Effects of climate change on water quality Chimehuín River. Junín de los Andes, Patagonia, Argentina. Authors Students: Bergara, J.G.; Millain, R. A.; Painemilla, V.A.; Reinao, P. R. and Rojas, H. L. Teachers: Prieto, A. B.; Bertossi, M. E.; Krumpholz E. and Matias, L. A. With the support of Capsa-Capex

Model of the greenhouse effect. (IPCC, 2007)

Increase of the registered global temperatures and the estimations for the future according to the different models. IPCC, 2007.

Changes in the annual averages of temperatures, observed and estimated by models. The temperatures show tendency to heating. IPCC, 2007.

Evolution of the climatic models. IPCC, 2007. Incorporation of more number of variables to the models Changes in the size of the sample

Episodes of heat (red) and cold (blue) of the Oceanic Index of “El Niño.” Averages of anomalies of three months of “El Niño” (5ºN-5ºS, 120º-170ºW). (CPC. http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/ensostuff/ensoyears.shtml ) Year DJF JFM FMA MAM AMJ MJJ JJA JAS ASO SON OND NDJ 1996 -0.8 -0.7 -0.5 -0.3 -0.2 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 -0.1 -0.2 -0.3 -0.4 1997 -0.4 -0.3 -0.1 0.3 0.8 1.3 1.7 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.5 1998 2.3 2.0 1.4 1.1 0.4 -0.1 -0.7 -1.0 -1.1 -1.2 -1.4 -1.5 1999 -1.5 -1.2 -0.9 -0.8 -0.8 -0.8 -0.9 -1.0 -1.0 -1.2 -1.4 -1.7 2000 -1.7 -1.4 -1.0 -0.8 -0.6 -0.6 -0.4 -0.4 -0.4 -0.5 -0.7 -0.7 2001 -0.7 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2 2002 -0.1 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.4 2003 1.2 0.9 0.5 0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.4 2004 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 2005 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.2 -0.1 -0.4 -0.8 2006 -0.8 -0.6 -0.3 -0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.1 2007 0.8 0.4 0.1 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.5 -0.8 -1.1 -1.2 -1.4

Increase of the annual mean temperature (1884 at 2006) Credits: NASA/GISS and NASA/GSFC/SVS. The more warm years from 1890 Orderly according to their average of temperature 2006 2005 1998 2002 2003 2004

2006

2005

1998

2002

2003

2004

Greenland. Changes in the extension of the melted layer of ice Source: ACIA. (2004). Impacts of a warming Artic. Artic Climate Impact Assessment. Cambridge University Press.

Antartida: Ice Barrier Larsen Source: “The inconvenient truth".

These two images illustrate the retreat of Patagonian glacier Uppsala. It is estimated that between 1997 and 2003 were melted at that site 13.4 km2 of ice. Patagonian ice melting Source: “The inconvenient truth". Year 1928 Year 2004

Change in front of the glacier north of Lanin volcano over the past 104 years. Photo: Delgado, et.al.,2001 Photo: Francisco P. Moreno in 1896

Variation annual rain in Junin de los Andes. (Dirección de Coordinación de Manejo del Fuego).

Study area . Image: World Wind, NASA.

Sampling area of water quality. Image: Google Earth

Sampling water quality. Sampling macroinvertebrate Analysis of dissolved oxygen

Hypothesis Hypothesis 1 : The temperatures, thermal amplitude, humidity, rains and followed days without rains in the last years in Junín of the Andes don't coincide with the hottest years to global scale. Hypothesis 2 : The flows of the river Chimehuín are the same in the last years and they are not affected by the hottest years to global scale. Hypothesis 3 : The quality of the water doesn't change with the fluctuations of the flow of the river Chimehuín and in the watering channel. Hypothesis 4 : The quality of the water of the river Chimehuín has not changed in the last years.

Hypothesis 1 : The temperatures, thermal amplitude, humidity, rains and followed days without rains in the last years in Junín of the Andes don't coincide with the hottest years to global scale.

Hypothesis 2 : The flows of the river Chimehuín are the same in the last years and they are not affected by the hottest years to global scale.

Hypothesis 3 : The quality of the water doesn't change with the fluctuations of the flow of the river Chimehuín and in the watering channel.

Hypothesis 4 : The quality of the water of the river Chimehuín has not changed in the last years.

Variation of the maximum, minimum temperatures and width thermal in Junín de los Andes Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Variation of humidity at 12 hs. in Junín de los Andes Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Variation of the rains and the followed days without rains in Junín de los Andes. Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Variation of the flow of the river Chimehuín Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Comparison of the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and alkalinity of the river Chimehuín and a watering channel.

Variation of the conductivity and the alkalinity of the water of the river Chimehuín according to the fluctuations of their flow.

Conclusions Meteorological data of Junin de los Andes (Years 1992 to 2007): The maximum temperatures have diminished and the minimum ones have increased, reducing the thermal amplitude in the last years. The rains stay low but they are distributed into more regular intervals, impacting possibly in the increase of the humidity.

Meteorological data of Junin de los Andes (Years 1992 to 2007):

The maximum temperatures have diminished and the minimum ones have increased, reducing the thermal amplitude in the last years.

The rains stay low but they are distributed into more regular intervals, impacting possibly in the increase of the humidity.

Conclusions In spite of the inter-annual variability of the flows, the data show a tendency to decreasing. The quality of the water of the river compared with the water of the channel shows a slight deterioration in this last one for effect of the low flow. This tendency is also observed in the river Chimehuín in the years of low flow.

In spite of the inter-annual variability of the flows, the data show a tendency to decreasing.

The quality of the water of the river compared with the water of the channel shows a slight deterioration in this last one for effect of the low flow.

This tendency is also observed in the river Chimehuín in the years of low flow.

Conclusions: Temperature The temperature increases when the flow diminishes, this increases the solubility of the salts, causing changes of conductivity and pH. (Restrepo, et.al.,2002). Biota: The organisms of the river are of temperate range (13-20ºC) but in several days it has reached to 23ºC from 2002 to 2004. (Mitchell, et.al.,1997) Plecoptera Ephemeroptera

The temperature increases when the flow diminishes, this increases the solubility of the salts, causing changes of conductivity and pH. (Restrepo, et.al.,2002).

Biota: The organisms of the river are of temperate range (13-20ºC) but in several days it has reached to 23ºC from 2002 to 2004. (Mitchell, et.al.,1997)

Conclusions: pH The pH increases significantly in the channel to the river, getting alkaline. This is more notorious in summer where some day’s pH 9 was registered. Biota: pH 6.5 – 8.2 is the best range for most of the biota. (Murdoch, et.al., 1997) as much the salmónidos as the macroinvertebrados that serve them as food (Trichoptera, Ephemeropthera, Plecopthera) (Roa, et.al.,1993 and Ávila, et.al.,2004) are sensitive to the pH changes. Watering: The FAO settles down (pH 6,5-8,4). The registered values in the watering channels are into this range, although in summer it is sometimes overcome. This water is also used it to him for watering in greenhouses where the best range is more narrow and therefore it is alkaline. (Ayers,et.al.,1994).

The pH increases significantly in the channel to the river, getting alkaline. This is more notorious in summer where some day’s pH 9 was registered.

Biota: pH 6.5 – 8.2 is the best range for most of the biota. (Murdoch, et.al., 1997) as much the salmónidos as the macroinvertebrados that serve them as food (Trichoptera, Ephemeropthera, Plecopthera) (Roa, et.al.,1993 and Ávila, et.al.,2004) are sensitive to the pH changes.

Watering: The FAO settles down (pH 6,5-8,4). The registered values in the watering channels are into this range, although in summer it is sometimes overcome. This water is also used it to him for watering in greenhouses where the best range is more narrow and therefore it is alkaline. (Ayers,et.al.,1994).

