Adv. Geosci.

, 22, 173–179, 2009

www.adv-geosci.net/22/173/2009/ Advances in
© Author(s) 2009. This work is distributed under Geosciences
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

First insights on Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko

water balance
G. Zambrano1 , R. Abarca del Rio1 , J.-F. Cretaux2 , and B. Reid3
1 Departamento de Geofı́sica (DGEO), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
2 LEGOS (UMR5566), Observatoire Midi-pyrénées, Toulouse, France
3 Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia (CIEP), Universidad Austral de Chile, Bilbao 449, Coyhaique, Chile

Received: 19 May 2009 – Revised: 1 July 2009 – Accepted: 8 July 2009 – Published: 17 December 2009

Abstract. Lago General Carrera (Chile) also called Lago
Buenos Aires (Argentina) or originally Chelenko by the
native habitants of the region is located in Patagonia on
the Chilean-Argentinean border. It is the largest lake in
Chile with a surface area of 1850 km2 . The lake is of
glacial/tectonic origin and surrounded by the Andes moun-
tain range. The lake drains primarily to the Pacific Ocean
to the west, through the Baker River (one of Chile’s largest
rivers), and intermittently eastward to the Atlantic Ocean.
We report ongoing results from an investigation of the sea-
sonal hydrological cycle of the lake basin. The contribu-
tion by river input through snowmelt from the Andes is of
primary importance, though the lack of water input by un-
gaged rivers is also critical. We present the main variables in-
volved in the water balance of Lake General Carrera/Buenos
Aires/Chelenko, such as influent and effluent river flows, pre-
cipitation, and evaporation, all this based mostly in in-situ
information.
1 Introduction
Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko (LGC/BA/C)
is the largest lake in Chile and the second largest lake in
South America, and based on a recent global review of lake
characteristics (Kalff (2001)) it is possibly the 13th largest
and 7th deepest in the world. There are few scientific inves-
tigations on the biology, hydrology, and physical limnology
of this large and potentially very significant lake. Basic hy-
drologic data exist in raw form from a network of sensors
maintained by the Directorate General Water (DGA in Span-
ish acronym). Meanwhile the lake and its catchments are still
Correspondence to: G. Zambrano
(gzambran@udec.cl)
strongly influenced by perhaps the largest system of temper-
ate glaciers and ice fields in the world (North Patagonian Ice-
field, Warren et al., 1993), and whose influence will possibly
diminish with global climate change.
Region Aysen is divided into four climatic zones (IGM
(1998)) (see Fig. 1): (a) a cold wet temperate, (b) a trans-
Andean merging into steppe, (c) a sub-zero high-altitude
climate, and finally (d) a cold steppe climate. The re-
gion presents a highly dynamic geography that underscores
the interaction between the topography due to high alti-
tudes who act as a barrier to wind and precipitation (Walsh,
1994), ocean influence and atmospheric circulation (Town-
ley, 2007). The atmospheric circulation is dominated by
westerly winds, low pressure, frontal systems (Seluchi et al.,
2000) and the South Pacific subtropical anticyclone (Rodwell
and Hoskins, 2001).
An example of the complexity of the regional climate is
high longitudinal precipitation gradient around the lake, ap-
proximately 1350 mm/yr, with 1470 mm/yr in the coast and
120 mm/yr in the east zone (Townley, 2007). The tempera-
ture is dominated by the oceanic influence on the coast, the
microclimate in the interior under the influence of lakes, low
temperatures in high altitude areas and a large temperature
variation in the steppe zone (Jobbágy et al., 1995; Paruelo et
al., 1969). On account of these variations in temperature and
precipitation, snow cover has a seasonal pattern, with move-
ments influenced by temperature variations (73% of the vari-
ance explained) and precipitation in the area (López et al.,
2008).
The purpose of this paper is to develop a synthesis of the
existing hydrologic data, interpret the sources of variability
over seasonal time scales, conduct a basic hydrologic mass
balance, and propose recommendations that address the un-
certainty and data gaps. Because of its limitations, this re-
search intends to give a first insight on the lake level vari-
ability, and is a first step towards a better understanding of the

Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union.

174 G. Zambrano et al.: First insights on LGC/BA/C water balance
2 G. Zambrano, R. Abarca, J-F. Cretaux, B. Reid: First Insights on LGC/BA/C and Water Balance

Fig.1.1.Study
Fig. Studysite,
site,showing
showingthe
thelocation
locationof
of the
the in
in situ
situ monitoring
monitoring stations
stations and
and the
the main
main climatic
climatic zones.
zones.

