Abstract

CERANO PAREDES, Julián et al. Reconstructed precipitation for the Upper Nazas River Basin, Durango. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.10, pp.07-23. ISSN 2007-1132.

A tree-ring series of 400-year length was developed from a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stand located at the northwestern corner of the upper Nazas river watershed at Durango, México. The ring-width chronology explained 64% of the seasonal precipitation variability and the reconstruction which extended 410 years (1599-2008) was verified with instrumental climatic data and historic archives. Dry spells were detected in the reconstruction in the periods 1665-1688, 1695-1718, 1774-1791, 1798-1813, 1890-1896, and 1945-1963. The most intensive drought in the 20^th century occurred from 1948 to 1963 and provoqued significant social and economic impacts. Previous droughts occurred in the 17^th (1665-1688) and 18^th (1695-1718) centuries probably had similar effects. The reconstructed precipitation was modulated by El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The cold phase (La Niña) produced severe droughts, and the warm phase (El Niño) above-normal precipitation. The impact of this weather pattern is in the availability of water for the Nazas river that drains into the Comarca Lagunera region were it is used for different purposes.

Keywords : Tree rings; water availability; Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco; El Niño Southern Oscillation; precipitation reconstructed; drought.

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