Soltis Center for Research
The Soltis Center is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering international collaboration. We provide comfortable accommodations and logistical support to ensure your research endeavors are successful. Join us in exploring the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of this remarkable region, and contribute to impactful research that addresses global challenges. Below is a list of resources available for and we encourage researchers to use and develop these resources.
Permanent Field Infrastructure
Sensors on a 40+-meter walk-up canopy tower installed in 2012 include 3 eddy covariance systems, temperature and humidity sensors, net radiometers, and leaf wetness sensors at multiple heights to provide flux measurements New King Cricket species discovered on the Soltis Center property. 30 of energy, carbon, and hydrometeorological variables. This tower has also a tree plot at its base with the same inventory as the other tree plots and long-term monitoring of tree water use with sap flow sensors.
GIS Database
The Soltis Center has been working on a Geographic Information System (GIS) database as a platform to support the regional initiative Monteverde Arenal Bioregion, which seeks to enhance the understanding and protection of this biologically rich region through greater community involvement, collaboration, and an expansion of the spatial and temporal scale of conservation efforts. This project was initially developed with the participation of students from the School of Geographical Sciences of the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, with the logistical support and guidance of the Soltis Center.
The area lies between the coordinates Latitude 10 ° 34'51.6"N - Latitude 10 ° 5'12.39" N and Longitude 84 ° 59'48.439 "W - Longitude 84 ° 27'9.372" W. As a geographic working unit, we used the basin or watershed. For purposes of "Arenal Monteverde Initiative", we defined 38 micro-watersheds or sub-basins, totaling an area of 1588 km2.
The micro-watersheds and sub–basins were delimited through the vectorial method, using as a basis the 20-meter contour elevation lines of the IGN topographic maps. In order to facilitate the delineation, a survey of the hydrographic network of the 38 units was conducted initially. With the 38 units delineated, we generated morphometric and precipitation parameters. Gradient profiles of the main watershed stream and the hypsometric curves were also determined. Equally, using the 20-meter contour lines, digital elevation and slope models were generated.
A total of 230 maps were created and for each of the major watershed in six categories:
- Hydrographic Map
- Map of Strahler Stream Order
- Map of Annual Rainfall
- Map of Land Cover
- Digital Elevation Map
- Map of Slopes (Demek sensus)
Maps are available upon request. Email Dr. Eugenio Gonzalez at egonzalez.soltis.center@tamu.edu to request GIS Database maps
Local Flora & Fauna
View lists of the diversity of species found at the Soltis Center and elsewhere in the Peñas Blancas watershed. The lists kept by the Soltis Center are far from being complete but are based on field observations and reports and do not necessarily respond to systematic collections. We invite students, researchers, and naturalists to review and improve the list of the species presented here.
Local Flora & FaunaOrchid & Insect Collection
Currently we have around 3,600 insect specimens collected and preserved in our collections and is accessible for students and faculty to view.
Collaboration Opportunities
Applied Biotechnology
Some areas where there are already research projects are bio-controllers for agriculture plagues and diseases, environmental technology for managing both organic and non-organic wastes, and organic and sustainable farming, and bio-prospection.Alternative Sources of Energy
Costa Rica is an oil-dependent country, which has triggered research and development of technology related to alternative energy sources. At the national level, some good examples are the hydro-electric power generators, wind-driven generators, geothermal energy, and solar panels. A current emergent source is the bio-fuels, which is a major focus of local research. Equally important are the bio-digesters at the farmer level to use the biomass or agricultural waste to produce electricity.
Long-Term Integrated Monitoring
Global changes are impacting the biodiversity of Costa Rica; however, the impact of those changes on tropical biodiversity and natural ecosystems are uncertain and poorly understood. The trends in tropical biology research call for long term and integrated projects, where biotic and abiotic components are integrated. Technology and Communications
The use and application of computer software for on-line service, database management, communication networks, applications for industrial process, among others, are areas of research interest.| Institution | Action Area | Category |
| University of Costa Rica | Research and Education | Public University |
| National University of Costa Rica | Research and Education | Public University |
| Technological Institute of Costa Rica | Research and Education | Public University |
| State Distance University of Costa Rica | Research and Education | Public University |
| MICYT, Ministry of Science and Technology | Promotes and facilitates Research | Government Agency |
| CRUSA, Costa Rica-United States Foundation | Promotes, facilitates and finances research and education | NGO-Foundation |
| CONICIT, National Council for Scientific and Technological Research | Promotes, facilitates and finances research and education | Government Agency |
| EARTH University | Teaching and research institution | Private International University |
| CENAT, National Center for High Technology | Promotes and facilitates research | Costa Rica University Consortium |
| CATIE, Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Center | Teaching and research institution | International University |
| Ad Astra Rocket Company Costa Rica | Development of advanced plasma rocket propulsion technology | Private Research Company |