Reporte técnico de los resultados del Primer Taller Panamericano de Geomagnetismo (PANGEO)

Abstract

The natural expression of magnetism in our planet has been studied for hundreds of years. Since the first attempts to describe this phenomenon, found new expressions that have kept over time within the scientific scenario. 

At present, the study of geomagnetism is taking great relevance. Natural disas- ters such as earthquakes (L’aquila, April 2009; Haití, January 2010; Chile, April 2012; Japan, March 2012; Mexicali, April 2010); volcanic eruptions such as in México (Popocatépetl 2012), Ecuador (Tungurahua 2012) or Guatemala (Pacaya 2012); landslides, flooding or Space Weather influence in human life, are issues of great impact in our contemporary society. The aim with this paper is to report the work done during the First Panamerican Workshop on Geomagnetism (sponsored by the American Institute of Geography and History, PAIGH). The experiences of Latin American participating countries on mitigation or prevention of natural hazards were exposed during this workshop. The potential relationship between such issues and geomagnetism and the use- fulness of this discipline to support new geophysical methodologies were the driv- ing task. Finally, the conclusions discussed among participating countries are reported. Among others, no less important is the continuous training of specialists in the field and finding the study of natural hazards with the help of well updated and diversi- fied technologies with emphasis on geomagnetism.