Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Water Resources in Mexico pp 155–166Cite as

Effects of Land Use in the Hydrology of Montane Catchments in Central-eastern Mexico

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Hexagon Series on Human and Environmental Security and Peace ((HSHES,volume 7))

Abstract

The La Antigua river upper watershed (1,325 km2), located on the eastern slopes of the Cofre de Perote-Pico de Orizaba volcano (central Veracruz, Mexico), is a region of high biodiversity and great hydrological importance. The watershed plays a key role supplying water to main urban areas, such as the capital of Veracruz (Xalapa) and Coatepec, and providing downstream water for agricultural purposes and local fisheries, among others. The tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) is a high value ecosystem because of the hydrological services it provides. Although many of the forests in this region have been disturbed or converted to crops and grasslands (112 km2) in the last 30 years, the hydrological effects of these changes at the catchment scale are still largely unknown, particularly in the case of the Mexican TMCF. This chapter addresses this knowledge gap by studying three headwater catchments (<50 ha) covered with, respectively, old-growth TMCF, 20-year old regenerating TMCF, and pasture, with the following objectives: 1) to evaluate the hydrological effects of TMCF disturbance and its conversion to pasture, with emphasis on annual and seasonal distribution of streamflow (baseflow and stormflow), and 2) to determine the effects of land use on stream-suspended solids exportation. The study period covered two years (2005–2007) during which continuous rainfall and streamflow data were collected. The results showed a higher stormflow (run-off produced by rainfall) in the regenerating forest and pasture (4.5 and 6.2 per cent of the rainfall, respectively) as compared with the old-growth forest (2.2 per cent), most likely because of a combination of lower canopy water interception and reduced soil infiltration. Nevertheless, the stormflow values observed across the different land cover types were very low (<6 per cent of rainfall) as a result of the very high infiltration capacity of the volcanic soil. The bedrock characteristics underlying the catchments appeared to be a key factor controlling their annual streamflow, particularly the baseflow. The pasture stream showed the highest concentrations of total suspended solids (10 mg l-1) compared with the forests (3.2 mg l-1), presumably due to higher surface run-off causing soil erosion. It is concluded that the TMCF disturbance and conversion to pasture modifies the eco-hydrological functioning of the catchments. However, the results also suggest that 20 years of natural regeneration following cloud forest disturbance in eastern Mexico is capable of producing near-original hydrological behaviour.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Aldrich, M., P. Bubb, S. Hostettler and H. Van de Wiel (eds.) (2000), Bosques nublados tropicales montanos. Tiempo para la acción, London, World Wide Found International (WWF), The World Conservation Union (IUCN), p. 32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandyopadhyay J., J.C. Rodda, R. Kattelmann, Z.W. Kundzewicz and D. Kraemer (1997), “Highland Waters – A Resource of Global Significance”, in B. Messerli and J.D. Ives (eds.), Mountains of the World. A Global Priority, New York, Parthenon, pp. 131–155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blume, T., E. Zehe, and A. Bronstert (2007), “Rainfall-Runoff Response, Event Based Runoff Coefficients and Hydrograph Separation”, in Journal des Sciences Hydrologiques, vol. 52, no. 5, pp. 843–862.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonell, M. (2005), “Runoff generation in tropical forest”, in M. Bonell and L.A. Bruijnzeel (eds.), Forests, Water and People in the Humid Tropics, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, pp. 314–406.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Bruijnzeel, L.A. (1990), “Hydrology of Moist Tropical Forests and Effects of Conversion: A State of Knowledge Review”, in UNESCO International Hydrology Programme, Paris, International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruijnzeel, L.A. (2004), “Hydrological Functions of Tropical Forests: Not Seeing the Soil for the Trees?”, in Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, no. 104, pp. 185–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruijnzeel, L.A. (2006), “Hydrological Impacts of Converting Tropical Montane Cloud Forest to Pasture, with Initial Reference to Northern Costa Rica”, in Final Technical Report DFID-FRP Project no. R7991, Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, U.K. Department for International Development, Forestry Research Progamme, Aylesford, at: <http://www.falw.vu/~fiesta/reports/R7991_Final%20Technical%20Report_Jan06.pdf>.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chakravart, I.M., R.G. Laha and J.Roy (eds.) (1967), Handbook of Methods of Applied Statistics, New York, John Wiley, vol. I, pp. 392–394.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chappell, N.A., W. Tych, Z. Yusop, N.A. Rahim and B. Kasran (2005), “Spatially significant effects of selective tropical forestry on water, nutrient and sediment flows: a modelling-supported view”, in M. Bonell and L.A. Bruijnzeel (eds.), Forests, Water and People in the Humid Tropics, Paris, UNESCO, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, pp. 513–532.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cherkauer, K.A., D.P. Lettenmaier and J.R. Olsen (2000), “A Century of Change: The Hydrologic Impacts of Vegetation Change on the Upper Mississippi River”, Seattle, University of Washington, Vancouver, University of British Columbia, Hydrology Conference.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K.L., N.M. Nadkarni, D. Shaefer and H.L. Gholz (1998), “Cloud Water and Precipitation Chemistry in a Tropical Montane Forest, Monteverde, Costa Rica”, in Atmospheric Environment, no. 32, pp. 1595–1603.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Croke, B.F.W., W.S. Merritt and A.J. Jakeman (2004), “A Dynamic Model for Predicting Hydrologic Response to Land Cover Changes in Gauged and Ungauged Catchments”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 291, pp. 115–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cuartas, L.A., J. Tomasella, A. Donato Nobre, M.G. Hodnett, M.J. Waterloo and J. Camilo Múnera (2007), “Interception Water-Partitioning Dynamics for a Pristine Rainforest in Central Amazonia: Marked Differences Between Normal and Dry Years”, in Agric. Forest Meteorol, no. 145, pp. 69–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’ Almeida C., C.J. Vörösmarty, J.A. Marengo, G.C. Hurtt, L. Dingman and B. Keim (2006), “A Water Balance Model to Study the Hydrological Response to Different Scenarios of Deforestation in Amazonia”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 331, pp. 125–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Descheemaeker, K., J. Nyssen, J. Poesen, D. Raes, M. Haile, B. Muys and S. Deckers (2006), “Runoff of Slopes with Restoring Vegetation: A Case Study from the Tigray Highlands, Ethiopia”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 331, pp. 219–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doumenge, C., D. Gilmour, M. Ruiz, J. Blockhus (1995), “Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: Conservation Status and Management Issues”, in L.S. Hamilton, J.O. Juvik and F.N. Scatena (eds.), Tropical Montane Cloud Forests, New York, Springer, pp. 24–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, E. (1988), Modificaciones al sistema de clasificación climática de Köppen, Mexico, Offset Larios.

