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| Research Facilities |
| One of the reasons Arenal is so appealing to a wide
range of volcanologists, biologists, botanists and geologists is the
combination of constant activity, rich ecosystems and the close proximity
of lava flows from various epochs and periods. |
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Arenal Volcano receives over 5000 millimeters of rain annually.
The high rainfall has caused rapid erosion and frequent mudflows and
landslides.
Research projects have been conducted and are ongoing on a variety
of subjects, including the:
- Studies of eruptive activity.
- Reconstruction of details of the 1968 eruptions.
- Reconstruction of details of pre-historic eruptions.
- Measurement of acid rain.
- Measurement of species regeneration in volcanically affected areas.
- Measurement of changes in soil chemistry and mineralogy.
- Studies of local biology and the affects of volcanic activity upon it
Scientists studying at the Arenal Observatory Lodge have come
from the Smithsonian Institute, the Earthwatch Institute, the Organization
of Tropical Studies, OVSICORI (Observatorio Vulcanológico y
Sismológico de Costa Rica) of the National University of Costa
Rica, the University of Miami, and the University of California, amongst
others. |
| Hydrology, Not Just Volcanology
The Arenal-Corobicí Hydroelectric Complex is part a large-scale
project undertaken by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE)
to harness the huge energy generating potential of the Arenal Lake.
The project included the construction of two massive dams and the
creation of Lake Arenal, a man-made lake covering almost 90 square
kilometers of area.
The hydraulic energy of Lake Arenal and its surrounding rivers
supply almost 40% of Costa Rica’s energy production.
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