Development of equations for evapotranspiration estimation in the Andean Páramo, for limited hydrometeorological information conditions

Current evapotranspiration (ETA) is a fundamental component of the hydrological cycle and as in the energy balance. Its direct measurement is expensive and its estimation by algorithms is limited for mountain areas. One of the most used methods worldwide to estimate the ETA is to calculate it from the reference evapotranspiration (ETO), and the most recommended method globally to estimate the ETO is that of FAO Penman-Monteith (PM) that requires air temperature data, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure and soil heat flow. Specifically for the moor it has been found that the use of the alternative method of FAO PM can cause errors of up to 30%. This high data demand is that limited the application of this equation, especially in remote areas such as the Páramo, whose role as a storage and water supply for inter -Andean valleys is key. This is why the objective of this project is to develop simple equations that estimate the ETO in the case of missing data for the moor and additionally determine the impact on the ETO in the presence of structural changes in the vegetation (Pajonal). Filling this knowledge void is of high scientific value, and contributes to the management of water resources, since all water use studies demand precise ETO estimates for hydrological balances and calculation of water availability.

XVIII UNIVERSITY COMPETITION FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS