustriaFil: Balachew, Dagnachew L.. International Atomic Energy Agency (iaea); AustriaFil: Bird, Michael I.. James Cook University; AustraliaFil: Chakraborty, Supriyo. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology; IndiaFil: Kien Chinh, Nguyen. Center for Nuclear Techniques; VietnamFil: Cobb, Kim M.. Georgia Institute of Technology; Estados UnidosFil: Ellis, Shelby A.. Georgia Institute of Technology; Estados UnidosFil: Esquivel Hernández, Germain. Universidad Nacional; Costa RicaFil: Ganyaglo, Samuel Y.. National Nuclear Research Institute; GhanaFil: Gao, Jing. Chinese Academy of Sciences; República de ChinaFil: Gastmans, Didier. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Kaseke, Kudzai F.. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; India. University of California Santa Barbara; Estados UnidosFil: Kebede, Seifu. Addis Ababa University; EtiopíaFil: Morales, Marcelo Raul. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Mueller, Moritz. Swinburne University of Technology; MalasiaFil: Poh, Seng Chee. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu; MalasiaFil: Santos, Vinícius dos. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Shaoneng, He. Nanyang Technological University; SingapurFil: Wang, Lixin. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; IndiaFil: Yacobaccio, Hugo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Zwart, Costijn. James Cook University; Australi

Minimum requirements for publishing hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur stable-isotope delta results (IUPAC Technical Report)

Stable hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur (HCNOS) isotope compositions expressed as isotope-delta values are typically reported relative to international standards such as Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW), Vienna Peedee belemnite (VPDB) or Vienna Cañon Diablo Troilite (VCDT). These international standards are chosen by convention and the calibration methods used to realise them in practice undergo occasional changes. To ensure longevity and reusability of published data, a comprehensive description of (1) analytical procedure, (2) traceability, (3) data processing, and (4) uncertainty evaluation is required. Following earlier International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry documents on terminology and notations, this paper proposes minimum requirements for publishing HCNOS stable-isotope delta results. Each of the requirements are presented with illustrative example

Determinación de hidrocarburos biogénicas en aire en el Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, Costa Rica

Determina la concentración de los hidrocarburos biogénicos en aire en el Bosque Nuboso de la Reserva Biológica Monteverde, Costa Rica. Se implemento la metodología analítica para la determinación de las concentraciones de hidrocarburos biogénicos en aire, utilizando como sitio de muestreo los cuatro puntos seleccionados dentro del área abierta al público de la reserva. Los resultados obtenidos servirán como base para la determinación de las concentraciones de los aerosoles orgánicos, que funcionan como núcleos de condensación y juegan un papel determinante en la formación de las nubes

