Geomorphology of Natural Hazards and Human-induced Disasters in Ecuador

Abstract:

The active geology of Ecuador, as volcanic, tectonic, and plutonic conditions interact in the tropical landscape, makes up for the country's high propensity to disaster. In this chapter, the anthropogenic impact of landscape change is highlighted to contribute to a better understanding of what seems to be the catastrophe-prone existence of Ecuadorian villages and cities inserted into the capricious topography of the Tropical Andes. Changing the forest cover for pasture and agriculture has left many mountain areas unprotected against erosion, biodiversity loss, massive migrations, and overall farmscape transformation. Construction of mega-projects in the higher watersheds, along with road networks that defy gravity in the slope lands, are indicated as direct triggers of an explicit human driver of landscape change. With a review of the major calamities that Ecuador has suffered related to geomorphologic forces, and the implications of the lack of planning and preparedness, the lax social responses are also criticized for the risk transfer inconsistencies in disaster management of an increased number of low-intensity and ephemeral events in Ecuador. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Año de publicación:

2009

Keywords:

• Hazards
• disasters
• ECUADOR
• Volcanoes
• planning
• Risk
• Land use
• Tropical Andes

Fuente:

scopus