Arecibo Geoscience Summer Institute
(June 20 – July 2, 2004)
A 10-day residential workshop held at the Arecibo Observatory. Topics included
introduction to the geosciences, weather and the atmosphere, laboratory techniques,
geology, and field trips to the Caño Tiburones wetland and Camuy River caves.
Field Trip to the Camuy Caves
(June 29, 2004)
Participants visited the Camuy River Caves Park, and tour its “Tres Pueblos” sinkhole.
The Camuy River is considered to be one of the largest underground cave systems in the
world. Mr. Hector Román was the tour guide and provided a hands-on description of the
river and its caves. Participants used the CBL sensor system to measure humidity,
temperature, water flow, and water quality.
Field Trip to the Caño Tiburones Wetland
(June 24, 2004)
The Caño Tiburones Natural Reserve houses the largest wetland in Puerto Rico. It is a
dynamic coastal region between the Atlantic Ocean and the northern karst. It provides a
unique habitat for a diverse wildlife, which includes several species of mangroves,
marshes, birds and aquatic plants. Participants used the CBL sensor system to measure
humidity, temperature, water flow, pH, salinity, turbidity, depth, and other environmental
variables.
Workshop at UPRA
(June 30-July 1, 2004)
Dr. Maiella Ramos and the UPRA geoscience participants offered a two-day workshop
on laboratory techniques and microbiology.
The Karst Topography
(June 25, 2004)
Mr. Abel Vale, president of the “Citizens of the Karst” organization”, offered a graphical
overview of the Karst topography in Puerto Rico. He described underground rivers,
mogotes, caves, sinkholes, and the environmental issues affecting the karst.
Global Warming
(June 23, 2004)
Dr. Daniel Altschuler, AO staff, provided a very interesting lecture on the history, current
status, and future projections associated with the problem of global warming.
The Geology Professions
(June 28, 2004)
Mr. Moises Santiago, geology major at UPR at Mayaguez, offered an overview of the
geology professions, describing the different branches of geology and their applications
to society.
The Geology of Puerto Rico
(July 2, 2004)
Prof. Michael Martínez, University of the East, offered a special lecture on the geological
history of Puerto Rico, from its formation, to its current dynamics in the Caribbean plate.