ESCHANGE Land-Vegeation-Atmosphere of Energy and Water Vapor

The identification of the soil-vegetation-natural exchange of energy and water flows in the Andean moor is of high importance for the understanding of the eco-hydrological functionality of this ecosystem. This is important both at the level of direct observation (instrumental detection), and at the simulation level with scenarios of alteration of climatic factors that control this exchange (temperature and precipitation), generally associated with global warming. The present research aims to quantify energy flows, as well as water losses due to evaporative processes of the high-Andean moor, by simulating its surface-atmosphere exchange with the CESM-CLM model in stages of increased temperature and alteration of precipitation. The validation of flows in current/natural conditions will be carried out by Eddy Covriance technique for sensitive heat detection, latent heat and water vapor, as well as observation of other associated micrometeorological variables. The project will cover the current empty of knowledge about the probable negative or positive effects that global climate change could generate in these biogeophysical flows of eco -diarological importance. The results will be also of great value for the management of the water resource, of the soil and the vegetation of this pristine and Biodiverse Bioma of the southern Ecuador.

XVI UNIVERSITY RESEARCH COMPETITION