Temporal and Climatic Analysis of the Rio Peñasco in New Mexico

Abstract:

Streamflow research usually focuses on perennial streams due to the obvious impact on water budgets and flooding forecasts as well as the readily available data due a higher quantity of gages with longer and more complete data sets. Due to this, most streamflow metrics were derived by analyzing perennial streams and may not accurately characterize streams that have intermittent flow. Even standard metrics used for intermittent streams may not accurately characterize streams that are strongly ephemeral. This study uses statistical methods to analyze the Rio Peñasco near Artesia, NM. Traditional metrics were inadequate in describing the average or variance of this ephemeral stream. This stream has been rerouted or altered numerous times in order to be used for agriculture. In the 1980s, this anthropogenic influence resulted in a drastic decline in discharge rates. ENSO was shown to alter the onset and total volume of non-zero discharge during monsoon months.