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

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the hydrological response of the Malacate forest micro-watershed based on precipitation variables and runoff events recorded between 2013 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach: Precipitation was recorded with digital rain gauges with an accuracy of 0.2 mm, and at a gauging station located at the outlet of the small catchment, equipped with a long-throat gauger and ultrasonic sensor, runoff was recorded every 3 minutes. Using linear and multiple regression analysis, 11 characteristic variables of precipitation and runoff were analyzed to identify those that influence the hydrological response of the small catchment.

Results: The variables that best correlated with runoff were total precipitation of the event (PTE), previous 2-day precipitation (PP2D), precipitation intensity in 30 minutes (IP30) and runoff time (TESC), since a coefficient of determination R2= 0.7657 was obtained when correlating measured runoff with estimated runoff (R2= 0.8558 considering the intersection). For estimating the runoff from the total precipitation of the event (PTE) considering the data from the multiple regression model, an R2= 0.8608 is obtained.

Study limitations/implications: Understanding the role of rainfall variables influencing runoff and hydrological response of forest small catchments is required.

Findings/conclusions: The results allow a first approximation of the hydrologic response of a forest small catchment. It is concluded that the hydrological response is a function of the moisture state of the small catchment and the precipitation characteristics.

Key words: runoff, precipitation, hydrological response, forest small catchment, regression analysis.