Space–time rainfall variability in the Paute basin, Ecuadorian Andes

摘要: Despite the importance of mountain ranges as water providers, knowledge their climate variability is still limited, mostly due to a combination data scarcity and heterogeneous orography. The tropical Andes share many main features in general, are subject several climatic influences that have an effect on rainfall variability. Although studies addressed large-scale variation, basin scale has received little attention. Thus, purpose this study was obtain better understanding at scal, utilizing Paute River southern Ecuador case study. Analysis 23 stations revealed high spatial terms of: (i) large variations mean annual precipitation range 660–3400 mm; (ii) presence non-monotonic relation between elevation; (iii) existence four, sometimes contrasting, regimes. Data from seven for period 1964–1998 used seasonality trends annual, seasonal monthly precipitation. Seasonality less pronounced higher elevations, confirming paramo region, source Andean basins, well distributed year round. Additionally, during record, no station experienced extreme concentrations wet season, which supports concept mountains reliable providers. regional or basin-wide found precipitation, positive (negative) (dry) season four raises likelihood both shortages risk precipitation-triggered disasters. demonstrates how variable patterns are, illustrates need improved monitoring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.