Establishment of numerical models for select cases of water resources management

Few hydrological studies have been carried out in the interandin region. Recently, some activities have been initiated, generally very limited, using quite short temporary series and rude resolutions (Pombosa, 1997; Natamoros et al., 2005; Buytaert et al., 2006; Fleischbein et al., 2006; Houston, 2006). Regardless of the type of and complexity of the numerical model used, uncertainty is present in modeling applied to water resources management (Vázquez, 2003; Vázquez et al., 2009). Modelization studies carried out in the country on eco -lidrology and hydrology (Matamoros et al., 2005; Buytaert et al., 2006; Célleri et al., 2007) have generally been practiced without a rigorous protocol of evaluation, sensitivity analysis or uncertainty estimate, except very recent work such as (Vázquez, 2010). The few hydrological modeling studies carried out in the country have not explicitly considered the relationship between biological and hydrological parameters. In addition, today it is more common to model lakes for forecasts changes in biological communities based on changes in the values of hydrological and physical-chemical parameters, so there are not many works done for rivers (Hákanson, 2004). It is therefore important to develop modeling tools and protocols that consider the relationships between biological and hydrological variables in high Andean rivers. This proposal seeks therefore to achieve the necessary knowledge and the appropriate numerical tools for the holistic management of water resources, considering not only abiotic aspects but also biotic, in an ecosystem framework, since an exploitation of water resources cannot be conceived without a scientific evaluation of the eco -hydrological dynamics of these ecosystems (eco -hydrological model). It also seeks to develop numerical models that in the future serve to study the consequences of climatic changes and the use of the Earth on the hydroelectric generation of the Integral PAute System (Hydrological Model). Finally, in view of the uncertainty associated with the modeling in water resources, the most appropriate estimation methods will be analyzed, selected and applied to reduce this uncertainty to the maximum, in relation to the models of the different cases and study areas. To do this, both the local team and the proposed international support team have due training and technical and scientific experience.

XI UNIVERSITY COMPETITION FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA