Colonización vegetal y actividades humanas en las plataformas arrecifales expuestas por el Terremoto de Limón

Abstract

The Limón earthquake, 22 April, 1991, exposed several reef platforms. Observations were made on them of the plants colonization and several processes that modified the corals' vital position. At Portate cove, the colonization of thr platform started approximately two months after the event. Grasses of various families and the ferns Elaphoglossum sp. and Acosricum sp, dominated the early stages. Later on, woody plants took over the platforms. The rate and suceessfulness of the colonization at Portete may be related with the presence of a patch of forest next to the platform. Also, its sheltered position prevents the swells to wash over. The highest destruction observed on the coral colonies was caused by the massive arrival of logs, and in a lesser extent by human activities such as search for valuable objects among the corals, building of structures and drainage ditches, coral extraction and continous stampling on the platforms.