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Deforestation and increased flooding of the upper Amazon
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 19, 1980
Summary
Amazon River flood crests have risen significantly due to increased deforestation in the Amazon watershed. This suggests that deforestation-driven hydrological changes may already be occurring, impacting regional climate patterns.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Climatology
- Ecology
Background:
- The Amazon River's annual flood crest at Iquitos has shown a marked increase over the past decade.
- This period coincides with substantial deforestation in the upper Amazon watershed (Peru and Ecuador).
- Regional precipitation patterns have remained largely unchanged during this time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between increased deforestation and the rising Amazon River flood crest.
- To assess whether observed hydrological changes are consistent with predicted impacts of Amazonian deforestation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical flood crest data for the Amazon River at Iquitos.
- Correlation analysis with deforestation rates in the upper Amazon watershed.
- Comparison of hydrological data with regional precipitation records.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the annual flood crest height at Iquitos over the last decade was observed.
- Increased deforestation in the upper Amazon watershed was confirmed for the same period.
- No significant changes in regional precipitation patterns were detected, ruling out precipitation as the primary driver.
Conclusions:
- The observed rise in the Amazon's flood crest is likely attributable to increased runoff resulting from deforestation.
- These findings suggest that the long-predicted climatic and hydrological consequences of Amazonian deforestation may already be manifesting.
- Continued monitoring is crucial to understand the full impact of deforestation on Amazonian hydrology and regional climate.
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