Evaluation of local climate variability in the Peruvian Andes: an analysis of high-resolution observations and regional trends

Rapid environmental change in the tropical Andes may have significant impacts on glacial melt rates and water resources provided by those glaciers. We analyzed a high-resolution (i.e. hourly) archive of spatially distributed climate observations from the Cordillera Blanca (8-10°S) between July 2006 and July 2010. We collected these observations using a network of Lascar Data Loggers. The network consists of nine lascars arranged throughout the Llanganuco valley. The lascars range from 3458 to 4775 meters above sea level. Analyses of the four-year data set were conducted on three temporal scales: diurnal, seasonal, and inter-annual. Altitudinal variability was also considered. Data processing was comprised of five levels of analyses: (1) steps taken to consolidate and give confidence to the collected data; (2) a review of diurnal variability and trends; (3) a review of seasonal variability; (4) a review of inter-annual variability and trends; and (5) an evaluation of trends across elevation gradients. The evaluation of diurnal and vertical patterns between seasons was conducted in a similar fashion. These data were then compared to regional data archives for comparison. The data collected by the lascar network in Llanganuco can be used as an input to our glacier mass balance and flow model. Providing a model to predict glacial mass balance changes can be a valuable tool for scientists and policy-makers alike in determining management practices for water resources in the Cordillera Blanca.National Science FoundationClimate Water Carbon Program (OSU)School of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (OSU)College of the Arts & Sciences (OSU)The Byrd Polar Research Center (OSU)No embarg