statistical
whole basinmethods used for
hydrological analysis
balance andare explained
probable in section
influences by 2.2 Method
the lake level variability (r 2 =0.89 and r 2 =0.96 respectively
2 and results are presented in section 3. Finally Section 4
local and remote climate variability. with Chile Chico and Puerto Guadal lake level).
provides discussion and conclusions.
The paper is presented as follows. Description of data and
statistical methods used for analysis are explained in Sect. 2 To
2.2complete
Method a lake water balance computation, we need vol-
and results are presented in Sect. 3. Finally Sect. 4 provides umes of water inputs and outputs from precipitation and
2 Data and
discussion and Methodology
conclusions. evaporation.
To complete aWe therefore
lake employed
water balance the Thiessen
computation, wepolygons
need vol-
method
umes of(Hartkamp
water inputset al.and
(2001)),
outputswhich
fromallows computing
precipitation and
the precipitation
evaporation. We and evaporation
therefore waterthevolumes
employed Thiessenaverage in
polygons
2.1 Data Set
2 Data and methodology the basin(Hartkamp
method through theetfollowing
al., 2001),expression:
which allows computing the
precipitation (and evaporation) water volumes average in the
The in situ daily and monthly data set (see Table 1) (pre-
2.1 Data Set basin through the following expression:
cipitation, temperature, evaporation, river flows, lake level)
PN N
around
The the daily
in situ lake, and
weremonthly
provided by set
data the(see
DGA (Directorate
Table 1) (pre-
P
i=1 PPiiA
Aii
General Water) of Aysén region. From this data set, in which P
Pm =
m = P Pi=1
N
cipitation, temperature, evaporation, river flows, lake level) N Aii
i=1 A
some time
around the series
lake, goes
were back to 1985,
provided by we
thechoose
DGA the period in
(Directorate
i=1
which most
General of of
Water) theAysén
time series
region.were
Fromcomplete,
this datai.e.,
set,the 2000-
in which where Pi is the precipitation of station i, Ai is the area of
2006 time span. The time series were then processed through influence of the station i, N is the number of stations and Pm
some time series goes back to 1985, we choose the period in
interpolation in order to complete small gaps in the daily where Pi is therainfall
is the average precipitation
in the of station
basin. i, Aidue
Errors is the areaesti-
to this of
which most of the time series were complete, i.e., the 2000–
time series, before constructing monthly means, and then a influence of the rain gauge station i, N is the number
mation (usually due to over or under estimation of areas of of sta-
2006 time span. The time series were then processed through
monthly mean climatology for he period (2000-2006). tions and Pare
influence) m is the average
considered rainfall
within theinmargin
the basin. Errors
of error due
of com-
interpolation in order to complete small gaps in the daily
We note here that although Lake level in Puerto Guadal only to this estimation (usually due to over or under
puting the water balance. The balance is estimated in units estimation of
time series, before constructing monthly means, and then a
covers years 2003-to-2006, its variability is exactly the same areas of influence) are considered within the margin
of volume, so each of the variables involved in estimating of error
monthly mean climatology for he2 period (2000–2006).
as registered in Chile Chico (r = 0.95). Both were also of
thecomputing the water
balance should balance. The
be converted balance
to units is estimated
of volume. Thisinis
We note here that although Lake level in Puerto Guadal
corroborated with lake level by satellite altimetry (Crétaux units of volume, so each of the variables involved
computed monthly over the climatology data. Of course, the in estimat-
only covers years 2003-to-2006, its variability is exactly the
et al. (2006)) data (r2 = 0.81 and2 r2 = 0.77 respectively ing the to
balance
same closer the inshould be converted
situ station, to units
the greater theofaccuracy
volume. ofThis
the
with as registered
Chile Chico in andChile
PuertoChico (r =0.95).
Guadal). Both
It is also thewere
casealso
for is computed monthly over the climatology data.
determined amounts of precipitation and evaporation water Of course,
corroborated with
the flows of river lake level by satellite altimetry (Crétaux
Baker, being2 the sole river output it follows et the closer to the in situ station, the greater the accuracy of
al., 2006) data (r 2 =0.81 and r =0.77 respectively with Chile inputs and outputs, respectively.
exactly the lake level variability (r2 = 0.89 and r2 = 0.96 the determined amounts of precipitation and evaporation wa-
Chico and Puerto
respectively Guadal).
with Chile ChicoIt and
is also the Guadal
Puerto case forlakethe level).
flows ter inputs and outputs, respectively.
of river Baker, being the sole river output it follows exactly

