Streamflow source analysis for the Mapacho Watershed, Cordillera del Vilcanota, Peru

Keywords: Mapacho River, streamflow
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

In Peru, during winter season, glaciated cordilleras (mountains) are the main source of water in many watersheds. Knowing how much water is contributed from glaciers to the mainstream is important because with our warming climate there is a possibility that these highly sensitive water resource reservoirs would disappear.
Field research conducted in July 2024, along with streamflow and climate data are used to answer how streamflow is changing in the Cordillera del Vilcanota, specifically in the Mapacho river watershed. Two approaches for estimating streamflow components in this glaciated watershed were conducted: 1. Water stable isotopes analysis, and 2. Assessment of climatic characteristics using machine learning.
Finally, by hindcasting streamflow for the Mapacho River during the last 70 years, we are able to conduct a trend analysis using Mann-Kendall Test and see changes in timing and seasonality.