Resumen de Morphometric analysis of micro-watersheds in Achupalla sparish, Sangay National Park, Ecuador using gis techniques
The research objective was to prioritizing the micro-watersheds based on morphometric characteristics using GIS techniques in Achupallas parish, Sangay National Park, Ecuador. Four micro-watersheds were defined: Zula, Ozogoche, Jubal and Pulpito. The morphometric parameters were classified as geometric, relief and drainage they have been determined for each micro-watershed. The relief parameters and hypsometric curves of Zula, Jubal and Pulpito micro-watersheds have defined mountainous areas with high altitudinal gradient and rivers in continue erosion. While hypsometric curve of Ozogoche micro-watershed indicates that its territory is formed by less high mountains and vast plains, also this micro-watershed is characterized by the presence of lagoons and marshes. The shape parameters also reveal the elongation of Jubal and Pulpito micro-watersheds and the almost circular shapes are the Zula and Ozogoche micro-watersheds. Jubal and Pulpito micro-watersheds will have flows flood longer lasting but smaller peak flows compared to Zula and Ozogoche micro-watersheds present higher risk of flood by the most pronounced peak flows. In general the morphometric characteristics not increase rather attenuate the effects and vigor of floods. Only the circular shape of Zula and Ozogoche microwatersheds can increase the flood risk.
