Abstract
The Brazilian Cerrado biome is the largest and richest tropical savanna in the world and is among the 25 biodiversity hotspots identified worldwide. However, the lack of adequate hydrological monitoring in this region has led to problems in the management of water resources. In order to provide tools for the adequate management of water resources in the Brazilian Cerrado biome region, this paper develops the regionalization of maximum, mean and minimum streamflows in the Tocantins River Basin (287,405.5 km2), fully located in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. The streamflow records of 32 gauging stations in the Tocantins River Basin are examined using the Mann-Kendall test and the hydrological homogeneity non-parametric index-flood method. One homogeneous region was identified for the estimate of the streamflows Qltm (long-term mean streamflow), Q90% (streamflow with 90% of exceeding time), Q95% (streamflow with 95% of exceeding time) and Q7,10 (minimum annual streamflow over 7 days and return period of 10 years). Two homogeneous regions were identified for maximum annual streamflow estimation and the Generalized Extreme Value distribution is found to describe the distribution of maximus events appropriately within the both regions. Regional models were developed for each streamflow of each region and evaluated by cross-validation. These models can be used for the estimation of maximum, mean and minimum streamflows in ungauged basins within the Tocantins River Basin within the area boundaries identified. Therefore, the results provided in this paper are valuable tools for practicing water-resource managers in the Brazilian Cerrado biome.
 Keywords: l-moments, statistical hydrology, water use rights concessions.
Highlights
The volume of fresh water in Brazil accounts for about 12% of the planet's total, and is one of the largest reserves in the world
For the maintenance of life and environmental preservation, more effective actions are needed in the management of water resources (ANA, 2019a; Charles, 2020)
The lack of adequate hydrological monitoring in this region has led to problems in the management of water resources, which may further compromise the sustainability of this important biome
Summary
The volume of fresh water in Brazil accounts for about 12% of the planet's total, and is one of the largest reserves in the world. The natural distribution of fresh water shows great spatial disparity across the territory. Along with this factor, the different types of water use in the basins lead to conflicts for the right to use and uncertainties regarding the risks of flooding. The Brazilian Cerrado biome is the largest and richest tropical savanna in the world and is among the 25 biodiversity hotspots identified worldwide (Myers et al, 2000; Silva and Bates, 2002). This region encompasses the recharge area of several aquifers and important rivers in Brazil, being recognized as the "cradle of Brazil’s water" (Lima, 2011). Improving the knowledge base on streamflow in the Cerrado biome is essential for water management in Brazil and for ensuring water security and economic development (Rodrigues et al, 2021)
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