    Google Scholar 

  • García Franco, J.G., G. Castillo Campos, K. Mehltreter, M.L. Martínez, G. Vázquez (2008), “Composición florística de un bosque mesófilo del centro de Veracruz, México”, in Boletín de la Sociedad Botánica de México, no. 83, pp. 37–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Geissert, D., D. Dubrecq, A. Campos and E. Meza, E. (eds.) (1994), Carta de paisajes geomorfoedafológicos de la región volcánica Cofre de Perote, Estado de Veracruz, México, Escala 1:75,000, Mexico, Instituto de Ecología, Paris, Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique d’Autre-Mer (ORSTOM), Mexico, CONACYT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Geris, J.R.M.C. (2007), “Changes in Soil Physical Characteristics, Infiltration and Hillslope Hydrological Response Associated with Forest Conversion to Pasture in Central Veracruz, Mexico”, Master thesis, Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit.

    Google Scholar 

  • Germer, S., C. Neill, T. Vetter, J. Chaves, A.V. Krusche and H. Elsenbeer (2009), “Implications of long-term landuse change for the hydrology and solute budgets of small catchments in Amazonia”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 364, pp. 349–363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goteti, G., and D.P. Lettenmaier (2001), “Effects of Streamflow Regulation and Land Cover Change on the Hydrology of the Mekong River Basin”, Master thesis, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hewlett, J.D. and A.R. Hibbert (1967), “Factors Affecting the Response of Small Watersheds to Precipitation in Humid Areas”, in W.E. Sopper and H.W. Lull (eds.), Forest Hydrology, New York, Pergamon Press, pp. 275–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holwerda, F. and L.A. Bruijnzeel (2007), “Intercepción pluvial y de neblina en un bosque secundario de niebla montano en el centro de Veracruz, México”, in Reporte técnico final del proyecto INE/A1-064/2007, Xalapa, Instituto de Ecología, Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Mexico, Instituto Nacional de Ecología (INE).