Emisiones de contaminantes atmosféricos provenientes desde fuentes fijas

Las emisiones de contaminantes atmosféricos provenientes desde fuentes fijas están reguladas por el Reglamento sobre Emisión de Contaminantes Atmosféricos provenientes de Calderas (DE-30222-S-MINAE). La normativa presente en este reglamento es aplicable a calderas que pueden utilizar combustibles fósiles o biomásicos (La Gaceta, 2002) e incluye tres contaminantes primarios atmosféricos: el dióxido de azufre (SO2), los óxidos de nitrógeno (NOx) y las partículas totales en suspensión (PTS). Las calderas son las fuentes de generación de energía más utilizadas en Costa Rica, por lo que las emisiones correspondientes a su uso pueden afectar de manera significativa la calidad del aire y la salud de la población en general. Actualmente la cuantificación de las emisiones provenientes de este tipo de fuentes fijas se realiza sistemáticamente por parte del Ministerio de Salud, y a través de las mediciones in situ que varios laboratorios nacionales prestan como servicio a la industria nacional. Sin embargo, esta información no se ha sistematizado o empleado para la generación de un inventario de emisiones atmosféricas, que por lo menos incluya la tres contaminantes regulados en el Reglamento arriba mencionado. Tomando como base los análisis realizados en el 2008, 2009 y 2010, el Laboratorio de Química de la Atmósfera de la Universidad Nacional ha preparado un inventario nacional parcial de las emisiones atmosféricas provenientes de fuentes fijas, en el cual se cuantifican en toneladas por año, la cantidad de NOx, SO2 y PTS que se emitieron al aire por las industrias a las que el LAQAT-UNA prestó su servicio. El objetivo general de este trabajo es exponer la metodología empleada para la estimación de las emisiones anuales de estos contaminantes, con base en los datos actualmente disponibles en el LAQAT-UNA, así como sentar las bases para el desarrollo de un inventario nacional, utilizando los datos recopilados por el Ministerio de Salud durante cada año. Este inventario garantizaría el diseño y ejecución de una campaña permanente de medición de gases de combustión y partículas en chimeneas a nivel industrial para fuentes caracterizadas como grandes emisores (nuevos y existentes), al mismo tiempo que permitiría aplicar otras herramientas para el control de emisiones desde fuentes fijas, tales como la validación de los inventarios generados mediante el la modelación de la dispersión de contaminantes estudiados (Parra, 2004).Emissions of atmospheric pollutants from stationary sources are regulated by the Regulation on Emission of Atmospheric Pollutants from Boilers (DE-30222-S-MINAE). The regulations present in this regulation are applicable to boilers that can use fossil or biomass fuels (La Gaceta, 2002) and include three primary atmospheric pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and total particles in suspension (PTS). Boilers are the most widely used sources of power generation in Costa Rica, so the emissions corresponding to their use can significantly affect air quality and the health of the general population. Currently, the quantification of emissions from this type of fixed sources is carried out systematically by the Ministry of Health, and through on-site measurements that various national laboratories provide as a service to the national industry. However, this information has not been systematized or used to generate an inventory of atmospheric emissions, which at least includes the three pollutants regulated in the above-mentioned Regulation. Based on the analyzes carried out in 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory of the National University has prepared a partial national inventory of atmospheric emissions from stationary sources, in which they are quantified in tons per year, the amount of NOx, SO2 and PTS that were released to the air by the industries that LAQAT-UNA served. The general objective of this work is to present the methodology used to estimate the annual emissions of these pollutants, based on the data currently available in LAQAT-UNA, as well as to lay the foundations for the development of a national inventory, using the data collected by the Ministry of Health during each year. This inventory would guarantee the design and execution of a permanent campaign to measure combustion gases and particles in chimneys at an industrial level for sources characterized as large emitters (new and existing), at the same time that it would allow the application of other tools for the control of emissions from fixed sources, such as the validation of the inventories generated by modeling the dispersion of pollutants studied (Parra, 2004)

Concentración de mercurio en el aire

El mercurio es un metal tóxico emitido a la atmósfera mediante procesos naturales y antropogénicos. Los procesos naturales incluyen: la volatilización desde medios acuáticos y vegetación, la desgasificación de materiales geológicos y las emisiones volcánicas, mientras que los principales procesos antropogénicos de emisión son: la incineración de desechos médicos, municipales y peligrosos, así como la producción de cloro, cemento Pórtland, la minería y la producción de productos de papel, entre otros

Chirripo Hydrological Research Site: advancing stable isotope hydrology in the Central American Paramo

