ANÁLISE DA VARIABILIDADE ESPACO-TEMPORAL DA PRECIPITAÇÃO NO PANTANAL SUL

Abstract

The present research aims to analyze the spatiotemporal variability of precipitation in the Southern Pantanal during the period from 2000 to 2019, based on data from five meteorological stations located in this region. The stations analyzed were: Porto do Alegre and São Francisco, located in the north; Nhumirim, in the center; and Miranda and Porto Murtinho, in the south. Annual precipitation data were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) and, in the case of the Porto do Alegre station, from the National Water Agency (ANA). These data were compiled in Excel spreadsheets, and subsequently, the statistical technique of regional weighting was applied to correct gaps in the historical series of each station. Next, regional averages (climatological normals) from the Nhumirim station, provided by INMET, as well as regional averages calculated from the historical series itself, were analyzed. Finally, a seasonal analysis was carried out for each year and each meteorological station. The results made it possible to understand and highlight a trend of less rainy years in the Southern Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, with values below regional averages. This trend indicates significant variability in precipitation, mainly during summer and spring seasons that traditionally should present higher rainfall rates.Furthermore, the research demonstrated that the location of meteorological stations exerts a strong influence on the region’s hydrological dynamics. The northern sector, for instance, presents greater water deficiency. It is noteworthy that rainfall is essential for the maintenance of the Pantanal biome, and its scarcity causes imbalances in the local ecosystem.