Hydroelectric infrastructure in Andean headwaters; Combination of remote observations and sensors to analyze environmental impacts (Hydropower Infrastructure in Andean Headwaters: Combining Observations and Remote Sensing to Analyse Environmental Impacts, Hydrocore)

Hydroelectric energy is a popular alternative to the burning of fossil fuels, especially in the Amazon river basins. However, all the hydroelectric slope has an environmental impact. When a river damage, important alterations in hydrological connectivity are produced, which have an impact on the hydromorphological and physicochemical conditions of the river. In addition, changes in the structure and functioning of the aquatic community tend to negatively affect several ecosystem services, so it puts local societies at risk and undermines the objective of sustainable development. Several qualitative global evaluations helped illustrate opportunities and threats, but have failed to be compatible with local management needs and ecological perspectives. Therefore, the objective of this research is to monitor, analyze, evaluate and illustrate the impacts of hydroelectric infrastructure in the morphology, hydrology and quality of the Andean headwaters within a basin of the Amazon River combining (i) remote sensing, (ii) processes -based hydrological modeling and, (iii) evaluation of water quality from field campaigns with a high temporary resolution. The additional approach is directed to interaction with climate change, including the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions (field measurements) and challenges considering future climatic conditions (modeling). To achieve the objectives, the PAute River Basin (Ecuador) is selected as a study area to (i) overcome the shortage of local data, (ii) Develop a protocol to evaluate similar systems and, (iii) preserve these header ecosystems. The results obtained will be publicly accessible and will spread continuously online and in person. As such, this research will increase local and global understanding and hopes to reduce environmental impacts associated with hydroelectric facilities.

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