Conclusiones: pH Consumo humano: La OMS establece un rango óptimo de pH 6,5 a 9,5. (CEPIS, 2008) Los valores están dentro de éstos rangos. Un pH alto puede generar una sensación jabonosa en el sabor del agua. Riego: La FAO establece (pH 6,5-8,4). Los valores registrados en los canales de riego integran éste rango, aunque en verano a veces se supera. Para riego en invernaderos el rango óptimo (pH 5,5-6,5) es más estrecho y por lo tanto resulta alcalina. (Ayers,et.al.,1994, Bodnar,et.al.,1996; Criswell,et.al.,2001). Si el pH alto se combina con valores altos de alcalinidad pueden presentar problemas de incrustaciones en canillas y cañerías. (Criswell,et.al., 2001) Pero la alcalinidad es baja. Recreación: La OMS establece como rango óptimo (pH 6,5-9). En el río, donde se utiliza el agua con éste objetivo los valores registrados están dentro de éste rango. (CEPIS, 2008)

Consumo humano: La OMS establece un rango óptimo de pH 6,5 a 9,5. (CEPIS, 2008) Los valores están dentro de éstos rangos. Un pH alto puede generar una sensación jabonosa en el sabor del agua.

Riego: La FAO establece (pH 6,5-8,4).

Los valores registrados en los canales de riego integran éste rango, aunque en verano a veces se supera.

Para riego en invernaderos el rango óptimo (pH 5,5-6,5) es más estrecho y por lo tanto resulta alcalina. (Ayers,et.al.,1994, Bodnar,et.al.,1996; Criswell,et.al.,2001).

Si el pH alto se combina con valores altos de alcalinidad pueden presentar problemas de incrustaciones en canillas y cañerías. (Criswell,et.al., 2001) Pero la alcalinidad es baja.

Recreación: La OMS establece como rango óptimo (pH 6,5-9). En el río, donde se utiliza el agua con éste objetivo los valores registrados están dentro de éste rango. (CEPIS, 2008)

Conclusions: Dissolved oxygen The oxygen dissolved in the water is a restrictive factor for the aquatic life. Biota: The EPA settles down for the life aquatic bigger values than 5 mg/l, however for eggs and salmónidos alevinos, smaller values to 8 mg/l produce a moderate deterioration of the production. (Jackson, et.al.,2000). The values of dissolved oxygen in the water of the river are higher than in the channel. The registered values in the river are inside the required range for the species that inhabit it, while in the channel some day’s low values are registered 5mg/l.

The oxygen dissolved in the water is a restrictive factor for the aquatic life.

Biota: The EPA settles down for the life aquatic bigger values than 5 mg/l, however for eggs and salmónidos alevinos, smaller values to 8 mg/l produce a moderate deterioration of the production. (Jackson, et.al.,2000).

The values of dissolved oxygen in the water of the river are higher than in the channel. The registered values in the river are inside the required range for the species that inhabit it, while in the channel some day’s low values are registered 5mg/l.

Conclusions: Conductivity and Alkalinity A low flow values of conductivity and alkalinity have high variability, in contrast with high flow values are stabilized. A lesser flow impact from the terrestrial ecosystem is greater.

A low flow values of conductivity and alkalinity have high variability, in contrast with high flow values are stabilized.

A lesser flow impact from the terrestrial ecosystem is greater.

Conclusions The scenarios of climatic change predicted for the region (temperature increasing, decrease of the precipitations and of the flows), added to the anthropic impacts of the future urbanizations, they will impact in the quality of the water, as it is visualized in the watering channel. The changes observed in the humidity, flow and temperatures tend to affect the conductivity and the alkalinity, but a bigger number of measurements are needed to verify this tendency because the available period cover in the most to the hottest years that also coincide with events of “El Niño.”

The scenarios of climatic change predicted for the region (temperature increasing, decrease of the precipitations and of the flows), added to the anthropic impacts of the future urbanizations, they will impact in the quality of the water, as it is visualized in the watering channel.

The changes observed in the humidity, flow and temperatures tend to affect the conductivity and the alkalinity, but a bigger number of measurements are needed to verify this tendency because the available period cover in the most to the hottest years that also coincide with events of “El Niño.”

Discussion Although few years of continuous sampling of quality of the water, can help: The planning of a sustainable community The taking of environmental conscience by part of the population in general, especially considering the future urban developments planned They also represent an important antecedent for the future, because it is still low population's density. Our school is an agrotechnic one and these results are applied to the agricultural and industrial production (food production).

