The Large-Scale Effect of Forest Cover on Long-Term Streamflow Variations in Mediterranean Catchments of Central Chile

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dc.contributor.authorPizarro, Roberto
dc.contributor.authorValdes-Pineda, Rodrigo
dc.contributor.authorGarcia-Chevesich, Pablo A.
dc.contributor.authorIbanez, Alfredo
dc.contributor.authorPino, Juan
dc.contributor.authorScott, David F.
dc.contributor.authorNeary, Daniel G.
dc.contributor.authorMcCray, John E.
dc.contributor.authorCastillo, Miguel
dc.contributor.authorUbilla, Patricio
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-20T21:08:48Z
dc.date.available2025-01-20T21:08:48Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractForest ecosystems play an important role in hydrological processes as surface and subsurface runoff, as well as the storage of water at the catchment scale. Therefore, it is important to have a greater understanding of the effects of forests in the long-term water balance of Mediterranean catchments. In this sense, this study evaluates the effect of native forests, forest plantations, and the combination of both, on long-term streamflow variations in central Chile, an unusual area of Mediterranean climate characterized by a well-marked annual cycle with dry summers and wet winters. Thus, the temporal pattern of monthly streamflow was evaluated for mean flow (Qmean), maximum flow (Qmax), and minimum flow (Qmin) in 42 large-scale (>200 km(2)) Mediterranean catchments. Each series of monthly streamflow data was QA/QC, and then evaluated using the Mann-Kendall's non-parametric statistical test to detect temporal variations between 1994 and 2015. In addition to the previous analysis, the monthly series were grouped into wet seasons (April-September) and dry seasons (October-April), to determine if there were any significant differences within the annual hydrological cycle. The areas covered with native and forest plantations and their relative changes were evaluated for each catchment through streamflow variations and forest cover indicators. Results revealed that streamflow variations are positive and significant when more forest cover exists. The intra-catchment relationships assessed for both species revealed the significant role of native forests and mixed masses as key ecosystems for the long-term conservation of summer streamflow in Mediterranean catchments of central Chile. These findings encourage an urgent need to create highland afforestation programs on degraded areas of central Chile, to maximize water storage in a region that is quickly drying out due to unsustainable water and land use management practices and the effects of global warming.
dc.description.funderANID BASAL
dc.fuente.origenWOS
dc.identifier.doi10.3390/su14084443
dc.identifier.eissn2071-1050
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.3390/su14084443
dc.identifier.urihttps://repositorio.uc.cl/handle/11534/93494
dc.identifier.wosidWOS:000787031800001
dc.issue.numero8
dc.language.isoen
dc.revistaSustainability
dc.rightsacceso restringido
dc.subjectforest hydrology
dc.subjectlarge-scale effects
dc.subjectChile
dc.subjectMediterranean climates
dc.subjectstreamflow variations
dc.subject.ods13 Climate Action
dc.subject.ods06 Clean Water and Sanitation
dc.subject.ods14 Life Below Water
dc.subject.odspa13 Acción por el clima
dc.subject.odspa06 Agua limpia y saneamiento
dc.subject.odspa14 Vida submarina
dc.titleThe Large-Scale Effect of Forest Cover on Long-Term Streamflow Variations in Mediterranean Catchments of Central Chile
dc.typeartículo
dc.volumen14
sipa.indexWOS
sipa.trazabilidadWOS;2025-01-12
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