Geomorphology and Sedimentology of the Toro Amarillo Alluvial Fan in a Humid Tropical Environment, Costa Rica

The paper examines the geomorphological and sedimentological characteristics of the Rio Toro Amarillo alluvial fan located in the wet-tropical environment of the Atlantic watershed of Costa Rica. Alluvial fan development was found to be dominated by short periods of high sediment discharge to the fa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geografiska annaler. Series A, Physical geography Physical geography, 1987, Vol.69 (1), p.85-99
Main Authors: Kesel, Richard H., Lowe, Donald R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alluvial fans
America
Bgi / Prodig
Boulders
Braiding
Costa Rica
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Floods
Geological facies
Geomorphology
Geomorphology, landform evolution
Gravel
Mexico and Central America
Sand
Sediments
Surficial geology
Watersheds
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Summary:The paper examines the geomorphological and sedimentological characteristics of the Rio Toro Amarillo alluvial fan located in the wet-tropical environment of the Atlantic watershed of Costa Rica. Alluvial fan development was found to be dominated by short periods of high sediment discharge to the fan, separated by longer, inactive periods characterized by weathering erosion, and reworking of fan sediments. Volcanic activity during 1963-65, and the resulting increase in sediment yield in the Toro Amarillo, produced major changes in fan characteristics over a ten year period. These changes are discussed. The length of the active period varies according to the magnitude, frequency, and type of sediment-producing event. It was estimated that the length of the inactive period for the Toro Amarillo may range from 100 to 500 years. The alluvial fan sediments are dominated by gravel that have a mean diameter about 30 to 40 cm. The sediment facies from the fan are described and their major characteristics outlined. Some comparisons are made between certain characteristics of the Toro Amarillo fan and alluvial fans in other climatic regions.
ISSN:0435-3676
1468-0459
DOI:10.1080/04353676.1987.11880199