Although few years of continuous sampling of quality of the water, can help:

The planning of a sustainable community

The taking of environmental conscience by part of the population in general, especially considering the future urban developments planned

They also represent an important antecedent for the future, because it is still low population's density.

Our school is an agrotechnic one and these results are applied to the agricultural and industrial production (food production).

Discussion As for the recommendations to mitigate the effects previously pointed out we propose to settle down: Measures of conservation of the soil and fundamentally of the costs of the river and the watering channel. The costs are buffer area between two ecosystems.

As for the recommendations to mitigate the effects previously pointed out we propose to settle down:

Measures of conservation of the soil and fundamentally of the costs of the river and the watering channel.

The costs are buffer area between two ecosystems.

The effects of climatic change in the flows of the rivers Chimehuín, Malleo and Quilquihue and their relationship with the humidity of the steppe and “mallín” (wetland) land. Authors: Students: Ancalao, J. G.; Barria, R.C.; Fuentes, A. B.; Lagos, B. C.; Racedo, L. N. and Torres N. S. Teachers: Prieto, A. B.; Bertossi, M. A.; Krumpholz, E. and Bubenick, L. With the support of Capsa-Capex

Sampling of soil mallin and steppe, where there is a difference of moisture and vegetation. GLOBE Programme – Soil Protocol

Sampling area of soil moisture. Image: Google Earth

Study area flow. Image: World Wind, NASA.

Hypothesis Hypothesis 1 : The temperatures, thermal width, humidity, rains and subsiquent days without rains in the last years in Junín de los Andes do not coincide with the hottest years at a global scale. Hypothesis 2 : The flows of the rivers Chimehuín, Quilquihue and Malleo have been the same in the last years and they have not been affected by the hottest years at a global scale. Hypothesis 3 : The humidity of the steppe and “mallín” soil does not change with the rains, subsequent days without rains, the temperature, or the flow fluctuations of the river Chimehuín.

Hypothesis 1 : The temperatures, thermal width, humidity, rains and subsiquent days without rains in the last years in Junín de los Andes do not coincide with the hottest years at a global scale.

Hypothesis 2 : The flows of the rivers Chimehuín, Quilquihue and Malleo have been the same in the last years and they have not been affected by the hottest years at a global scale.

Hypothesis 3 : The humidity of the steppe and “mallín” soil does not change with the rains, subsequent days without rains, the temperature, or the flow fluctuations of the river Chimehuín.

Changes in the flow of rivers Chimehuin, Quilquihue and Malleo. Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Differences between soil moisture steppe and mallin

Steppe: effects of the rains in moisture

Mallin: Effect of rain in moisture

Steppe: Effect of temperature

Mallin: Effect of temperature

Humidity soil steppe and mallin vs. Chimehuin River flow

Conclusions In spite of interanual variability of the flows of the rivers Chimehuín and Quilquihue, e data show a decreassing tendency, (AIC, 1996 a 2007; Araneo, et.al.,2005; Compagnucci, et.al.,2005) The flow of the river Malleo which has a tendency to increase during the same considered period. This last can be due to local effects that are not considered in the present work.

In spite of interanual variability of the flows of the rivers Chimehuín and Quilquihue, e data show a decreassing tendency, (AIC, 1996 a 2007; Araneo, et.al.,2005; Compagnucci, et.al.,2005)

The flow of the river Malleo which has a tendency to increase during the same considered period. This last can be due to local effects that are not considered in the present work.

Conclusions Humidity of steppe soil is very low with regard to “mallin” soil and this is manifested in the type of vegetation that it sustains and in its covering.

Humidity of steppe soil is very low with regard to “mallin” soil and this is manifested in the type of vegetation that it sustains and in its covering.

Conclusions Humidity of steppe soil: Increases with rains Diminishes with the increment of dry days and high temperatures that cause more water evaporation. The flow did not seem to have incidence in humidity changes in the steppe soil.

Humidity of steppe soil:

Increases with rains

Diminishes with the increment of dry days and high temperatures that cause more water evaporation.

