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Browsing Maestrías by Author "Acurio Vargas, Holguer Emmanuel"

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    Extreme temperature events in the tropical Ecuadorian Andes: a comparative study of 2014-2022 vs 2023 and 2024
    (Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-19) Acurio Vargas, Holguer Emmanuel; Córdova Mora, Mario Andrés; Célleri Alvear, Rolando Enrique
    The rapid advance of climate change has made 2023 and 2024 the warmest years on record. However, global averages can mask marked contrasts at regional scales, especially in mountain ecosystems where complex topography modulates the thermal signal. The tropical Andes, key to biodiversity and water supply, are among the most sensitive and at the same time have short records that reveal these local variations. This study assessed recent variability in extreme temperature events along an altitudinal gradient (2600–3955 m a.s.l.) in the southern Ecuadorian Andes, comparing data from 2023–2024, the hottest years on record, with a reference period (2014-2022). Using daily temperature data derived from four automatic weather stations, we analyzed distributional characteristics, extreme temperature variability through ETCCDI indices, and changes in the frequency and intensity of warm and cold spells. Results revealed a positive shift in temperature distributions, with urban areas experiencing elevated nighttime minimums and upland sites showing stronger increases in daytime maximums. Extreme temperature indices showed a marked decrease in cold extremes (TN10p, TX10p) and an increase in warm events (TN90p, TX90p), particularly in 2024. In 2024 warm nights nearly tripled at the urban station (Balzay), while higher-altitude rural sites recorded over 100 days above the 90th percentile. Diurnal temperature range was higher in rural sites but lower in the city due to enhanced nocturnal heat retention. Heatwaves were more intense, while cold spells were weaker. These findings underscore the spatial heterogeneity of warming in mountain environments and highlight the role of elevation and urbanization.