Pluviometric patterns in the São Francisco River basin in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Dawber Batista Ferreira,Karla Lorrane De Oliveira,Cristiano Christofaro,Marina Salim Dantas,Gabriela Rodrigues Barroso,Silvia Corrêa Oliveira

doi:10.1590/2318-0331.262120210035

Dawber Batista Ferreira, Karla Lorrane De Oliveira + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/2318-0331.262120210035

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Abstract

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the spatial-temporal variability of precipitation in the Minas Gerais section of the São Francisco River basin, an area of substantial socio-environmental relevance for the country and which has presented recent events of water scarcity. Multivariate and non-parametric statistical analyses were applied to the monthly precipitation data from 131 pluviometric stations, covering a period from 1989 to 2018. The results indicated distinct homogeneous pluviometric regions with greater spatial variability in rainfall patterns in the southern regions of the basin. Results from the temporal analysis indicated seasonality in the rainfall patterns for all seasons, with the rainy period predominantly occurring between October and March for the entire Minas Gerais section of the São Francisco River basin. No rainfall trend was identified in 78% of the stations, with the other stations (22%) showing a trend toward a reduction in rainfall volume.

Highlights

Precipitation is an admittedly important variable in the hydrological cycle, as it the main source of supply for water systems
This study aims to evaluate the spatio-temporal variability of precipitation in the São Francisco River basin in Minas Gerais
The Minas Gerais section of the São Francisco River Basin (SFRB) occupies 37% of the basin’s total drainage area, presenting distinct environmental characteristics between the high and medium stretches. It is divided into ten Hydrographic Circumscriptions (HC), or sub-basins: High São Francisco River (SF1); Pará River (SF2); Paraopeba River (SF3); Três Marias Reservoir (SF4); Velhas River (SF5); Jequitaí and Pacuí Rivers (SF6); Paracatu River (SF7); Urucuia River (SF8); Pandeiros River (SF9); and Verde Grande River (SF10) (Minas Gerais, 2020)

Summary

Introduction

Precipitation is an admittedly important variable in the hydrological cycle, as it the main source of supply for water systems. The rainfall pattern has a profound impact on environmental conditions and drives the planning and development of various sectors of society, such as water supply, agriculture, fishing, navigation, and stormwater management (Soares et al, 2016) In this sense, knowing the patterns and predicting pluviometric behavior are necessary when it comes to the planning and management of water resources and decision-making with regard to productive and socio-environmental activities. These procedures are not trivial, given that precipitation fluctuates markedly in time and space (Delahaye et al, 2015), and is subject to extreme periods. The intensification of anthropogenic actions on the environment has influenced the terrestrial climate, resulting in a rise in temperature and a change in the annual rainfall cycle at the global level (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2014; Piazza et al, 2016)

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