Effects of altitudinal environmental conditions on the variability of water yield in the Rhone river basin in climate change scenarios

In the short and medium term, Rhone basin will have significant discharge water decreases and changes in the seasonality of the hydrological regime, causing serious economic and environmental repercussions. The analysis is carried out through a hydrological model applied to the climatic values of observed period, used as reference in the comparison of two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) scenarios in two future periods. Results have determined a significant decrease in water discharge capacity, being in some cases 30%. Environmental systems characterized by altitudinal features have established important differences in the final water balance, high mountain areas have been the most sensitive areas to climate change. Decrease in water resources will establish important adaptations to the new challenges imposed by these water scarcity scenarios.