Desarrollo del enfoque de múltiples-hipótesis para la conceptualización de procesos hidrológicos en una cuenca de páramo andino del norte del Ecuador usando modelos de lluvia-escorrentía

Abstract

Understanding the hydrology of the páramos is of vital importance, since they are responsible for regulating hydrological processes and guaranteeing water supply for the population. Because of this, several hydrological modeling studies have been carried out in Ecuador, however, they have focused on southern páramo areas of the country. The present project focuses on the study of two páramo micro-catchments in northern Ecuador that are part of the Jatunhuaycu Hydrographic Unit (UHJ). In order to conceptualize their hydrological processes, a rainfall-runoff modeling approach based on multiple hypotheses was developed. Two- and three-reservoir models were tested in parallel for the above-mentioned micro-catchments, which have already yielded satisfactory results in other paramo areas. Interestingly, although the micro-catchments are located in the same hydrographic unit next to each other, different runoff coefficients (EC) were obtained for each one (0.08 and 0.41). In general, it was observed that the model with three reservoirs in parallel had a better performance; however, in the microcatchments with the lowest EC, a water loss due to deep infiltration had to be included to make it possible to simulate the flow at its outlet. In conclusion, this thesis points out the possibility of finding important differences between nearby micro-catchments and the importance of flows in all soil layers to maintain the dynamics in their flows. This can help decision makers to be clear about the importance of the soils in these catchments, as well as to consider the differences that can be found in these catchments. So that constant monitoring is necessary for their proper management