    Google Scholar 

  • Holwerda, F., L.A. Bruijnzeel, L.E. Muñoz-Villers, M. Equihua and H. Asbjornsen (2010), “Rainfall and cloud water interception in mature and secondary lower montane cloud forests of central Veracruz, Mexico”, in Journal of Hydrology, vol. 384, no. 1–2, pp. 84–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz, W. (ed.) (1980), Official Methods of Analysis, Washington D.C., Association of Official Analytical Chemist, p. 1018.

    Google Scholar 

  • INEGI (1993), Conjunto de Datos Vectoriales del Uso del Suelo y Vegetación, Scale: 1: 250,000, Serie II, Aguascalientes, INEGI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kindsvater, C.E. and Carter, R.W.C. (1957), “Discharge characteristics of rectangular thin-plate weirs”, in Journal of the Hydraulics Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, vol. 83 (HY6), paper 1453.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kruskal, W.H. and W.A. Wallis (1952), “Use of Ranks in One-Criterion Variance Analysis”, in Journal of the American Statistical Association, no. 260, pp. 583–621.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Le Maitre, D.C., S.J. Milton, C. Jarmain, C.A. Colvin, I. Saayman and J.H.J. Vlok (2007), “Linking Ecosystem Services and Water Resources: Landscape-Scale Hydrology of the Little Karoo”, in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, no. 5, pp. 261–270.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leopold, P., W. Franken and N. Villa-Nova (1995), “Real Evaporation and Transpiration Through a Tropical Rain Forest as Estimated by the Water Balance Method”, in Forest Ecology Management, no. 73, pp. 185–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lesack, L. (1993), “Water Balance and Hydrological Characteristics of a Rain Forest Catchment in Central Amazon Basin”, in Water Resources Research, no. 29, pp. 759–773.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, K.Y., M.T. Coe, N. Ramankutty and R. De Jong (2007), “Modeling the Hydrological Impact of Land-Use Change in West Africa”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 337, pp. 258–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lubchenco, J., (1998), “Entering the Century of the Environment: A New Social Contract for Science”, in Science, vol. 279, no. 5350, pp. 491–497.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maass, J.M. (2003), “Principios generales sobre manejo de ecosistemas”, in O. Sánchez, E. Vega Peña, E. Peters and O. Monroy Vilchis (eds.), Conservación de ecosistemas templados de montaña en México, Mexico, Instituto Nacional de Ecología (INE), U.S. Fish & Wildfire Service, Ford Foundation, pp 117–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manson, R. H. (2004), “Los servicios hidrológicos y la conservación de los bosques de México”, in Madera y Bosques, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 3–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Merz, J., P.M. Dangol, M.P. Dhakal, B.S. Dongol, G. Nakarmi and R. Weingartner (2006), “Rainfall-Runoff Events in a Middle Mountain Catchment of Nepal”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 331, pp. 446–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz Villers, L.E. (2008), “Efectos del cambio en el uso del suelo sobre la dinámica hidrológica y calidad de agua en el trópico húmedo del centro de Veracruz, México”, PhD thesis, Mexico, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz Villers, L.E., and J. López Blanco (2007), “Land Use/Cover Changes Using Landsat TM/ETM Images in a Tropical and Biodiverse Mountainous Area of Central-Eastern Mexico”, in International Journal of Remote Sensing, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 71–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neill, C., L.A. Deegan, S.M. Thomas and C.C. Cerri (2001), “Deforestation for Pasture Alters Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Small Amazonian Streams”, in Ecological Applications, vol. 11, no. 9, pp. 1817–1828.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunes, M.L., F. Da Silva and S.F.P. De Almeida (2003), “Assessment of Water Quality in the Caima and Mau River Basins (Portugal) Using Geochemical and Biological Indices”, Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, vol. 149, no. 1–4, pp. 227–250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramos Escobedo, M.G. (1998), “Caracterización, comparación fisicoquimica y biológica de ríos en cuencas con selva alta perennifolia y potrero, en la región de Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz”, Master thesis in ecology and management of natural resources, Xalapa, Instituto de Ecología.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rollenbeck, R. and D. Anhuf (2007), “Characteristics of the Water and Energy Balance in an Amazonian Lowland Rainforest in Venezuela and the Impacto of the ENSOCycle”, in Journal of Hydrology, no. 337, pp. 377–390.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rzedowski, J. (1996), “Análisis preliminar de la flora vascular de los bosques mesófilos de montaña de México”, in Acta Botanica Mexicana, no. 35, pp. 25–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savenije, H.H.G. (1995), “New Definitions for Moisture Recycling and the Relation with Land-Use Changes in the Sahel”, in Journal of Hydrology, vol. 167, no. 1–4, pp. 57–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schellekens, J., L.A. Bruijnzeel, F.N. Scatena, N.J. Bink and F. Holwerda (2000), “Evaporation from a Tropical Rain Forest, Luquillo Experimental Forest, Eastern Puerto Rico”, in Water Resources Research, vol. 36, no. 8, pp. 2183–2196.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scherrer, S. (1997), Abflussbildung bei Starkniederschlägen. Identifikation von Abflussprozessen mittels künstlicher Niederschläge, vol. 147, VAW Mitteilungen, Zürich, ETH, Versuchsanstalt für Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie.

