Study of aridity and the evolution of environmental values in the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserves in Extremadura (Spain)

  • Virginia Alberdi Nieves Universidad de Extremadura
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/aguc.88999
Keywords: De Martonne Aridity Index, Kriging Ordinary, Spatial Analisys, Climate models, protected areas

Abstract

Aridity is a major constraint for the future of protected areas (Pas) in Extremadura (Spain) caused among other factors by increasing temperatures, variability and scarcity of precipitation. This study evaluates the spatial and temporal variation of aridity in Monfragüe National Park and analyses the impact of climate change in this area using the De Martonne Aridity Index (IDM). This index was calculated from monthly mean values of precipitation and maximum and minimum temperatures from 108 meteorological stations over a 30-year period (1989-2018) and aims to 1) assess aridity in the reserve area of the park and its area of influence, and 2) visualise aridity patterns using spatial analysis and correlation techniques using a geographic information system (GIS) and a geostatistical algorithm (Ordinary Kriging) for estimation. In three future periods (2006-2035, 2036-2065 and 2066-2095). The projections were calculated using a set of 10 combinations of global climate models (GCMs) and regional climate models (RCMs) under two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. The results showed that aridity conditions increased at different De Martonne stages.

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Published
2024-07-12
How to Cite
Alberdi Nieves V. (2024). Study of aridity and the evolution of environmental values in the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserves in Extremadura (Spain). Anales de Geografía de la Universidad Complutense, 44(2), 343-355. https://doi.org/10.5209/aguc.88999
Issue
Vol. 44 No. 2 (2024)
Section
Articles

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