Floods in eastern subtropical Argentina: The contributing roles of climate change and socioeconomics

Abstract

Abstract: The roles of climate and socioeconomic components contributing to floods over eastern subtropical Argentina (ESA) region, the eastern portion of subtropical Argentina, are explored. The national structural flood risk map shows that the region manifests the national flood riskiest areas. Decadal mean flood risk values have peaked in the 1980s, though there is a positive trend in the subregion of Buenos Aires MetropolitanArea (GBA).One major natural factor to consider is flood hazard due to precipitation extreme events that have increased about 30% on average over the GBA subregion and northeastern ESA. The Paraná River shows positive streamflow trend attributable to climatic natural factors and climate change. Deforestation appears to be a high-pressure factor, due to decreased evapotranspiration and limited soil water storage capacity. Future climate projections indicate exacerbation of extreme events of precipitation and streamflow peaks. A critical aspect that makes the region further vulnerable is the lack of continuous and planned flood management policies. The increasing extreme rainfalls and flooding in the context of global climate change demand a complex approach of the phenomena.