Adv. Geosci., 22, 173–179, 2009 www.adv-geosci.net/22/173/2009/

 G. Zambrano et al.: First insights on LGC/BA/C water balance 175

G. Zambrano, R. Abarca, J-F. Cretaux, B. Reid: First Insights on LGC/BA/C and Water Balance 3
Table 1. Meteorological and river discharge monitoring stations. D and M refers to daily and monthly mean values, respectively, and dates
refer to the range of data availability. All river discharge stations are inputs to the system, except for River Baker which is the sole output
Table 1. Meteorological and river discharge monitoring stations. D and M refers to daily and monthly mean values respectively, and dates
3 /s]
refer to the range of data availability.
Stations Location All river discharge stations
Weather are inputs(daily
River discharge to themean)
system,
[mexcept for Rio
Lake Baker
Level which
(daily is the
mean) [m]sole output
Bahı́a Murta 46◦ 270 S 1993–2007 1985–2006
Stations Location
72o◦ 4000 W Weather
D Pre [mm] M discharge (daily mean) [m3 /s]– Lake Level (daily mean) [m]
RiverMurta
River
Bahı́a Murta 46 27 S Temp [−
1993 2007
◦ C] M (50 km length) 1985 − 2006
72o 400 W D
Evap [mm] M
Pre [mm] River Murta -
Chile Chico 46◦ 320 S Temp [o C] M
1993–2004 1995–2004 (50 km length) 2000–2006
71◦ 440 W DEvap [mm]
Pre [mm] River Jeinimeni (40 km length)
Chile Chico 46o 320 S M1993
Temp− [2004
◦ C] 1995–2006 1995 − 2004 2000 − 2006
71o 440 W MDEvap
Pre [mm]
mm] River
River Jeinimeni
El Baño (18 km(40 km length)
length)
Puerto Ibáñez 46◦ 180 S M Temp [o C]
1993–2007 1985–2006 1995 − 2006
71◦ 560 W DMPre
Evap
[mm] mm] RiverRiver El (88
Ibáñez Baño
km(18 km length) –
length)
◦ C]
Puerto Ibáñez 46o 180 S M1993
Temp− [2007 1985 − 2006
71o 560 W MDEvap [mm]
Pre [mm] River Ibáñez (88 km length) -
Perito Moreno 46◦ 310 S M Temp [o C]
1971–2008
71◦ 000 W M
M Pre
Evap[mm]
[mm] – –
PuertoMoreno
Perito Guadal 46 46oo31
5000 SS 1993–2007
1971 − 2008 2003–2006
◦ 4300 W
72o 00 W MMPre
71 Pre[mm]
[mm] – - -
Lago Bertrand 47o◦ 0400 S 2003–2006
Puerto Guadal 46 ◦500 S 1993 − 2007 2003 − 2006
72 47 W – River Baker (370 km length) –
72o 430 W M Pre [mm] -
Lago Bertrand 47o 040 S 2003 − 2006
72o 470 W - River Baker (370 km length) -
Table 2. Accumulated water per year Table 3. Historic water balance for basin river Baker (1951 to 1980:
Water Balance, DGA-1987)
Table 2. Accumulated
Variable water perAccumulated
year [km3 ] Table 3. Historic water balance (1951 to 1980: Water Balance,
Variables
DGA-1987) Value [mm/year]
Precipitation 3.10 (1478 [mm/yr])3
Variable
Evaporation Accumulated
0.66 [km ]
(534.7 [mm/yr]) Precipitation 1759
Precipitation
Rivers inflow 3.10
9.64 (1478 [mm/yr]) Total Runoff Variables Value [mm/year]
1336
Evaporation
Rivers outflow 0.66
18.99(534.7 [mm/yr]) EvaporationPrecipitation
(lakes, open water) 1759
85.9
Rivers inflow 9.64 Total Runoff
Evapotranpiration 1336336
Rivers outflow 18.99 Evaporation (lakes, open water) 85.9
Evapotranpiration 336

