Integrated Water Studies: Effect of Climate on Hydrological Configuration

This project addresses the critical need to modify public policies for adequate and efficient water resource management, especially in areas affected by scarcity and climate change, such as the Galápagos Archipelago. The main objective is to evaluate the climatic conditions that define the region's hydrological configuration, providing scientific foundations for sustainable water management. The methodology builds upon prior knowledge from the GIIWS project (Galapagos Islands Integrated Water Studies) and focuses on the detailed analysis of hydro-meteorological data from Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands. Comprehensive monitoring and statistical processing of key variables, such as precipitation and evapotranspiration, are performed, classifying the information across different time scales (hourly to annual). This process determines the factors influencing water system inputs and outputs and assesses the influence of global climatic phenomena like El Niño. The outcomes are aimed at local and national authorities responsible for sustainable development, ecological restoration, and water management, serving as a tool for decision-making and technology transfer.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To evaluate the climatic conditions that could determine the hydrological configuration of a region by processing hydro-meteorological data and statistical analysis, in order to provide response elements for the sustainable management of water resources.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Evaluation and development of methodologies related to the interaction between the environment and civil works, based on geoscience