Water balance analysis of a typical temporary pond in the Flooding Pampa (Argentina) during a dry period

Knowledge of wetlands water balance constitutes a tool that allows quantitative evaluation of water dynamics. The Flooding Pampa (Argentina) is characterised by scarce topographic slopes and significant development of temporary ponds. A water balance was performed for analysing the dynamics of a Pampasic pond. During the analysed period, water inputs into the pond originated primarily from surface runoff from the surrounding areas and, secondarily, from direct precipitation; while the outputs were mainly due to runoff through the outlet channel and evapotranspiration, since the underground flow was almost insignificant. The latter parameter also had the particularity that it was expressed only unidirectionally (from the pond to the aquifer). Vertical processes (precipitation, evapotranspiration and infiltration) contributed to 38% of the balance, compared to horizontal processes (surface runoff) that represented 62%. The results serve as a basis for facing the study of the response of these systems in different scenarios.