The flow did not seem to have incidence in humidity changes in the steppe soil.

Conclusions In “mallín” soil the opposite takes place: humidity did not seem to be affected by rains dry days temperature changes. The curve of humidity of “mallín” soil has the same form as that of the river flow, that is to say, it increases in spring when thaw takes place and it diminishes in summer and it increases at the beginning of autumn again. (Ávila, et.al.,2005). This change is possibly related to an ascent of aquifers, although a larger number of measurements are required to corroborate this hypothesis.

In “mallín” soil the opposite takes place:

humidity did not seem to be affected by rains

dry days

temperature changes.

The curve of humidity of “mallín” soil has the same form as that of the river flow, that is to say, it increases in spring when thaw takes place and it diminishes in summer and it increases at the beginning of autumn again. (Ávila, et.al.,2005).

This change is possibly related to an ascent of aquifers, although a larger number of measurements are required to corroborate this hypothesis.

Conclusions If the predicted climatic changes take place: water content in the soil will decrease and soil erosion will accelerate. (Barros, et.al.,2006). In the case of the steppe its percentage will be low. In “mallin” soil the ascent of aquifers in spring will have a greater influence in the content of water of this soil.

If the predicted climatic changes take place:

water content in the soil will decrease and soil erosion will accelerate. (Barros, et.al.,2006).

In the case of the steppe its percentage will be low.

In “mallin” soil the ascent of aquifers in spring will have a greater influence in the content of water of this soil.

Discussion In spite of this the obtained results are important: For the school, where they are used for agricultural production For the people that live in the rural area and can take advantage of “mallines” and their borders for agricultural production For the agencies which control water for human consumption and to municipal scale.

In spite of this the obtained results are important:

For the school, where they are used for agricultural production

For the people that live in the rural area and can take advantage of “mallines” and their borders for agricultural production

For the agencies which control water for human consumption and to municipal scale.

Discussion High “mallines” as well as riverside “mallines”work as filters that help to maintain the water quality in the rivers. Therefore their conservation is vital for a sustainable populational growth, taking into account the new urbanizations: The Chimehuin river (source of water supply to Junín de los Andes) The Quilquihue river (main source of water supply to San Martin de los Andes).

High “mallines” as well as riverside “mallines”work as filters that help to maintain the water quality in the rivers.

Therefore their conservation is vital for a sustainable populational growth, taking into account the new urbanizations:

The Chimehuin river (source of water supply to Junín de los Andes)

The Quilquihue river (main source of water supply to San Martin de los Andes).

Discussion If due to the effect of climatic change the steppe soil contains less amount of water it is possible that this affects the cultivation of some plants and the growth of wild plants increasing even more the current erosion. (Coronato, et.al.,1997; Barros, et.al., 2006; Paruelo, et.al.,1988, 1995 y 1998). Together with climatic change, tendencies are observed in meteorological data and it is recommended to diffuse at school and among the population of Junín de los Andes the mitigation measures proposed by IPCC related with water and energy consumption.

If due to the effect of climatic change the steppe soil contains less amount of water it is possible that this affects the cultivation of some plants and the growth of wild plants increasing even more the current erosion. (Coronato, et.al.,1997; Barros, et.al., 2006; Paruelo, et.al.,1988, 1995 y 1998).

Together with climatic change, tendencies are observed in meteorological data and it is recommended to diffuse at school and among the population of Junín de los Andes the mitigation measures proposed by IPCC related with water and energy consumption.

Effects of the climatic change in the frequency and duration of the fires in the North of the Patagonia. Authors: Students : Castillo, E.; Huichaqueo, E. C.; Izaza, J. P.; Lefín, G. L.; Painemilla, L. M. and Reinao, S. D. Teachers: Prieto, A. B.; Bertossi, M. E., Krumpholz E. and Davies, C. With the support of Capsa-Capex

Hypothesis Hypothesis 1 : The temperatures, thermal amplitude, humidity, rains and followed days without rains in the last years in Junín of the Andes, don't coincide with the hottest years to global scale, neither with the events of the “El Niño” and “La Niña.” Hypothesis 2 : The frequency and the duration of the fires have not changed in the last years. Hypothesis 3 : The FWI indicates the changes in the meteorological variables that can cause a fire. Hypothesis 4 : The fire season of has not changed in the last years.