3 Results

3.1observed
Seasonalin some
cyclesof the five in situ stations (Figure 2) along
the lake. Their diversity illustrates the extreme complexity
of microclimates
Precipitation: surrounding
an annual cycle the
of lake, as presented
precipitation, whosein the
introduction.
maxima coincided Forwith
example, measurements
the austral winter season of Bahı́a Murta
(June–
precipitation
September) presents the
is observed greatest
in some annual
of the five accumulation,
in situ stationswith
maxima
(Fig. in June
2) along the and
lake.October,
Their corresponding
diversity illustrateswith the
winter
ex- and
spring
treme precipitations
complexity and a well pronounced
of microclimates surrounding the minimum
lake, asdur-
ing February
presented in the (summer).
introduction.Although the other
For example, stations such
measurements
ofasBahı́a
Chile Chico,
Murta Puerto Ibáñez
precipitation presentsand
thePerito
greatest Moreno
annual present
ac-
lesser annual
cumulation, withaccumulated
maxima in June precipitations
and October, (bycorrespond-
half), it shows
ingimportant
with winter variance from April
and spring to October
precipitations and (mid
a well autumn
pro- to
Fig. 2. Monthly mean precipitation (accumulated mm/month) mid spring)
nounced minimum and during
less precipitation during summer.
February (summer). Although Finally
the
Fig. 2. Monthly mean precipitation (accumulated mm/month) Puerto Guadal presents its peak rainfall during autumn and
other stations such as Chile Chico, Puerto Ibáñez and Per-
for the different in-situ meteorological stations and the averaged
for the different in-situ meteorological stations and the averaged itoearly spring,
Moreno and lesser
present is lower in winter
annual and summer.
accumulated However
precipitations
monthly mean precipitation over the lake.
monthly mean precipitation over the lake. (byits contribution is the less important. As a result,
half), it shows important variance from April the accu-
to Octo-
ber (mid autumn
mulated monthlytomean mid spring)
rainfall and
overless
the precipitation
lake (Figure 2), dur-com-
ing summer. Finally Puerto Guadal presents its peak
puted following the method described in section 2, reaches its rainfall
3 Results
during
highestautumn
valuesand earlymid
during spring, and is
autumn to lower
winterin(April
wintertoandJune).
3.1 Seasonal cycles It shows also some variability during spring, and precipita-
www.adv-geosci.net/22/173/2009/ tion during summer (Figure Adv.2).Geosci., 22, 173–179, 2009
Precipitation: An annual cycle of precipitation, whose max- Temperature: The air surface temperature measurement over
ima coincided with the austral winter season (Jun-Sept) is the 3 stations (Table 1) presents a similar pattern: a marked
4 4176 G. Zambrano,
G. R. Abarca,
G. Zambrano,
Zambrano, R. J-F.J-F.
R.Abarca,
Abarca, Cretaux,
J-F. B.B.Reid:
Cretaux,
Cretaux, B.Reid:First
Reid: Insights
First
First on
ononLGC/BA/C
Insights
Insights and
LGC/BA/Cand
LGC/BA/C Water
andWater Balance
WaterBalance
Balance
G. Zambrano et al.: First insights on LGC/BA/C water balance

