Anthropogenic geomorphology of Costa Rica

Abstract

Anthropogenic geomorphology examines the impact of human activities on the physical landscape. This chapter focuses on the ways in which different human actions have shaped the terrain in the country, creating landforms and modifying the pace of external geodynamic process since Pre-Columbian time (≥ 4.5 ka ago). Developing countries, including Costa Rica, face the challenge of balancing economic growth and sustainable development while addressing the impacts of anthropogenic geomorphology. Human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and resource extraction, road building, and large-scale agriculture and tourism can cause alterations to the natural landscape and lead to soil erosion, changes in hydrologic regimes, and loss of biodiversity. Costa Rica has implemented policies to protect its natural resources and promote sustainable development, such as reforestation and low-impact tourism activities. The principal landscapes generated by anthropogenic geomorphology in Costa Rica could be classified in three classes determined by their geomorphic expression in (i) excavated, (ii) leveled, and (iii) artificial landforms. Thus, anthropogenic geomorphology is a critical issue for developing countries like Costa Rica, and effective management strategies are necessary to balance economic growth and environmental protection.