Study of the spatial and temporal variability of local ecosystems and glaciers of the Antisana Volcano

Authors

  • Mauricio Valladares Borja Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29019/enfoqueute.v5n4.44

Keywords:

Antisana, climate change, glaciers, photographs, gis

Abstract

(Received: 2014/10/31 - Accepted: 2014/12/15)

The scientific interest in climate change allowed to uncover evidence demonstrating a general warming trend caused by human activities. Facts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and retreat of glaciers, are indicators of the presence of alterations of normal weather patterns. In Ecuador, the Antisana is a stratovolcano of strategic importance affecting the climate of the region, in the functioning of the surrounding ecosystems. It is also a reserve of water for the population of the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ). The glaciers of the tropical volcano are also suffering the effects of global warming. Its decline over time is of concern and should be analyzed. The present research work performed a spatial and temporal study based on historical series of aerial photographs taken between 1956 and 2011, through geo-processing capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS). The results show a significant decrease in the glaciers of the Antisana Volcano and significant changes in the surrounding local ecological formations.

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Published

2014-12-19

How to Cite

Valladares Borja, M. (2014). Study of the spatial and temporal variability of local ecosystems and glaciers of the Antisana Volcano. Enfoque UTE, 5(4), pp. 1 - 16. https://doi.org/10.29019/enfoqueute.v5n4.44

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Section

Miscellaneous