Fig.
Fig.4. In situ Lake Level associated variability. The upper panel
Fig.3.3.Monthly
Fig. Monthlymean
mean airtemperature
temperature forthe
the different in-situ
in-situ mete- Fig. 4.4. InInsitu
situLake
LakeLevel
Levelassociated
associated variability.The
variability. The upper
upper panel
panel
Fig. 3. Monthly
orological mean air
stations. air temperaturefor
for thedifferent
different in-situmete-
mete- Fig. 4.
shows
shows In situ
monthly
monthly Lake
meanLevel
mean lake associated
level.
lake The
level. variability.
lower
The lowerpanel
panel The
the upper
monthly
the monthly panel
mean
mean
Fig. 3. orological
Monthly mean air temperature for the different in-situ mete-
stations. shows monthly mean lake level. The lower panel the monthly mean
orological stations. lake
shows level
levelvariation.
lakemonthly mean lake level. The lower panel the monthly mean
variation.
orological stations. lake level variation.
lake level variation.
summer.
annual cycleHowever peaking its contribution is theminimum
less important. As a
annual
result, cycle
the peaking in
accumulated
summer
inmonthly
summermean and
and rainfall
minimum over
inin winter
the winter
lake
annual(Figure
cycle 3).
(Figure 3). Indeed
Indeedinthe
peaking the distribution
summer
distribution andof temperature
minimum
of temperature in highlights
winter
highlights
(Fig. 2), computed following the method described in Sect. 2,
(Figurealso
3).the
also the
reaches
complexity
Indeed
complexity
its highest
of
of microclimates
the distribution
valuesmicroclimates
during
of mid ininothe
temperature
autumn thezones;
zones;
to
high
highlights
winter high tem-
tem-
(April
peratures
also the in
inItChile Chico, reaching in 30 CC inin summer
30o ozones; and a
tocomplexity
peratures
winterJune). minima
of microclimates
Chile
shows
at
Chico,
alsoMoreno
Perito
reaching
some the
variability
(−10 o oC).
during high
summer
spring, tem- andanda
peratures
winterin Chile
minimaChico,
precipitation at Perito
during reaching
summer.Moreno30(−10 C inC). summer and a
Evaporation: The measured evaporationo over the
the33stations
winterEvaporation:
minima
Temperature:at The
Perito measured
Moreno
thelakeair coasts evaporation
(−10
surfacediffers C).
temperature over measurement stations
(Table
(Table 1)
1) along
along the
the lake coasts differs substantially
substantially ininam- am-
Evaporation: The
over theshowing measured
3 stations (Table evaporation
1)summer over
presents(January) the 3 stations
a similarevaporation
pattern: a
plitude,
plitude, showing aa 314
314 mm
mm summer (January) evaporation
(Tablein 1) along
marked the
annual lake
cycle coasts
peaking differs
Chile Chico and minimum evaporation in Bahı́a Murta in substantially
summer and in
minimum am- in
in showing
plitude, Chile Chico and minimum evaporation in Bahı́a Murta
ofwinter
1 mm(Fig. in awinter
314
3). mm
Indeed
(June). summer
the distribution
Evaporation (January) oftracks evaporation
temperature
with airhigh- sur-
of
in Chile 1 mm
Chico
lights in
alsoand winter
minimum
the complexity (June). Evaporation
evaporation
of microclimates tracks
in ain thewith
Bahı́a Murta
zones; airhighsur-
face temperature (figure not shown), i.e., marked annual
of 1 mmface temperature
inthatwinter (figure
(June). not
Evaporationshown), i.e.,
tracks ◦ a
Cwithmarked air annual
temperatures
cycle peaks in Chile
in summer Chico, andreaching
minima 30
in winter. in summerThesur- com-and
cycle
face temperature
a winter thatminima
peaks
(figureinatsummer
not
Perito and minima
shown),
Moreno i.e.,
(−10 a
◦in winter.annual
marked
C). The com-
puted global lake evaporation using the same method as for Fig. 5.
Fig. 5. Monthly
Monthly mean
mean river
river discharges
discharges and
and total
total fluvial
fluvial inputs
inputsinto
into
puted
cycle that peaksglobal
Evaporation: in lake
summertheevaporation
and minima
measured usingin
evaporation thewinter.
same
overlake method
The 3com-
the(Thiessen as for
stations Fig. General
Lake 5. Monthly mean river discharges
Carrera/Buenos and total fluvial inputs into
Aires/Chelenko.
computing global precipitation input over the Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko.
computing
(Table lake 1)see global
along precipitation
the lake coastsan input
differs over the lake
substantially (Thiessen Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko.
puted method,
global evaporation
section using
2), gives the same
annual method
accumulation as inforam- of Fig. 5. Monthly mean river discharges and total fluvial inputs into
method,
plitude, see
showing section a 3142),mm gives 3 an annual
summer (January) accumulation
evaporation of
computing
aboutglobal534.7 mm/yr precipitation (0.66 km input ). over
The the lake
historical (Thiessen
(1951-1980) Lake General Carrera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko.
about 534.7 mm/yr (0.66 km3 ).evaporation
The historical (1951-1980) ter measurements (correlation
method, in
annualChile
see accumulatedChico and minimum
section 2), evapotranspiration
gives an annual over in Bahı́a
the entire Baker
accumulation Murta
of side of the Lake (i.e., from 71ino 43 Sect.
0 2.1). The
0W to 72 47
o 0 lake level
W, corre-
annual accumulated evapotranspiration over thewithentire airBaker side ofa maximum
the Lake (i.e., from 71o 43 to 72o 47in0 W,
Wminimum corre-
of 1 mm
Basin
about 534.7 as
mm/yr
in winter
reported (0.66by (June).
(Lobos 3 Evaporation
km ). The et al. (1987a)) tracksis 336 mm/yr, sur- spondingly to 970 square kilometers), we assumedwinter,
shows during summer and over a
Basin
face as reported
temperature by (Lobos
(figure not al.historical
etshown), (1987a))
i.e., a
(1951-1980)
is 336 mm/yr,
marked annual spondingly 2.2
respectively to and
970 1.2 square
m, kilometers),
i.e., an annual we
range assumed
of about 1over
m, a
annualwhile the reported
accumulated
while the
historical evaporation
evapotranspiration over the forentire
open Baker water is meter
side of thea constant
Lakewith surface
(i.e., fromover71 depth,
o
430 i.e. the72
Wi.e.to surface
o
47 0 covered
W,covered
corre-
cycle85.9
about thatreported
peaks
mm/yr historical
in summer
(Table and
3). evaporation
minima
This gives for
ininsight
winter. openon The water
the factis
com- meter
correspondinga constant
at the superficies surface
a maximum over depth,
volume the
change surface
through the
Basin about
as reported
puted 85.9
global bylake
mm/yr (Lobos (Table et al.
evaporation 3). (1987a))
This
using gives
the isinsight
same 336methodmm/yr,
on the as fact
for spondingly
at the
year of superficies
about 970iskm
to 1.85 is
equivalent
square
equivalent
to the one we
kilometers),
3 . Indeed
tothe
volume therivers
one
at a assumed
at
variation
1 meters depth.
a shown
1 depends
meters over
on a
depth.
while that
the
that
the
reported
the
computing
measurement
measurementhistorical
global
stations
stations
precipitation
along the
evaporationalong
input forlake
the
over open
lake
the
arewater
are
lake
measuring
measuring
(Thiessen is Rivers:
meter a
Rivers:
bathymetry.
Variations
constant
Variationssurface
However,
in the
in the
flow
over
since flow
of
depth,
theofonly i.e.
theoriginatesthe
rivers
are
reported surface
are in
shown
in Fig-
covered
bathymetry in Fig-
about evapotranspiration
85.9 mm/yr
evapotranspiration
method, (Table rather than open water evaporation. Re-
3). than
rather This giveswater
open insight on theoffact
evaporation. Re- at ure
the
ure
5. Ibáñez
(Murdiesuperficies
5. Ibáñez
and Murta
et al., and is equivalent
1999) Murta
rivers,
covers oto
rivers,
only
that
the
0 that
the one o at 0a 1 meters
originates
Chilean in
side
the highs
ofdepth.
the highs
the
gardless ofseethe Sect.
method 2), gives an annual
of estimation, accumulation
the annual waterabout vol- of the Andes in Huemules (45 56 S, 72 52 W) and Erasmo
that the measurement
gardless
534.7 of
mm/yr the (0.66 stations
method km 3
of
). along
estimation,
The the lake
historical the are
annual
(1951–1980) measuring
water annual vol- Rivers:
of
Lake Variations
othe(i.e.,
0Andes from in◦ 43
oin Huemules
71 the0 W flow (45
to ofo 56
72 ◦the
470 0S,rivers o are 0 shown in Fig-
W,72correspondingly
52 W) and Erasmo
to
ume loss by evaporation is not meaningful when compared (46 o08 0S, 73 03 W) snowdrifts respectively and then flow
evapotranspiration
ume lossoutflowing rather
by evaporation than open water evaporation. Re- ure9705. square
Ibáñez ando Murtawe rivers, that originates in the highs
water is bynot
the meaningful when compared (46 08 S, 73 03 W) snowdrifts respectively
accumulated evapotranspiration over the entire Baker kilometers), assumed over a meterand then
a constant flow
with the Baker river (see table 2Basin
and eastward through the mountains o down 0 covered toothe0 lake in a course
gardless
with
as of the
the
reported
figure 7) method
outflowing
by of
Lobos estimation,
water et byal.the the
Baker
(1987a) annual
river
is 336 water
(see
mm/yr,table vol- 2 and
while ofofthe
surfaceAndes
eastward
about
over in Huemules
depth,
through the the(45
i.e. mountainssurface56
88 oand 50 km approximately (Figure 6). The two S,
down 72 to52 at W)
the the
lakeand in Erasmo
superficies
a course
o equivalent
isof 0 to the one at aapproximately
1 m depth.
ume loss theby
figure
Lake 7)evaporation
reported
level: All these is
historicalnot meaningful
evaporation
water inputs
for open
and outputs whengive compared
water is about
rise to the (46others
08aboutS,
rivers 73 03
88 (Jenimeni
and W)50 snowdrifts
km and El Baño) respectively (Figure
originates and6).thenTheflow
respectively two
Lake
with the 85.9
lake level:variability,
outflowing
mm/yr
level Allwater
these by
(Table water
3).
or the
This inputs
Baker
gives
change inandriver
insight
lake outputs
(see
on
storage
the give
table
