Affiliation:
1. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
2. University of Extremadura, Spain
Abstract
This study quantifies the current and future soil water balance in this region and defines what vegetation covers will be the most affected by modifications of water resources. For this, two periods (2050 and 2070) under different climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were compared to the current hydrological conditions. Results showed that water resources are currently greater in high elevations, where pyrenean oaks and creeping brooms covers are predominant. Lower elevations, occupy by holm oaks and cork oaks covers, presented lower water resources. Future scenarios forecasted that water resources will decrease in all vegetation covers, and some of them, such as holm oaks cover, will undergo a greater decrease in water resources, with a decline of up to 95% in the worst scenario. Efficient management of these spaces will need a comprehensive study of future water resources, so it is key to advance in this topic.