Regional climatic indices for the Sierra Gorda of Guanajuato

Abstract

We performed a climate classification in the Sierra Gorda of Guanajuato (SGG) region, analyzing available data from 48 climatological stations as well as topographic characteristics of the area. The continental factor (distance to the coast) and the orographic shadow effect of Sierra Madre Oriental are the main factors that influence the climate of the SGG. The variables that control climate were mapped, such as minimum temperature, maximum temperature, precipitation and potential evaporation. From resultant maps, we explored other climatic classifications related to watershed management, such as drought and aridity indices. According to elevation above sea level and winter rainfall distribution, the more frequent climates are dry semi-warm and subhumid temperate. Additionally the rainfall regime in the SGG is dominated by drought at midsummer heat in period know in the area as “canícula”. These climate scenarios place the SGG in a region vulnerable to the effects of dry climate. However, the area has a wet hydrological regime due to groundwater discharge (from fractured and karstic aquifers). The largest volume of rainwater comes from cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico during September and October. This study aims to impact the development of an integral strategy to improve water management, in order to diminish vulnerability to climatic variations and the presence of extreme meteorological events.