Evaluation of the hydrological response of a forest small catchment of Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacán

Resumen

Objective: To analyze the hydrological response of the Malacate forest small catchment, based on rainfall and runoff event variables recorded between 2013 and 2016.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Rainfall was recorded with digital rain gauges (0.2 mm accuracy), at a gauging station in the outlet of the small catchment. It was equipped with a long-throat gauger and an ultrasonic sensor. Runoff was recorded every 3 minutes. Linear and multiple regression analysis were used to study 11 characteristic rainfall and runoff variables. The aim was to identify those characteristics that influence the hydrological response of the small catchment.

Results: The highest correlation with surface runoff (R²= 0.7657) was recorded by the following variables: total rainfall of the event (TRE), previous 2-day rainfall (P2DR), rainfall intensity in 30 minutes (RI30), and runoff time (ROT). Meanwhile, the correlation between the measured and estimated runoffs recorded R²= 0.8558 (1:1 ratio). TRE is the most influential variable in the behavior of surface runoff (R²= 0.6706).

Study Limitations/Implications: The role of rainfall variables and their influence in the runoff and hydrological response of the forest small catchment must be subjected to further studies.

Findings/Conclusions: The results allow a first approximation to the hydrological response of a forest small catchment. In conclusion, the hydrological response depends on the moisture level of the small catchment and the characteristics of the rainfall.