Analysis and Distribution of the Rainfall Monitoring Network in a Brazilian Pantanal Region

Abstract To better understand drought and flood dynamics in the Pantanal is crucial an adequate hydrometeorological monitoring network. However, few studies have investigated whether the current monitoring systems are suitable in this region. Here, we analyzed the hydrometeorological monitoring network of the Aquidauana region, composed of pluviometric, meteorological and fluviatile gauging stations. We obtained data of all hydrometeorological gauges available in this region to compare with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recommendation. We found that although the number of stations in operation is satisfactory when compared with that established by the WMO, the network is not satisfactory in the operating stations because of lack of maintenance, thus creating a need for additional stations. This fact was also observed when analyzing the meteorological network. Using remote sensing data may be possible to fill these data gap. However, to improve the knowledge on hydrological processes in this region is still necessary to install additional ground-based stations.