Tropical mountainous ecosystems are recognized as providers of valuable ecological and hydrological services (Viviroli et al, 2007). In Central America, the P aramo, a high-elevation tropical grassland ecosystem, extends over ~ 200 km2 in Costa Rica and Panama, with ~50% of this area located within the Chirripo National Park between 3,100 and 3,820 m asl (-83.49deg, 9.46deg). Vegetation mostly consists of 0.5 to 2.5 m tall bamboo dominated (Chusquea subtessellata ) grasslands, covering up to 60% of the total Paramo area in Costa Rica (Fig.1a). The climate is controlled by the northeast trade winds, the latitudinal migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), cold continental outbreaks (i.e., northerly winds), and the seasonal influence of Caribbean cyclones. These circulation patterns produce two rainfall maxima on the Paci fic slope, one in June and one in September, which are interrupted by a relative minimum between July-August, known as the Mid-Summer Drought, due to intensi cation of trade winds over the Caribbean Sea (Magana et al., 1999; Waylen, 1996). The wettest season extends from May to November (contributing up to 89% of the annual precipitation), whereas the driest season is from December to April (Fig. 2a; Esquivel-Hernandez et al., 2018). The surface water system of Chirripo is characterized by a lake district which comprises approximately 30 lakes of glacial origin and streams owing down the Caribbean and Pacifi c slopes (Fig1b).Los ecosistemas montañosos tropicales son reconocidos como proveedores de valiosos servicios ecológicos e hidrológicos (Viviroli et al, 2007). En Centroamérica, el P aramo, un ecosistema de pastizales tropicales de gran altitud, se extiende sobre ~ 200 km2 en Costa Rica y Panamá, con ~ 50% de esta área ubicada dentro del Parque Nacional Chirripó entre 3100 y 3820 m snm (-83,49 grados. , 9,46 grados). La vegetación consiste principalmente en pastizales dominados por bambú (Chusquea subtessellata) de 0,5 a 2,5 m de altura, que cubren hasta el 60% del área total de páramo en Costa Rica (Figura 1a). El clima está controlado por los vientos alisios del noreste, la migración latitudinal de la Zona de Convergencia Intertropical (ITCZ), los brotes continentales fríos (es decir, los vientos del norte) y la influencia estacional de los ciclones del Caribe. Estos patrones de circulación producen dos máximos de precipitación en la vertiente del Pacífico, uno en junio y otro en septiembre, que son interrumpidos por un mínimo relativo entre julio y agosto, conocido como la sequía de mediados de verano, debido a la intensi cación de los vientos alisios en el Mar Caribe (Magana et al., 1999; Waylen, 1996). La temporada más húmeda se extiende de mayo a noviembre (aportando hasta el 89% de la precipitación anual), mientras que la temporada más seca es de diciembre a abril (Fig.2a; Esquivel-Hernandez et al., 2018). El sistema de aguas superficiales de Chirripó se caracteriza por un distrito lacustre que comprende aproximadamente 30 lagos de origen glaciar y arroyos que descienden por las laderas del Caribe y el Pacífico (Figura 1b).Universidad Nacional, Costa RicaEscuela de Químic

Climate And Water Conflicts Coevolution From Tropical Development And Hydro-Climatic Perspectives: A Case Study Of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nation with a vast wealth of water resources; however, recently the country has faced water conflicts (WC) due to social, economic, legal, and political impediments in response to limited water availability during El Nino events and inefficient use of its water resources. This study presents a spatial distri- ~ bution and temporal analysis of WC in Costa Rica from 2005 to 2015. In total, 719 WC were analyzed of which 54% were among private individuals and government. The largest urban areas and the Grande de Tarcoles Basin were identified as the main “hot spot” for the conflicts. WC were mainly caused by spills of wastewater, water pollution, water shortage, infrastructure damage, and flooding, and can be predicted using a multiple lin ear model including the population size and the number of hydro-meteorological events (HME) (R2 = 0.77). The identified HME also coevolved significantly with the changes in precipitation regimes (r = 0.67, p = 0.021). Our results suggest that there is a need to recognize that water infrastructure longevity across the country concate nates and amplifies WC, mainly in the most populated area located in the Central Valley. Implications of our findings include the need for truly integrated water resources management plans that include, for example, WC as indicators of hydro-climatic changing conditions and water supply and sanitation infrastructure statusCosta Rica es una nación con una gran riqueza en recursos hídricos; sin embargo, recientemente el país ha enfrentado conflictos por el agua (WC) debido a impedimentos sociales, económicos, legales y políticos en respuesta a la disponibilidad limitada de agua durante los eventos de El Niño y el uso ineficiente de sus recursos hídricos. Este estudio presenta una distribución espacial y un análisis temporal de los CM en Costa Rica desde 2005 hasta 2015. En total, se analizaron 719 CM de los cuales el 54% fueron entre particulares y gobierno. Las áreas urbanas más grandes y la Cuenca Grande de Tárcoles fueron identificadas como el principal “punto caliente” de los conflictos. Los WC fueron causados ​​principalmente por derrames de aguas residuales, contaminación del agua, escasez de agua, daños a la infraestructura e inundaciones, y se pueden predecir utilizando un modelo lineal múltiple que incluye el tamaño de la población y el número de eventos hidrometeorológicos (HME) (R2 = 0.77 ). El HME identificado también coevolucionó significativamente con los cambios en los regímenes de precipitación (r = 0,67, p = 0,021). Nuestros resultados sugieren que existe la necesidad de reconocer que la longevidad de la infraestructura de agua en todo el país se concatena y amplifica la WC, principalmente en el área más poblada ubicada en el Valle Central. Las implicaciones de nuestros hallazgos incluyen la necesidad de planes de gestión de recursos hídricos verdaderamente integrados que incluyan, por ejemplo, WC como indicadores de las condiciones cambiantes hidroclimáticas y el estado de la infraestructura de suministro de agua y saneamiento.Universidad Nacional, Costa RicaEscuela de Químic

