Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
6.7 Scientific Data for Decision Makers
Glaciers and ice caps adapt to a change in climate conditions much more rapidly
than does a large ice sheet, because they have a higher ratio between annual mass
turnover and their total mass (Lemke et al.
2007
). Despite the lack of data about
deglaciation process in Norte Chico region, some examples about recent glacier
variations in upper Huasco catchments and Tapado glacier demonstrates that ice
bodies of the regions are decreasing, affecting the availability of water resources.
According to the study of climate variability in Chile for the XXI century
(Departamento de Geofísica, Universidad de Chile
2006
) it is expected that surface
temperature shows positive changes, particularly in the Andean regions. It is further
estimated that Norte Chico should experience an increase in rainfall in autumn and
not in the winter. An important consequence of these changes would be the vari-
ations in the Andean catchments snow reserve. The rise of the isotherm 0
◦
Cmay
limit the availability of snow for the productive use particularly in the first 4 months
of the calendar year.
Considering the economic situation in the Huasco Catchment, there appears to be
a more complex scenario for water resource requirements. This includes the require-
ment for the Chilean “Valles transversales” (Copiapó, Huasco, Elqui, Limarí and
Choapa valleys), which in the past has been very minor, but in recent years some
big investments in export oriented agriculture has been developing in this formerly
“underdeveloped” valley. This recent development means that mining is no longer
the only viable activity in the valley, but now agriculture provides a real opportunity
for wealth generation, which may eventually equal mining. It is not about deciding
between exclusive economic sectors. However, the rise of the agricultural sector pro-
vides a more complex discussion scenario not only for the authorities, also for the
private investors, who are now forced to see the whole integrated picture. In fact, the
incorporation of glaciological research in the decision making process constitutes a
new perspective, which has not been made in the region until now.
Since 2009, there has been a National Glacier Protection and Conservation
Policy, which has been reviewed and discussed with national and international sci-
entists, and was approved in April of 2009 by National Environment Commission's
board (CONAMA) (La Tercera-Orbe
2009
). This national policy does not just pro-
pose a new glacier inventory, but also proposes more Chilean based research in
cryosphere science; an additional reach of this national policy is the contribution
of common citizens to the proposed “Registro Nacional de Glaciares” (National
Register or what can be also named a National Glacier Inventory). The National
Glacier Inventory also satisfies the Chilean National strategy for facing Climate
Change. Thus this national government initiative is not just an isolated one, but is
also part of a holistic effort. Hence the research already carried out in the coun-
try acts as a powerful policy input and bodes well for glaciology and cryosphere
research in Chile.
Despite the relevance of the national policy and legal efforts, is necessary to start
thinking of a next stage in the cryosphere research. This includes an early warning
system, which would allow decision makers at different levels, to carry on or to stop
