Revista Geográfica de Chile Terra Australis

MINING THE FINAL FRONTIER: EVALUATING THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF SPACE MINING

Erik Escalona Aguilar — 2024-12-31

This research examines the prospects for extraterrestrial resource extraction, particularly emphasizing Chile’s distinctive ability to emerge as a leader in this nascent sector. The analysis covers advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and satellite geospatial analysis, crucial to obtaining materials from extraterrestrial entities, such as asteroids and lunar bodies. Chile’s extensive mining experience, particularly in extreme environments exemplified by the Atacama Desert, positions the country in an advantageous position to adapt these modern technologies to extraterrestrial applications. An assessment of the economic viability of space mining is made, with projections indicating that asteroids may host resources of immense value, potentially amounting to trillions of dollars. However, considerable obstacles are recognized, including significant upfront investments and regulatory impediments. Public-private partnerships are advocated to alleviate financial uncertainties and build on established mining expertise. Furthermore, the importance of technological progress, particularly in autonomous systems and in the use of in-situ resources, is highlighted as a critical element for the success of space mining initiatives. This analysis postulates that, through strategic financial commitments and collaborative efforts, Chile could assume a fundamental role in the future landscape of space mining, thus contributing to economic advancement and resource sustainability.

Tool for the diagnosis of riverside quality. Ventania system, Argentina

Antonela Volonté — 2024-12-31

Riparian zones are areas of extraordinary environmental wealth. They have been occupied and transformed by humans, affecting their appearance and conservation status. The application of riverbank quality indices allows for the detection, monitoring, and management of risks associated with modifications to these areas. The aim of this paper is to apply the Index of Quality of the Pampas Riverbanks (ICRP) in the Oro basin (Sistema de Ventania, Argentina). The ICRP assesses the quality of riverbanks, land use, and the characteristics of the adjacent area. Five segments of three streams in the basin were analyzed in February 2022 and 2024. The results allow for the characterization of the bank quality as "good," noting a deterioration over the two years analyzed due to anthropogenic actions, indicated by the presence of exotic and invasive plant species and the existence of structures crossing the channel.

Exploring Public Perceptions of Prototype Rural Landscapes in Contemporary China: A Survey-based Study

Liu Shaohua — 2025-01-20

The present study delves into the public perceptions concerning prototype rural landscapes in China, aiming to unravel the varied layers of appreciation, concerns, and aspirations among respondents. Employing a quantitative approach through a structured questionnaire, the survey collected insights from a diverse demographic to unveil compelling facets of rural landscape perceptions. The findings revealed a collective admiration for cultural heritage preservation, natural beauty, and traditional architectural styles within rural settings. However, amidst this appreciation, concerns regarding infrastructural deficiencies, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic disparities emerged meanwhile. These insights underscore the necessity of integrating public perceptions into future landscape planning endeavors to develop culturally resonant, sustainable and community-centric rural landscapes. Recommendations for future research highlight avenues for deeper exploration, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to bridge infrastructural gaps, enhance environmental sustainability, and empower communities in shaping the future of rural landscapes in China.

Keywords: Prototype Rural Landscapes, Public Perception, China, Landscape Design, Community Development

CORRELATIONAL ANALYSIS OF GEOGRAPHICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON COVID-19 SPREAD IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF CHILE

Edgardo Rojas-Mancilla — 2025-02-07

The COVID-19 disease is the major pandemic in the last decades, where the person-to-person transmission easily spreads the virus worldwide, where understanding the relationship between environmental and socio-economic variables in a spatial context is crucial to face future pandemics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze in a global way the behavior of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Metropolitan Region of Chile during the months of March-June 2020. The Metropolitan Region was segmented by 52 communes, and epidemiological, demographic, socioeconomic variables and distribution of services were analyzed under this spatial division. Then, the number of contagions was correlated with days of lockdown, health risks, socioeconomic status, among others. The results show that there are areas in the Chilean Metropolitan Region that have a combination of factors that favor the spread of the SARS-CoV2 virus. Communes with a higher rate of overcrowding, lower educational level and higher rates of comorbidities were those with highest number of COVID-19 cases. Interestingly, these results show that since the beginning more cases were observed in the young adult population. These results provide a framework of variables related to the spreading of the virus and could contribute to decision making during pandemic in the Metropolitan Region of Chile.

