Erosion in Tropical Watersheds

University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822

(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail

Contact: Thomas Giambelluca , (808) 956-7683

May 29, 1997

Reassessing the Causes of Erosion in Tropical Watersheds

Environmentalists have long raised concern about the impact of deforestation for farming on erosion and stream run-off in mountainous tropical regions. A University of Hawaii Professor wonders if there might not be an additional culprit&emdash;roads.

During five years of geographic research in Northern Thailand, Thomas Giambelluca has noticed the effects of an expanding network of unpaved roads in the forested region of Chiang Mai, where traditional farmers have used slash-and-burn techniques for centuries without fouling the water. This spring Giambelluca is bringing a team to Chiang Mai to study his hypothesis. Automated systems will monitor weather, streams and roads.

The team's methods are being tested in similar studies conducted on roads in O'ahu's Schofield firing range. Giambelluca also continues his work on the effects of deforestation on watersheds and regional and global climate, the interest that originally took him to Chiang Mai.

This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.

-UH-



University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
Contact: Thomas Giambelluca , (808) 956-7683		May 29, 1997
Reassessing the Causes of Erosion in Tropical Watersheds Environmentalists have long raised concern about the impact of deforestation for farming on erosion and stream run-off in mountainous tropical regions. A University of Hawaii Professor wonders if there might not be an additional culprit&emdash;roads. During five years of geographic research in Northern Thailand, Thomas Giambelluca has noticed the effects of an expanding network of unpaved roads in the forested region of Chiang Mai, where traditional farmers have used slash-and-burn techniques for centuries without fouling the water. This spring Giambelluca is bringing a team to Chiang Mai to study his hypothesis. Automated systems will monitor weather, streams and roads. The team's methods are being tested in similar studies conducted on roads in O'ahu's Schofield firing range. Giambelluca also continues his work on the effects of deforestation on watersheds and regional and global climate, the interest that originally took him to Chiang Mai. This is the University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.