fact rise
2that
(Figure and tothethe
4). others
eastward
over
Rivers: rivers
south(Jenimeni
thethrough
variationsthe mountains
eastern
in andofElthe
the
side
flow Baño)
down
of
lake.to
the originates
the lake
rivers
Rio
are respectively
Jenimeniin a course
shown in
orig-
measurement
lake levellevel stations
variability, along
or change the lake are
in lakeacross measuring
storage (Figure evapo- 4). over5.the
Fig.
figure The
7) lake shows strong correlation both sides of ofinates
about in88asouthand 50eastern
mountainous side
lake of
km approximately with thethe lake. Rio
(Figure
same nameJenimeni
6).(ElThe orig-
two
Jeini-
transpiration
The lake theserather
level waterthan
shows opencorrelation
water evaporation. Regardless
Lake level:
the lake All(correlation instrong
inputs
section and 2.1), and across
outputs give rise
agrees both
withtosides theal-of
the inates
others
meni is in
Ibáñez
rivers a (Jenimeni
and
located mountainous
Murta
at 46orivers, and
51 0 lake
S-El◦that
72 with
Baño)
00’W), the
o originates same
originates
while in name
the (ElBaño
highs
respectively
Rio El Jeini-
of
o (45 0 o560 S, ◦ 520 W) and Erasmo
of lake
the
lake level the method
timeter (correlation
variability,
measurements
of estimation,
or change inthe
in(correlation
section lake annual
2.1), and
in storage
section
water volume
agrees with
(Figure
2.1). Thethe 4). loss
lake al- over meni
the Andes
the
originates issouth
located
in eastern
around at
4646
Huemules 3751
o side
S-72 of 72o 00’W),
S- 03’W.
the 72
lake. Both Riowhile
rivers Rio El
Jenimeni
flow Baño
orig-
north-
by evaporation is not meaningful when compared with the ◦ 080 S, 73◦ 03 W) snowdrifts o o respectively and then flow
timeter
The lake
levellevelshowsmeasurements
shows (correlation
strong correlation
a maximum during summer in section
acrossand 2.1).
bothminimum The
sides of in lake originates
(46
inates
wardinthrough around
a mountainous 46
the mountains 37 S-72
lake down 03’W.
with the to the Both
same rivers
lakename flow north-
(El Jeini-
in a course of
outflowing
level shows water
a maximum by the Baker during river (see Table
summer 2minimum
and Fig. 7).in eastward through the mountains odowntotothe thelakelakein in a course of
winter,
the lake respectively
(correlation 2.2 and
in section 1.2 m,
2.1), and i.e.,
agrees an andannual
with therange al- of ward
about
meni is 40through
and
located the
18at km46 mountains
oapproximately.
510 S- 72 down 00’W), while Rioa course
El Baño
Lake
winter, level:
1 respectively all these 2.2 water
and inputs
1.2 a m, and outputs
i.e., an annual giverange rise to of ofabout
about 88and
40around and 1850 km km approximately
o approximately.
rivero 03’W. (Fig. 6). an The two oth-
timeterabout
measurements
the lake
m,
level
corresponding
(correlation
variability, orwith
with in
change
maximum
section 2.1).
in lake storage
volume The change
lake
(Fig. 4).
Both
originates
ers
Ibáñez
rivers
and
(Jenimeni
46Murta
and
37 El S-72
Baño)
flows shows
originates
Both respectively
rivers annual
flow cycle
north-
over
about
throughathe
level shows 1 m, corresponding
year of about
maximum during 1.85summer a 3maximum
km . Indeed and volume
volume
minimum change
variationin of Both
with
ward Ibáñezthe
maxima
through and
during Murta
mountains summer river flows
(January)
down to shows
the andlake aninannual
minima a during
course cycle
of
The lake
through the level shows strong correlation
km3 . since across both variation
sides the south eastern side of the lake. River Jenimeni originates
winter,depends
respectively on year of about
bathymetry.
2.2 and 1.21.85
However,
m, i.e., Indeed
an annualvolume
the only
range reportedof with
winter
about 40 maxima
(July).
and 18 during
This
km summer (January)
annual cycle is less prominent in river
approximately. and minima during
the lake on
depends (correlation
bathymetry. in Sect. 2.1), andsince agrees with thereported
altime- inwinter
a mountainous lakeannualwith the sameisname (El Jeinimeni is
about bathymetry
1 m, corresponding (Murdie al.However,
etwith (1999))
a maximum coversvolume the
only only
the Chilean
change Murta.
Both Ibáñez
(July).
Both This
present
and Murta additional cycle
river flows peaks less
in
shows Marchprominent
an and
annual
in river
August.
cycle
bathymetry (Murdie et al. (1999)) covers only the Chilean Murta. Both present additional peaks in March and August.
through the year of about 1.85 km3 . Indeed volume variation with maxima during summer (January) and minima during
Adv. Geosci., 22, 173–179, 2009 www.adv-geosci.net/22/173/2009/
depends on bathymetry. However, since the only reported winter (July). This annual cycle is less prominent in river
bathymetry (Murdie et al. (1999)) covers only the Chilean Murta. Both present additional peaks in March and August.
G. Zambrano, R. Abarca, J-F. Cretaux, B. Reid: First Insights on LGC/BA/C and Water Balance 5

