Dissertation Defense
Student: Eleazar Chuchón Angulo
Program: Meteorologia
Title: “Balanço Hídrico da bacia do Altiplano Sul-americano”
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Augusto José Pereira Filho - IAG/USP
Judging Committee:
- Prof. Dr. Augusto Jose Pereira Filho - orientador - IAG/USP- por videoconferência
- Profa. Dra. Rosmeri Porfirio da Rocha - IAG/USP - por videoconferência
- Prof. Dr. Otto Correa Rotunno Filho – UFRJ- por videoconferência
- Prof. Dr. Manoel Alonso Gan – INPE - por videoconferência
- Prof. Dr. Leonardo Calvetti – UFPEL - por videoconferência
Abstract
The research focuses on the water balance of the South American Altiplano Basin, a critical region located between the central Andes mountain ranges. The thesis aims to comprehensively evaluate the water balance within the Altiplano Basin using the WRF-Hydro model, a sophisticated tool that integrates atmospheric and hydrological processes. The study spans the years 2012 to 2014, providing insights into variations and trends in streamflow, infiltration, surface runoff, and soil moisture storage. A significant emphasis is placed on refining precipitation parameterizations and understanding the region's climate, particularly under extreme precipitation events. The research also provides an in-depth review of the WRF-Hydro model, highlighting its capabilities and configurations, and underscores the importance of coupled atmosphere-land models for accurate hydrological and atmospheric process simulation in the Altiplano. The effectiveness of the model is validated through comparisons with observational data. Additionally, the thesis underscores the critical role of Lake Titicaca in the regional water balance and emphasizes the need for effective water resource management strategies in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.
Keywords: Water Balnce, WRF-Hydro, South America Altiplano, Precipitation, Lake Titicaca