Hypothesis 1 : The temperatures, thermal amplitude, humidity, rains and followed days without rains in the last years in Junín of the Andes, don't coincide with the hottest years to global scale, neither with the events of the “El Niño” and “La Niña.”

Hypothesis 2 : The frequency and the duration of the fires have not changed in the last years.

Hypothesis 3 : The FWI indicates the changes in the meteorological variables that can cause a fire.

Hypothesis 4 : The fire season of has not changed in the last years.

Frequency of fires in the Neuquen Province Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Causes of fires

Frequency of causes of fires

Number of fires in the Departments of the Province of Neuquen Tienen diferencias significativas con los demás departamentos

Duration of fires Years warmest globally (Hansen, 2008, 2007)

Incidence of the meteorological variables in the FWI of Junín of the Andes (Department Huiliches)

Type of vegetation and surface burned by the fires in the region. (Period 1992-2007)

Temporada de incendios

Fire Seasons in the region in different years.

Changes in fire season: Months with significant differences. April October

Conclusions In the years 2002 to 2006: The thermal amplitude tends to decrease The humidity to ascend The consecutive days without rains to decrease The fires tend to increase and the season of fires expands inclusive until the month of April periods of heating in the Pacific Ocean occurred during several months. The number of fires has been increased in the last years but its duration has diminished. This change is possibly due to the use of more technology to combat them (e.g. Aircraft hydrants). 2006 2005 1998 2002 2003 2004

In the years 2002 to 2006:

The thermal amplitude tends to decrease

The humidity to ascend

The consecutive days without rains to decrease

The fires tend to increase and the season of fires expands inclusive until the month of April periods of heating in the Pacific Ocean occurred during several months.

The number of fires has been increased in the last years but its duration has diminished.

This change is possibly due to the use of more technology to combat them (e.g. Aircraft hydrants).

2006

2005

1998

2002

2003

2004

Conclusions The FWI is since a good indicator of danger of fires most of them they happened under the category of “extreme”. Fire in the Lanin National Park - 01/03/08

The FWI is since a good indicator of danger of fires most of them they happened under the category of “extreme”.

Discussion The fires represent one of the important causes of degradation of the soils and of biodiversity loss; thus they endanger the sustainable use of the ecosystems and they enhance erosion. (Altieri, 1999; Barros, et.al.,2006; Carretero, 1995; Kitzberger, et.al.2005; IPCC, 2007; Paruelo, 1998; Veblen, et.al.,1992, 1999 y 2002). The factors that influence are: The dry season (summer) The type of vegetation The occurrence of electric storms Human action. Most of the fires happen in proximities of cities or areas visited by tourists. . (Barros, et.al.,2002, 2006; Kitzberger, et.al.,1997, 2005; IPCC, 2007; Rössler, et.al.,2004; Veblen, et.al.,1999; Villalba, et.al.,2003 y 2006).

The fires represent one of the important causes of degradation of the soils and of biodiversity loss; thus they endanger the sustainable use of the ecosystems and they enhance erosion. (Altieri, 1999; Barros, et.al.,2006; Carretero, 1995; Kitzberger, et.al.2005; IPCC, 2007; Paruelo, 1998; Veblen, et.al.,1992, 1999 y 2002).

The factors that influence are:

The dry season (summer)

The type of vegetation

The occurrence of electric storms

Human action. Most of the fires happen in proximities of cities or areas visited by tourists. . (Barros, et.al.,2002, 2006; Kitzberger, et.al.,1997, 2005; IPCC, 2007; Rössler, et.al.,2004; Veblen, et.al.,1999; Villalba, et.al.,2003 y 2006).

Discussion The climatic models show a scenario of important reduction of the precipitations in almost the whole mountain range to the North of the parallel one 46ºS. Most of the water that we consume in the area comes from this mountain range and an increment of the danger of fires is expected activating even more the erosion processes. (AIC, 1996 a 2007; Camilloni, 2005; CIMA-CONICET, 2005; Da Silva, et.al.,2007; Labraga, 1998; Minetti, 2003; IPCC, 2007; Scarpatti, et.al.,2001; Snaider, 2001).

The climatic models show a scenario of important reduction of the precipitations in almost the whole mountain range to the North of the parallel one 46ºS.

Most of the water that we consume in the area comes from this mountain range and an increment of the danger of fires is expected activating even more the erosion processes. (AIC, 1996 a 2007; Camilloni, 2005; CIMA-CONICET, 2005; Da Silva, et.al.,2007; Labraga, 1998; Minetti, 2003; IPCC, 2007; Scarpatti, et.al.,2001; Snaider, 2001).

Discussion The native forests and the implanted forests will reduce their growth (especially because of the reduction of precipitations) and they will be more exposed to fires. (Barros, et.al.2006; Rodríguez, 2003; Urrutia, 2005; Veblen, et.al.,1988, 1992 y 1999; Villalba, 1998, 2002 y 2003; Villalba, et.al.,2003 y 2006) The obtained results are important for the school but also for the government and non governmental organizations that work in the area. They are especially important for increasing the conscience of the danger by the population in general, because although the conditions are given, the anthropic action is the largest originator of fires.

The native forests and the implanted forests will reduce their growth (especially because of the reduction of precipitations) and they will be more exposed to fires. (Barros, et.al.2006; Rodríguez, 2003; Urrutia, 2005; Veblen, et.al.,1988, 1992 y 1999; Villalba, 1998, 2002 y 2003; Villalba, et.al.,2003 y 2006)

The obtained results are important for the school but also for the government and non governmental organizations that work in the area.

They are especially important for increasing the conscience of the danger by the population in general, because although the conditions are given, the anthropic action is the largest originator of fires.

Discussion Regarding the fires that cause the danger and the frequency of fires due to anthropic action the following is recommended: Create alleys of easy access for the fire brigades in the implanted forests. Carry out seasonal gathering of the remaining organic matter between the pines. Avoid burning the residue, promoting treating and recycling them. Promote fire control at educational level. Publish procedures of fire prevention for residents (with emphasis in not burning organic residuals) and visitors (with emphasis in the treatment of cigarette butts, the campfires, etc).

Regarding the fires that cause the danger and the frequency of fires due to anthropic action the following is recommended:

Create alleys of easy access for the fire brigades in the implanted forests.

Carry out seasonal gathering of the remaining organic matter between the pines.

Avoid burning the residue, promoting treating and recycling them.

Promote fire control at educational level.

Publish procedures of fire prevention for residents (with emphasis in not burning organic residuals) and visitors (with emphasis in the treatment of cigarette butts, the campfires, etc).

We want to thank: For supply data… Subsecretaría de Recursos Hídricos de la Nación Téc. Simón Llewellin Lewis (Dirección de Coordinación de Manejo del Fuego) By sending information… Drs. María Luz Duarte, Rosa Compagnucci , Inés Camilloni, Jorge Rabasa, Darío Trombato, Juan Minetti, Ricardo Villalba, Thomas Kitzberger and Thomas Veblen By taking GLOBE measurements All students of the CEI “San Ignacio” By giving us information on agriculture: Ing. Agr. Guillermo Barrau, Christian Hick For provide some equipment to conduct environmental measurements: The company Capsa-Capex

We want to thank:

For supply data…

Subsecretaría de Recursos Hídricos de la Nación

Téc. Simón Llewellin Lewis (Dirección de Coordinación de Manejo del Fuego)

By sending information…

Drs. María Luz Duarte, Rosa Compagnucci , Inés Camilloni,

Jorge Rabasa, Darío Trombato, Juan Minetti, Ricardo Villalba, Thomas Kitzberger and Thomas Veblen

By taking GLOBE measurements

All students of the CEI “San Ignacio”

By giving us information on agriculture:

Ing. Agr. Guillermo Barrau, Christian Hick

For provide some equipment to conduct environmental measurements:

The company Capsa-Capex