Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (3)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = Equatorial Andean basin

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
19 pages, 4488 KiB  
Article
Exploring Habitat Quality Dynamics in an Equatorial Andean Basin Under Scenarios of Land Use Change
by Lorena González, Darío Xavier Zhiña, Alex Avilés, Ana Astudillo, Ximena Peralta and Teodoro Verdugo
Earth 2025, 6(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6010010 - 12 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 929
Abstract
Globally, ecosystem services face significant degradation due to land use and land cover change (LULC) driven by human development. Despite numerous habitat quality assessments, comprehensive studies in high-mountain equatorial region basins remain scarce. This research addresses assessing habitat quality in Ecuador’s sub-basins of [...] Read more.
Globally, ecosystem services face significant degradation due to land use and land cover change (LULC) driven by human development. Despite numerous habitat quality assessments, comprehensive studies in high-mountain equatorial region basins remain scarce. This research addresses assessing habitat quality in Ecuador’s sub-basins of the Aguilán and Tabacay Rivers, with projections extending to 2050. This study considered anthropogenic threats and examined two land use change scenarios. The “Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs” (InVEST) model was used for the evaluation. A habitat quality index (HQI) was developed and categorized into five classes. The results showed that in 2018, over 50% of the study area had medium, high, and very high habitat quality levels, partly due to implementing policies, such as Reciprocal Water Agreements, developed by local initiatives. However, future projections suggest a declining trend, particularly in urban and cropland areas, highlighting the need to reinforce proactive policies. The findings of this study contribute to addressing existing gaps in habitat quality research in high-mountain regions, providing key scientific evidence to support conservation strategies, land use planning, and watershed management. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 11467 KiB  
Article
Effects of Climate Change and Changes in Land Use and Cover on Water Yield in an Equatorial Andean Basin
by Darío Xavier Zhiña, Alex Avilés, Lorena González, Ana Astudillo, José Astudillo and Carlos Matovelle
Hydrology 2024, 11(9), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11090157 - 23 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2188
Abstract
Ecosystem services contribute significantly to human development, with water production being a crucial component. Climate and land use changes can impact water availability within a basin. In this context, researching water-related areas is essential for formulating policies to protect and manage hydrological services. [...] Read more.
Ecosystem services contribute significantly to human development, with water production being a crucial component. Climate and land use changes can impact water availability within a basin. In this context, researching water-related areas is essential for formulating policies to protect and manage hydrological services. The objective of this study was to estimate water yield in the sub-basins of the Tabacay and Aguilán rivers under climate change scenarios in 2030, 2040, and 2050, combined with scenarios of changes in land cover and land use. The InVEST model was employed to analyze water yield. The results show that crop areas were identified as the lowest water yield in future scenarios, and forested areas, particularly the region where the Cubilán Protected Forest is located, contribute the most to water yield in the subbasin. Besides, water yield has increased in the historic period (2016–2018) due to the conservation and reforestation initiatives carried out by the Municipal Public Service Company for Drinking Water, Sewerage, and Environmental Sanitation of the city of Azogues in 2018, the so-called Reciprocal Agreements for Water. Additionally, an increase in water yield is projected for future scenarios. This study can serve as a basis for decision-makers to identify areas that should prioritize protection and conservation. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5238 KiB  
Article
Influence of ENSO on Droughts and Vegetation in a High Mountain Equatorial Climate Basin
by Jheimy Pacheco, Abel Solera, Alex Avilés and María Dolores Tonón
Atmosphere 2022, 13(12), 2123; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13122123 - 17 Dec 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2832
Abstract
Several studies have assessed droughts and vegetation considering climatic factors, particularly El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) at different latitudes. However, there are knowledge gaps in the tropical Andes, a region with high spatiotemporal climatic variability. This research analyzed the relationships between droughts, vegetation, and [...] Read more.
Several studies have assessed droughts and vegetation considering climatic factors, particularly El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) at different latitudes. However, there are knowledge gaps in the tropical Andes, a region with high spatiotemporal climatic variability. This research analyzed the relationships between droughts, vegetation, and ENSO from 2001–2015. Meteorological drought was analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for 1, 3 and 6 months. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to evaluate vegetation, and ENSO indexes were used as climate drivers. The Wavelet coherence method was used to establish time-frequency relationships. This approach was applied in the Machángara river sub-basin in the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. The results showed significant negative correlations during 2009–2013 between the SPEI and NDVI, with the SPEI6 lagging by nine months and a return period of 1.5 years. ENSO–SPEI presented the highest negative correlations during 2009–2014 and a return period of three years, with ENSO leading the relationship for around fourteen months. ENSO-NDVI showed the highest positive correlations during 2004–2008 and a return period of one year, with the ENSO indexes continually delayed by approximately one month. These results could be a benchmark for developing advanced studies for climate hazards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue El Niño-Southern Oscillation Related Extreme Events)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop