Author(s): Marisa Silva Davila
Linked Author(s): Marisa Rosana Silva Dávila
Keywords: Tropical glaciers recession, hydroenergy production.
Abstract: The effect of climate change in Peru is evident in the melting of glaciers, with a significant reduction in snow coverage. Studies show that there is a relationship between deglaciation of existing snow and the availability of water resources. The observed decrease of base flows indicates that it would have passed from the stage of the contribution of high water flow originated by the accelerated melting of snowy mountains due to the rising temperatures. Analysis of flow trends at seasonal level confirms a downward trend of the flow in the dry and transition periods, which are linked to the glacier contribution. The expected magnitude of the flow decrease is herein calculated in relation to the decrease of glacier coverage. The analysis was conducted every four months: in the start of the wet season, the end of the wet season and the dry season. The influence of glacier retreat on the hydrological regime by the destabilizing effect of rising temperatures on glaciers located at altitudes where previously they had permanent snow or glacier coverage for longer periods was also analyzed. Results show that by losing storage capacity in the snowy peaks, there is an increase in the flood peaks and a reduction of the flows in the dry season. Trends considering the historical records and future scenarios on the hydropower production of plants belonging to the national grid located in the basins of the Santa and Pativilca Rivers (Pacific Ocean basin) are analyzed and discussed
Year: 2017