Abstract
The relationship between eruptive processes and precipitation is a topic that lacks research studies, perhaps due to the difficulty that is to have few scenarios, which satisfy conditions for statistical testing. Most of the available literature report a global impact after significant volcanic eruptions. Robock et al. (2008) concluded that the Pinatubo volcano eruption left precipitation consequences in the medium and long term. Kravitz y Robock (2011) suggested considering weather seasons on the estimation of the impact of volcanic eruptions. Allen e Ingram (2002) concluded that volcanic gasses are more important than greenhouse gasses on the climate change at a global level. In the Ambato river watershed (Ecuador), studies were conducted to evaluate the relationship between eruptive processes of the Tungurahua volcano and the variation in precipitation series. During the main eruptive events between 1999 and 2010, atypical precipitation values were determined during April, May, July, August, and December, with increments within 130.09% and 285.15% with respect to precipitation observations in the studied period (Ríos, 2014). The results of the present study demonstrate the relationship between rainfall anomalies and volcanic activity. Three watersheds were analyzed: (1) Ambato river watershed, located to the West of the volcano with direct impact of volcanic ash and SO2; (2) Drenajes Menores of the Pastaza river; and (3) Areas Menores of the Pastaza river. The latter are located to the East of the volcano with no impact from volcanic ash and SO2 due to the direction of wind flow.
Highlights
In the Ambato river watershed (Ecuador), studies were conducted to evaluate the relationship between eruptive processes of the Tungurahua volcano and the variation in precipitation series
From two previous studies, one of them which is an exploratory analysis that demonstrates the existence of variations in the seasonal precipitation patterns with increases of up to 131.53% in the subsequent months when a volcanic explosion occurs, as well as another study that establishes the correlation between the shape, direction and mainly the SO2 concentration of the tropospheric plumes of the eruptive process of the Tungurahua volcano and the significant changes in the precipitation series; essential information about the factors that alter climate is obtained and a methodology for the analysis of data, which can be applied in other micro-basins affected by volcanic activity, is developed
The results of the present study, as well as previous studies on the variability of precipitation in the Ambato river micro watershed, allow us to conclude that there is a direct connection between the effects of a volcanic eruption and the changes in precipitation series occurred in its zones of influence
Summary
Knowledge regarding the variability of precipitation patterns and the factors that produce them is one of the challenges for hydraulic and environmental engineering. During the first research carried out in the Ambato river micro basin, five meteorological stations were selected: Ambato M-066, Cevallos M-128, Pilahuin M-376, Tisaleo M-377 and Urbina M-390 They were located at the northwest at a maximum distance of 100 km from the volcano, within the area affected by volcanic ash. The results of the two studies are conclusive, it is necessary to abstract the variables analyzed from other possible causes that could affect the variability of precipitation, such as climate change or the influence of endogenous and exogenous factors that modify the climate For this reason a new comparative study that analyzes two different areas near the volcano: a micro watershed affected directly by ash plume and two other equidistant micro-basins, which are not affected by ash plume due to wind orientation is proposed
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