An Application of the RegCM4 System to Quantify the Effects of Climate Change on the Hydric Potential of the Angostura-Bolivia Basin

Abstract

Climate change (CC) impacts on hydrology pose significant global concerns due to their effects on water availability, thereby impacting various human activities reliant on this essential resource. This study assesses the influence of CC on the water supply in the Angostura-Bolivia basin. We employed the RegCM4 system, which develops its own regional climate models (RCMs) tailored to the Angostura basin using specific convective schemes, diverging from reliance on pre-existing RCMs, like those provided by CORDEX. Methodologically, the study involves hydrometeorological data collection and analysis, utilizing dynamic and statistical downscaling methods to refine the RCMs derived from ERA-Interim reanalysis data. Subsequently, precipitation and temperature projections are generated under CC scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for both near (2045–2055) and far (2065–2075) future periods, compared to the historical period (1981–2010). The final stage employs the HydroBID system to project future runoff, considering both perturbed and unperturbed hydrometeorological data under CC effects. The analysis of flow duration curves for 50%, 75%, and 90% exceedance probabilities reveals a significant reduction in flows across all scenarios, indicating a noteworthy impact on water availability. These findings underscore the urgency of comprehending and adapting to CC on hydrology, emphasizing the critical importance of sustainable water resource management amidst evolving climatic conditions.