Spatial and Seasonal Water Characterization of Mato Grosso do Sul with Grid Data

Abstract The use of global atmospheric reanalysis data (ERA-Interim) produced by the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) becomes an important tool for agricultural production regions, especially in scarce weather station areas. We sought to characterize the spatial and seasonal water variability of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul using meteorological reanalysis data from ERA-Interim. The study was conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul, located in the Midwest region of Brazil. Decendial rainfall and mean air temperature data were obtained from ERA-Interim between 1989 and 2015, totaling 566 points. We estimated soil water storage, water deficit and water surplus from the normal water balance of Thornthwaite and Mather (1955). In Mato Grosso do Sul there was spatial and seasonal variation of water balance components. Seasonal variation in soil water storage occurred with the change of seasons. The southern region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul has the largest water resources, with reduced DEF, close to 100% ARM and high EXC. The largest water surpluses occur from December to March, while from August to October the lowest water surpluses occur in the state.