GPS PrecipitableWater Vapor Estimations over Costa Rica: A Comparison against Atmospheric Sounding and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS)

Abstract: The quantification of water vapor in tropical regions like Central America is necessary to estimate the influence of climate change on its distribution and the formation of precipitation. This work reports daily estimations of precipitable water vapor (PWV) using Global Positioning System (GPS) delay data over the Pacific region of Costa Rica during 2017. The GPS PWV measurements were compared against atmospheric sounding and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) data. When GPS PWV was calculated, relatively small biases between the mean atmospheric temperatures (Tm) from atmospheric sounding and the Bevis equation were found. The seasonal PWV fluctuations were controlled by two of the main circulation processes in Central America: the northeast trade winds and the latitudinal migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). No significant statistical di erences were found for MODIS Terra during the dry season with respect GPS-based calculations (p > 0.05). A multiple linear regression model constructed based on surface meteorological variables can predict the GPS-based measurements with an average relative bias of 0.02 0.19 mm/day (R2 = 0.597). These first results are promising for incorporating GPS-based meteorological applications in Central America where the prevailing climatic conditions offer a unique scenario to study the influence of maritime moisture inputs on the seasonal water vapor distribution.La cuantificación del vapor de agua en regiones tropicales como Centroamérica es necesaria para estimar la influencia del cambio climático en su distribución y formación de precipitaciones. Este trabajo reporta estimaciones diarias de vapor de agua precipitable (PWV) utilizando datos de retardo del Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS) sobre la región del Pacífico de Costa Rica durante 2017. Las mediciones del GPS PWV se compararon con datos de sondeo atmosférico y espectrómetro de imágenes de resolución moderada (MODIS). Cuando se calculó el GPS PWV, se encontraron desviaciones relativamente pequeñas entre las temperaturas atmosféricas medias (Tm) del sondeo atmosférico y la ecuación de Bevis. Las fluctuaciones estacionales del VOP fueron controladas por dos de los principales procesos de circulación en Centroamérica: los vientos alisios del noreste y la migración latitudinal de la Zona de Convergencia Intertropical (ZCIT). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas significativas para MODIS Terra durante la estación seca con respecto a los cálculos basados ​​en GPS (p> 0.05). Un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple construido en base a variables meteorológicas de superficie puede predecir las mediciones basadas en GPS con un sesgo relativo promedio de 0.02 0.19 mm / día (R2 = 0.597). Estos primeros resultados son prometedores para incorporar aplicaciones meteorológicas basadas en GPS en Centroamérica, donde las condiciones climáticas predominantes ofrecen un escenario único para estudiar la influencia de los aportes de humedad marítima en la distribución estacional del vapor de agua.Universidad Nacional, Costa RicaEscuela de Químic