INVESTIGADORES
ABRAHAM Elena Maria
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
Water resources, arid environments and desertification in the central western region of Argentina
Autor/es:
E. M. ABRAHAM
Lugar:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Reunión:
Conferencia; 2nd International Conference on Water Resources and Arid Environments (2006) in coincidence with the Award Ceremony of Prince Sultán bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (2nd Award 2004-),; 2006
Institución organizadora:
King Saud University
Resumen:
Natural conditioning factors of water supply in the central western region of Argentina, at the foot of the arid Andes, are analyzed and related to water, considered to be a social demand for the development of productive activities, regarding the water resource in arid environments as a strategic factor that must be assessed on analyzing the phenomenon of occupation of the territory and its organization. In this context the way in which social groups have developed strategies to achieve higher certainty in the supply of water for all of their activities is examined, as well as situations of inequity and competition for water use among the different soil uses, especially in the rainfed area-cultivation oasis relationship. Taking as an example the arid lowlands east of the Andes, an analysis is carried out of the desertification processes that have affected these ecosystems, generating loss of their natural resources, particularly the primeval woodlands of mesquite (Prosopis spp), drying of their wetlands due to the use of river flows for irrigation in the middle basin, and migration, poverty and land desertion by the inhabitants. Likewise, the relationships between natural and human processes involved in the desertification of the Fiambalá valley, Catamarca province, Argentina, are set forth. A brief analysis of scenarios is made, especially of those associated with the global warming phenomenon in arid environments, and their relations with water use and supply in this region.