Trends and Changes of Precipitation in Costa Rica

Measuring and using precipitation data in Costa Rica is a necessary subject matter when one carries out an experiment in this area, whether it be directly related to rainfall or the effects of it on ecosystems. Using geographical information systems (GIS), precipitation maps of Costa Rica were used and digitized to acquire data on where and in what regions precipitation was commonly found. With this information, we were able to track the dry and wet seasons throughout Costa Rica and determine where the precipitation is more likely to occur during certain times of the year. Additionally, trends between longitude, latitude, and elevation were sought in the areas around the Firestone Center for Restoration Ecology. The results found a huge difference of precipitation between August – October and January – March, as well as trends demonstrating a strong linear relationship between latitude and precipitation. Trends between elevation and longitude showed much weaker linear relationships