Rainfall extreme events and socio-physical effects on a temperate hydrographic basin in Argentina

Abstract

Abstract The increase of Rainfall Extreme Events (REE) intensity and frequency is a typical situation in the current context of Global Climate Change. The aim is to identify REE occurrence using modeled daily rainfall (DR) data analysis and quantify its effects on the Surface Soil Wetness (SSW), as a physical feature of the Napostá Grande (NG) hydrographic basin, differentiating by homogeneous units (HU). And to analyze the occurrence of REE and its social effects in the study area, through a press revision. The methodology includes the DR and SSW data analysis through data series provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the period 1981–2022. Results indicated that the characteristics and the effects of the REE were differentiated along the hydrographic basin. Moreover, we could demonstrate a positive relationship between REE, SSW, and their social effects. Although the highest proportion of extreme events was manifested in the sedimentary fills HU and paleodrains HU, those extreme events that had a greater relevance, due to their social effects, were those that occurred in the urban area. Regarding the effects, an increase and a decrease in the SSW were found during the REE occurrences and normal rainfall, respectively. REE between 50–100 mm were more usual in the paleodrains HU and sedimentary fills HU than the others. This research constitutes a case study, which demonstrates how useful the inclusion of climatic REE and SSW data and press revision can be used for an optimal management of water resources/forecasting flood damage.