Gestión integrada de recursos hídricos. Caso de estudio: Aplicación de la teledetección y sistemas de información geográfica para el análisis climático de la provincia del Carchi y valoración de daños ocasionados en el periodo de sequía

Abstract

Abstract: Drought represents one of the main threats to water resources management in Andean regions, particularly in areas with a strong dependence on agricultural activities. This study analyzes the spatial and temporal variability of surface moisture content in the El Ángel River sub-basin, located in Carchi Province, using the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) derived from Sentinel-2 imagery, and its relationship with climatic variables during the period 2017 2024. Data processing was carried out using the Google Earth Engine platform, while statistical analyses were performed in RStudio. The results show pronounced interannual variability in NDMI values, consistent with fluctuations in precipitation, with a moderate positive correlation identified at the sub-basin scale (r = 0.58), whereas temperature exhibited a weak and secondary influence. The altitudinal zonation analysis revealed greater NDMI sensitivity in the upper zone of the sub basin (r = 0.66), associated with the ecohydrological characteristics of páramo ecosystems. The spatial and temporal patterns of NDMI reflect water stress conditions consistent with productive impacts reported at the provincial level. The applied methodology highlights the potential of remote sensing as a valuable tool for drought monitoring and integrated water resources management in high Andean basins.