The Argentinean network for the assessment and monitoring of Pampean shallow-lakes (PAMPA2): Five new sites for GLEON

ZAGARESE, H.; PICCOLO, M.C.; PERILLO, G.M.E.

Mulrannay

Workshop; GLEON 14; 2012

GLEON

The Pampa region of Argentina is an extensive wetland containing nearly 200,000 shallow-lakes. The region is under increasing agricultural pressure resulting from climate change (increased temperature and precipitation) and the substitution of cattle breeding and traditional cultures by transgenic soy. Among the many services that they provide, shallow-lakes are highly responsive to changes in climate and land use. Therefore, long-term studies of shallow-lakes provide useful clues to understand and track changes occurring in their complex watersheds. PAMPA2 is a recently funded, long-term network project, with wide geographic coverage, aimed at studying Pampean shallow-lakes. Thirteen network sites (i.e., shallow lakes) occurring along the precipitation gradient (from < 300 mm y-1 to > 1000 mm y-1) form the core of the project. The network integrates various research teams from eight universities and research centers, with a strong multidisciplinary component. The approaches combine traditional sampling; high-rate monitoring using automated sensors; and remote sensing. The network develops and manufactures most the instruments, including automated buoys and unmanned aircrafts. In this presentation, we will provide details on the structure and state of development of the PAMPA2 network. Five shallow lakes will be instrumented with autonomous buoys. Two of them: La Salada and Otamendi buoys are already installed and measuring, the rest of the buoys will be moored before the end of 2012.