Spatially distributed simulations of dry and wet season sediment yields: A case study in the lower Rio Loco watershed, Puerto Rico

摘要: Abstract Identifying sources of terrestrial sediment to the ocean is important for watershed managers because harmful impacts on nearshore marine ecosystems. The Rio Loco (RLW) in southwest Puerto Rico has been extensively modified, currently comprised small mountainous rivers connected by reservoirs and irrigation canals Lajas Valley Agricultural Reserve (LVAR). RLW regularly supplied Guanica Bay; however, total annual yield subbasins most responsible have remained unknown. We estimated lower using Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) separate scenarios assess a range conditions; dry season scenario that modeled flow through system wet natural river channel. Precipitation was similarly correlated with both seasons, 1.5× more per month predicted during than season. distribution among same seasons. foothills north cement lined canal subbasin Lago were largest source sediment, combined produce nearly 40% reaching Bay. next from combination agricultural suburban land uses. Relative basin-scale model outputs channel agree empirical measurements 2015. SWAT output provided some guidance justification management strategies foothills, upstream Loco, within LVAR.