Learn About Costa Rica’s Natural Disaster Early Warning Systems

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Costa Rica has 5 active volcanoes, 1290 kilometers of coastlines, and 51.000 square kilometers of land, and Costa Rica’s National University, (UNA) in conjunction with the University of Costa Rica (UCR) have developed several observatories to help nationals and tourists safely enjoy the abundance of natural resources available here.

In 1984, the UNA created the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA), and their staff has been dedicated to the investigation of volcanoes, earthquakes and oceanic events, with the purpose of finding useful applications for society that help to mitigate the adverse effects of these phenomena on economic and social development. This is an observatory that disseminates a considerable amount of data, aimed at documenting the seismic and volcanic activities throughout the country.

OVSICORI’s department of volcanology is divided into three main groups: volcanic seismology, deformation, and observation of physical changes and geochemistry. The scientists in these groups are responsible for collecting evidence of ash, mud, rocks and biological samples for analysis, in order to predict volcanic activity that could affect the country. This department also provides real time data of seismograms and volcanic ash advisories to help the public deal with health issues following eruptions.

In 1994, the UNA established the Operational Center for Latin America and the Caribbean (IOI-Costa Rica), in cooperation with the International Ocean Institute (IOI). The IOI-Costa Rica monitors both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts to detect marine-coastal threats, such as tsunamis and rip currents, and report all possible danger to the public.

One branch of the IOI-Costa Rica is the RONMAC Program, which maintains tide gauges in Quepos, Herradura, and Papagayo on the Pacific coasts and in Limón on the Caribbean coast, to record sea levels and provide forecasts. Since 2010, RONMAC has been studying the phenomenon of rip currents and other hazards along the countries coastlines, both at scientific and social levels, to prevent dangerous water related events, and to educate tourists about safe swimming habits while they visit Costa Rica’s beaches.

Another observatory that monitors seismic information from around the world in real time in order to provide information about the possibility and size of tsunamis in Costa Rica is the National Monitoring System of Tsunamis (SINAMOT). This monitoring and warning center is composed of oceanographers from the National University (UNA) and marine engineers from the University of Costa Rica (UCR), that are responsible for issuing scientific judgments about tsunami threats, and in turn sharing that information with the National Emergency Commission, (CNE)

In addition to monitoring RONMAC’S tide gauges and deep-water buoys on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, SINAMOT also has a system of contacts throughout Latin America that allows for the prompt sharing of information about what events are occurring in neighboring countries. With all this information, SINAMOT establishes the level of danger for Costa Rica’s coastlines and they communicate this information to the CNE, which will advise the public and order evacuations or other emergency actions as necessary.

Following almost three decades of research and reporting, in conjunction with specialized research centers at the Laboratory of Jet Propulsion of NASA, the University of California, the National Science Foundation, the Geological Service of the United States, the International Ocean Institute and prestigious universities around the world, OVSICORI-UNA and IOI-Costa Rica provide long-term trends in volcanic, seismic and oceanic patterns that must be taken into account for territorial planning and the safety of all residents of Costa Rica.

The writer, Tom Rosenberger has lived and worked in Costa Rica for 25 years and from his travels throughout the country inspecting land and construction he has acquired a wealth of knowledge about living in Costa Rica. If you have questions and would like to contact Tom : [email protected]

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