Revista Geográfica de Chile Terra Australis

Light Pollution Assessment in Critical Astronomical Areas of Northern Chile Using Satellite Remote Sensing and Big Data Analysis

Jonathan Enrique Ruiz Apablaza — 2026-08-31

This study quantitatively assessed the evolution of light pollution in the surroundings of the Cerro Paranal and ALMA astronomical observatories, located in northern Chile, from 2014 to 2024. To achieve this, satellite data from the VIIRS-DNB sensor were used, processed through Google Earth Engine, generating time series of artificial radiance corrected for natural background levels. Concentric buffers of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 150 km were defined around both observatories, and annual average radiance values were calculated by applying zonal statistics methods and standardized quality filters. The results revealed a sustained increase in artificial radiance in both areas, particularly in the nearest buffers: at Cerro Paranal, the increase reached up to 470 % within the 10 km zone, while at ALMA it reached 12 000 %, mainly attributed to the expansion of urban, mining, and energy infrastructure. Significant changes were identified starting in 2020, coinciding with the development of megaprojects and improvements in sensor sensitivity. The methodology proved to be effective, reproducible, and scalable for monitoring spatial trends in remote areas. However, the findings also highlight the urgent need to update light pollution regulations, expand astronomical protection perimeters, and establish stricter criteria in the environmental assessment of new projects, integrating remote sensing tools into land-use and environmental planning to preserve dark skies as a scientific, cultural, and ecological heritage.

CONSUMER ROLE IN FOOD SUSTAINABILITY: PURCHASE INTENTION OF FOOD PRODUCED FROM AGRO-FOOD WASTE AMONG COLOMBIAN AND CHILEAN CONSUMERS

Ximena Rodríguez Palleres — 2026-08-31

Reducing food loss and waste is one of the most significant challenges facing modern agricultural and food systems, because it generates severe environmental, economic, and social impacts. In addition, it leads to the depletion of resources such as water, land, and energy. A strategy to manage food waste is transforming edible components into new foods for human consumption. Willingness to consume these products increases when consumers perceive higher nutritional value, health benefits, or positive environmental impact. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conduct a study in Colombia and Chile to evaluate the factors that may affect consumer preferences, purchase intention, and perceptions regarding the consumption of food derived from agri-food waste. In the study participated 385 people from 18 to 65 years of age or older of both sexes, of which 180 people were residents of Chile with Chilean nationality and 205 people were residents of Colombia and with Colombian nationality. The participants answered through a web questionnaire topic related to sociodemographic characteristics, attitude, norms and perceptions about acquiring food derived from agri-food waste. Consumers in both Chile and Colombia showed a moderately positive perception toward foods made from agri-food waste, especially when environmental and health benefits were emphasized. Despite favorable attitudes, actual purchasing behavior remained limited, indicating a gap between intention and action influenced by factors such as limited access, information, and market presence. The findings reinforce relevance of integrating sustainability principles, such as the circular economy, environmental protection, and conscious consumption, into consumers food choices.

CHILE AND ITS VAST VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE: IMPACTS AND CHALLENGES FOR HUMAN HEALTH, ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Manuel E. Cortés — 2026-08-31

Chile, with its extensive and active volcanic geography, faces significant challenges for human, animal, and environmental health. This article presents an interdisciplinary review of the health impacts of volcanic eruptions, with a focus on the effects of volcanic ash exposure. The review integrates evidence from geology, public health, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences, highlighting both acute and chronic health outcomes, including respiratory, ocular, and dermal disorders, as well as mental health impacts and ecological disruption. Volcanic ash also poses threats to agriculture and water quality, while ash-derived soils can alter pollutant mobility, as demonstrated by differential herbicide sorption in volcanic soil types. Drawing on historical eruptions and current risk management strategies led by Chile’s geological agency (SERNAGEOMIN), the study critiques the fragmented response to volcanic crises and advocates for a One Health approach. This integrative framework promotes coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The authors argue that preparedness must include training of health professionals, real-time monitoring systems, and community education. The findings underscore the need for updated public health policies and curriculum innovation to address the unique and multifaceted challenges posed by volcanic activity in Chile and other geologically active regions.

ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC LOSSES FROM THERMAL EROSION PROCESSES (THE CASE OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE)

Svetlana Badina — 2026-08-31

The objective of this article is to develop a methodology for assessing the replacement cost of roads in order to forecast damages resulting from natural hazards, applying it as an example to the process of thermoerosion. The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District was selected as a case study. This is one of the regions of the Russian Arctic located in the permafrost zone, the territory of which is significantly exposed to thermoerosion processes. The problem of intensifying thermoerosive processes has worsened significantly in recent years due to climate change. The research employed statistical methods, a normative approach, and geoinformation analysis techniques. The study found that the maximum potential damage to paved roads in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District in areas of high thermoerosion risk amounts to approximately 1.964 billion U.S. dollars, and that 39% of all roads in the region are in high-risk areas. This value corresponds to the theoretical estimate obtained based on the assumption of an extreme scenario of complete loss (100%) of the vulnerable infrastructure. This line of research is highly relevant in the context of climate change and its consequences, as well as the need to develop adequate adaptation plans. The results can be used in the preparation of climate change adaptation plans and strategic territorial planning documents at various territorial levels.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL BIOGEOCHEMISTRY OF PERCHLORATE IN ANTARCTICA: ROLES OF BACTERIA, ARCHAEA, AND EUKARYA IN POLAR ECOSYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY

Daniel Valenzuela Heredia — 2026-08-31