    Google Scholar 

  • SEMARNAT (2002), “NOM-021-RECNAT-2000”, in Diario Oficial de la Federación, 2002, second section, Mexico, SEMARNAT.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, S.M., C. Neill, L.A. Deegan, A.V. Krusche, V.M. Ballester and R.L. Victoria (2004), “Influences of Land Use and Stream Size on Particulate and Dissolved Materials in a Small Amazonian Stream Network”, in Biogeochemistry, vol. 68, no. 2, pp. 135–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tobón, C., L.A. Bruijnzeel, K.F.A. Frumau and J.C. Calvo (2010), “Changes in soil hydraulic properties and soil water status after conversion of tropical montane cloud forest to pasture in Northern Costa Rica”, in L.A. Bruijnzeel, F.N. Scatena and L.S. Hamilton (eds.), Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: Science for Conservation and Management, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, vol. 1, pp, 261–268.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Molen, M.K. (2002), “Meteorological Impacts of Land Use Change in the Maritime Tropics”, PhD thesis, Amsterdam, Vrije University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vázquez, G. and M.G. Ramos-Escobedo (2008), “Evaluación de la calidad del agua”, in Reporte final del proyecto Análisis y modelación del efecto del uso del suelo sobre la calidad de agua de los ríos en la cuenca alta del río La Antigua (Veracruz-Puebla), Xalapa, Instituto de Ecología, CONACYT, pp. 38–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams-Linera, G., R.H. Manson and E. Isunza (2002), “La fragmentación del bosque mesófilo de montaña y patrones de uso de suelo en la región oeste de Xalapa, Veracruz, México”, in Madera y Bosques, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 73–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams-Linera, G., C. Alvarez-Aquino and R.A. Pedraza (2010), “Forest restoration in the tropical montane cloud forest belt of central Veracruz, Mexico”, in L.A.Bruijnzeel, F.N. Scatena, L.S. Hamilton (eds.), Tropical Montane Cloud Forests: Science for Conservation and Management, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, vol. 1, pp. 618–627.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, S.L., Q.Y. Zhao and I.M. Belkin (2002), “Temporal Variation in the Sediment Load of the Yangtze River and the Influence of Human Activities”, in Journal of Hydrology, vol. 263, no. 1–4, pp. 56–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yin, H.F. and C. Li (2001), “Human Impact on Flood and Flood Disasters on the Yangtze River”, in Geomorphology, vol. 41, no. 2–3, pp. 105–109.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oregon State University, 017 Peavey Hall, 97331, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

    Lyssette E. Muñoz Villers

  2. Institute of Ecology at UNAM, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, 91070, Veracruz, Mexico

    Miguel Equihua

  3. Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Calle 59A No 63-20, Núcleo El Volador, Medellin, Colombia

    Conrado Tobón

  4. UAM-I, Av. San Rafael Atlixco No.186, Col. Vicentina, Del.Iztapalapa, CP 09340, Mexico, D.F., Mexico

    Francisco J. Gutiérrez Mendieta

Authors
  1. Lyssette E. Muñoz Villers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Miguel Equihua
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Conrado Tobón
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Francisco J. Gutiérrez Mendieta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lyssette E. Muñoz Villers .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Regional de Investigaciones, Multidisciplinarias (CRIM), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Priv. Río Bravo Num. 1, Cuernavaca, 62290, Mexico

    Úrsula Oswald Spring

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer-Vertrag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Villers, L.E.M., Equihua, M., Tobón, C., Mendieta, F.J.G. (2012). Effects of Land Use in the Hydrology of Montane Catchments in Central-eastern Mexico. In: Oswald Spring, Ú. (eds) Water Resources in Mexico. Hexagon Series on Human and Environmental Security and Peace, vol 7. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05432-7_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation