The Disappearance of Ecuador’s Tallest Waterfall

The Disappearance of Ecuador's Tallest Waterfall

Surrounded by lush vegetation and rare butterflies, the San Rafael Waterfall was one of the most captivating landscapes in Ecuador. With water dropping 150 meters (490 feet), the river and falls cut through a thick patch of cloud forest at the intersection of the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin. As the country's tallest waterfall, it attracted tens of thousands of visitors per year.

But now, the cascade has disappeared. It stopped flowing on February 2, 2020. The images above show the falls and the surrounding river basin while water still flowed on August 4, 2014 (left) and after it stopped on March 15, 2020 (right). These images were acquired by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. The image below shows a photograph of the falls on November 28, 2012.

According to media reports, a huge sinkhole appeared in the Coca River a few meters before the falls and diverted the watercourse. Now, the water falls in three separate sections and at a less steep slope, which cannot be seen from viewing stations located around the original waterfall. Researchers believe the three streams could cause erosion at the channel's origin and create a river upstream, which might change the topography of the valley.

The cause of the sinkhole is under investigation. Some geologists think the deformation occurred naturally, while other researchers suspect it may be tied to the new construction of the country's largest hydroelectric plant. No matter the cause, Ecuador's tourism ministry does not plan to reconstruct the riverbed or restore San Rafael. The waterfall is now part of history.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Photograph courtesy of Ecuador Ministry of Tourism via CC BY-SA 2.0. Story by Kasha Patel.

#Landsat #NASA #USGS #Earth

....

Vineesh V
Assistant Professor of Geography,
Directorate of Education,
Government of Kerala.
https://g.page/vineeshvc

Comments

The global dimensions of disaster

Disasters are not merely natural occurrences but complex interactions between natural hazards and human vulnerabilities. To effectively address disaster risk, we must consider several interconnected dimensions: 1. Vulnerability: Definition: The susceptibility of individuals, communities, or assets to harm from a disaster. Factors: Socioeconomic conditions, geographic location, and environmental factors influence vulnerability. Example: Communities with high poverty rates and limited access to resources are more vulnerable to disaster impacts. 2. Exposure: Definition: The degree to which people, property, and infrastructure are located in hazard-prone areas. Factors: Population density, land use patterns, and infrastructure development influence exposure. Example: Coastal cities with high population density are highly exposed to hurricane and tsunami risks. 3. Capacity: Definition: A community's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Factors: Strong ...

Overview of Disasters in India

India's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters India's diverse geography and climate make it highly susceptible to a range of natural disasters. These events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, cyclones, and landslides, can have devastating consequences for millions of people and the economy. Major Natural Disasters Affecting India: Earthquakes: Tectonic Setting: India's position on the Indian Plate, which is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, makes it prone to seismic activity. Impact: Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction, including building collapses, landslides, and tsunamis. The 2001 Gujarat earthquake is a prime example of such devastation. Tsunamis: Oceanic Triggers: Underwater earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can generate tsunamis, as seen in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Impact: Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis, which can lead to massive loss of life and property. Floods: Monsoon Influence: India's...

Water Act 1974

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 is a significant piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing and controlling water pollution. Here are some key facts about the Act: 1. Objective: The primary objective is to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in the country. 2. Establishment of Boards: - Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The Act mandates the establishment of the CPCB to oversee and coordinate activities across the nation and advise the Central Government. - State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Each state is required to establish its own SPCB to plan comprehensive programs for the prevention and control of pollution. 3. Powers and Functions: - The Boards have the authority to inspect any sewage or trade effluents, works, and plants for the treatment of sewage and trade effluents. - They can establish standards for the discharge of pollutants into water bodies and ensure adherence to...

Environment Management DRR

Environmental management plays a crucial role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by harnessing the power of natural ecosystems to prevent and mitigate the impacts of disasters. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable development. Interconnections Between Environmental Management and DRR: Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR): Natural Barriers: Ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and coral reefs act as natural barriers, reducing the impact of hazards like floods, landslides, and storm surges. Resilience Building: Healthy ecosystems enhance community resilience by absorbing excess rainfall, preventing erosion, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Environmental Considerations in Disaster Planning: Sustainable Practices: Incorporating environmental considerations into disaster planning helps prevent further environmental degradation, which can exacerbate disaster impacts. Resource Conservati...

Forset management and water conservation

Forest management and water conservation are closely intertwined concepts, as forests play a crucial role in maintaining water resources. Here's an explanation of their connection: 1. Water Regulation: Forests act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and releasing it gradually. Trees help regulate water flow, preventing rapid runoff and reducing the risk of floods. 2. Groundwater Recharge: Trees contribute to groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil. This replenishes underground aquifers, which are important sources of freshwater. 3. Erosion Control: Forests provide vegetation cover that protects soil from erosion caused by rainfall. This, in turn, helps maintain the quality of water bodies by preventing sedimentation. 4. Streamflow Maintenance: Healthy forests ensure consistent streamflow. Trees release water through transpiration, influencing local and regional precipitation patterns and sustaining rivers and streams. 5. Biodiversity and Water Qual...

Vineesh V, Geography

Search This Blog