ECOLOGICAL PLANNING AS THE BASIS OF SPATIAL PLANNING IN THE PERIURBAN AREA OF CURICÓ CITY.

Gerardo Ubilla-Bravo — 2024-12-31

In Chile, territorial planning is still an issue whose development has been scarce and isolated, since there is an explicit absence of a law that organizes the institutions in this matter. An instrument that can contribute to territorial planning is ecological planning, which provides a look at the ecosystems in the territory. In the case of the periurban area of Curicó, in recent years it has experienced unregulated urban and suburban expansion, with overlapping activities in land use due to lack of updating of planning instruments and a comprehensive view of territorial planning. The objective of this article is to identify environmental measures and requirements for the uses of the territory for the periurban area of Curicó grouped into three territorial subsystems. The research methodology begins with data collection from key actors in the territory through semi-structured in-person interviews, applying subjective validation based on the experience of the participants. The main results show the geospatial location of all the environmental measures and requirements for the uses of the territory, all of them grouped into three territorial subsystems. The discussion and conclusions highlight the reflections on: the importance of ecological planning, local ecological planning and geospatial dynamics in the peri-urban area of Curicó, some reflections on the methodology used and the trajectory and projection of studies in ecological planning in Chile.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND TEMPERATURE VARIATION, EVIDENCE AND GENERAL PERSPECTIVES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

Erik Omar Escalona Aguilar — 2024-12-31

RISKS FROM FLUCTUATIONS IN CYCLICAL CLIMATE OSCILLATIONS IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTHERN CHILE

Daniel Valenzuela — 2024-12-31

Northern Chile faces significant challenges due to the interaction between cyclical climate events, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and climate change. Populations living in areas prone to climate variability must adapt to unstable and intense conditions. It is essential to design strategies based on historical data and predictive models to reduce the risks associated with the irregular alternation of seemingly periodic phases between El Niño and La Niña, which are expected to increase in duration and intensity due to climate change. During El Niño events, intense rains generate floods that impact cities, causing significant human and material losses. Northern Chile has recorded an increase in the frequency of these events over the last years. In cities such as Copiapó and Antofagasta, proximity to work centers and available land has led to settlements in areas vulnerable to floods. Floods also disrupt local ecosystems. The transport of sediments and mining tailings has altered river and coastal ecosystems, contaminating soil and water with metals. To address flood risks in this region, it is essential to implement comprehensive strategies involving infrastructure, technology, and governance to reduce risks and improve resilience to future extreme climate events. This work explores the impact of cyclical climate events on infrastructure, urban planning, and biodiversity, and proposes mitigation and adaptation strategies.

EXPLORATION OF SPATIAL PATTERNS OF THE FIRST WAVE OF COVID-19 IN SANTIAGO, CHILE: AN APPROACH TO SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION

Manuel FUENZALIDA — 2024-12-31

A quantitative research study is conducted to explain the spatial distribution of the frequency of active COVID-19 cases (SARS-CoV-2) among residents within the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, organized into square kilometer urban quadrants, during the first wave (May-August 2020). Spatial autocorrelation analysis is performed, including Moran's I and LISA Cluster. The results show that the autocorrelations are positive, moderate to strong, across all four months of interest. Additionally, five spatial clusters are identified, where changes in the "High-High" and "Low-Low" groups suggest that complex dynamics may be influencing the transmission of the virus. These clusters predominantly occupy the central area of the Metropolitan Area of Santiago (AMS) for the "High-High" group and the periphery for the "Low-Low" group.