G. Zambrano,
G. Zambrano, R.al.:
Zambrano R.
et Abarca,
Abarca, J-F.Cretaux,
FirstJ-F. Cretaux,
insights B.B. Reid:
Reid:
on LGC/BA/C First
First Insights
Insights
water on on
balance LGC/BA/C
LGC/BA/C andand Water
Water Balance
Balance 5 1775

Fig. Fig.
6. 6.Main rivers
Main within
rivers thethe
within basin
basinof ofLake
LakeGeneral
GeneralCar-
Car-
Fig. 6. Aires/Chelenko.
rera/Buenos Main rivers within the basin of Lake General Car-
Fig. 6. Main
rera/Buenos rivers within
Aires/Chelenko.
rera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko. the basin of Lake General Car-
rera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko.
Fig. 7. Mean monthly water balance. (A) Inflows from rivers (-
Fig. 7. Mean monthly water balance. (A) Inflows from rivers (-
TheThe highest
located
highest atpeak46 ◦ 51
peak in0inJanuary
S–72 ◦ 000 is
January isdue
W), due to
whileto summer
River Elsnow
summer snow
Baño melt-
origi-
melt- ×-)
×-)
Fig.and
Fig. 7. precipitation
7. Mean (-∗-),(-∗-),
Meanmonthly
monthly
and precipitation
water outputs
waterbalance.
outputs balance.from
(A) evaporation
(A)Inflows
from evaporationInflowsfrom(-M-)
(-M-) from and
rivers
and Rio Rio
(-×-
rivers (-
ing ing
overover
The
nates the
highest
around Andes, and agrees with results
the Andes, and agrees with results by López et melt-
peak
46 ◦ 37in January
S-72 ◦ 030 W. is due
Both to summer
rivers by López
flow snow et
northwardal.al. Baker
×-) (—).
) andand (B) Total
precipitation
precipitation inflows
(-∗-),
(-∗-), (-¤-)
outputs
outputsfromand
from outflows
evaporation (-◦-).
evaporation
Baker (—). (B) Total inflows (-¤-) and outflows (-◦-).
(-M-) and
(-M-) andRiver
Rio
Baker (—).
Baker (—). (B)
(B) Total
Total inflows
inflows (--)
(-¤-) and
and outflows
outflows (-◦-).
(-◦-).
(2008) whom investigated the snowmelt seasonal cycle, par- al.
ing
(2008) over
whom
through the
the Andes,
investigated
mountains and downagrees
the snowmelt
to with
the lakeresults
seasonal
in a by
courseLópez
cycle, of et
par-
about
(2008)
ticularly
40 andover
ticularly whom
18 km
over investigated
thethe Northern
NorthernIcefield.
approximately. the snowmelt
Icefield. Noteseasonal
Note that the
that thecycle,
airtem-
air par-
tem-
ticularly
perature
perature
Both alsoalso over
peaks
Ibáñez the
peaksand Northern
ininearlyearlyautumn
Murta Icefield.
autumn(March)
river Note
(March) and
flows shows that
andearly
an the air
earlyspring
annual tem-
spring
cycle
perature
(September
(September
with maxima also
andand peaks
October)
during in summer
October) early(see
(see autumn
Figure
Figure
(January)(March)
3), that
3), that and
andalso
also
minimaearly
coincides spring
coincides
during
(September
with
winter the river
(July). and flowOctober)
This rates,
annual (see
and
with the river flow rates, and can also be associated with Figure
can
cycle also
is 3),
less be that also
associated
prominent coincides
with
in river
with
snow
Murta. the
melting.
Bothriver flow
In
present rates,
addition, and
satellite
additional
snow melting. In addition, satellite precipitation fields (res- can also
precipitation
peaks in be
March associated
fields
and with
(res-
August.
olution
snow
The 25
melting.
highest km, peak Kubota
In addition,
in et
January al.
olution 25 km, Kubota et al. (2007)) over the mountains is (2007))
satellite
due to over
precipitation
summer the mountains
snow fields (res-
melting
where
olution
over thethe 25 rivers
Andes, km, originate
Kubota
and agrees shows
et al. peaks
with peaks
(2007))
results in March
over and
the August
etmountains
where the rivers originate shows inby López
March and al. (2008)
August
(not
where
whom shown).
the
investigatedTherefore,
rivers originate
the rainfall
shows
snowmelt also playsina March
peaks
seasonal role,
cycle, though
and it is
August
particularly
(notnot
shown). Therefore, rainfall also plays a role, though it is
overthe
(not themost
shown). important
Northern Therefore, contribution.
Icefield. rainfall
Notealso that plays
the aira temperature
role, though also it is
not Jeinimeni
the most important andimportant
El Baño contribution.
rivers peak between October and
not
peakstheinmost early autumn contribution.
(March) and early spring (September
Jeinimeni
November andand Elare Baño rivers peakover between
the restOctober and
Jeinimeni
and October) and(see El almost
Baño uniform
Fig. 3),rivers that also peakcoincides
between of thethe
October
with year. and
river
November
Although andthe are
pluvialalmostregime uniform
could over
be the the
source restofof mainthevari-year.
November
flow rates, and can are almost
also be uniform
associated over withthesnow rest of the year.
melting. In
Although
ability,
Although
addition,
the pluvial
thesatellite
timing
the pluvial regime
of the
regime
precipitation
could
water flow
could bebe
fieldsinthe source
spring
the ofof
suggests
source
(resolution
main
25main that
km,
vari-
it
vari-
Kub-
ability,
could theal.,
ability,
ota et alsotiming
the be fed
timing
2007) of the
partly
of the
over water
by
water flow
spring
mountains flowin spring
nival
in
where regimes
springthe suggests that
following
suggests
rivers thatitit
originate
winter
could also accumulation.
be fed partly by spring nival regimes following Fig. 8. Total water balance. Difference between total inflow and
could
showsalso peaks beinfed partlyand
March byAugust
spring (not nivalshown).
regimes Therefore,following Fig. 8. Total water balance. Difference between total inflow
Finally,
winter being the only outflow from the lake, Rio Baker ex-
accumulation. total outflow
Fig. (−¤−),
8.8. Total lake
water volume variation
balance. (−◦−)
Difference and DV
between /DT
total − and
inflow and
winter
rainfall accumulation.
also plays a role, though it is not the most important (INFig.
total
− OU TTotal
outflow water
(--),
) = ∆? balance. Difference
lake volume
(—). between
variation total
(-◦-) and inflow and
DV/DT-(IN-
its from
Finally, being Lago theBertrand
only (fed directly
outflow from theby lake,
Lago General Car-
Finally,
contribution. being the only outflow from the lake,Rio RioBaker Bakerex- ex- total
totaloutflow
outflow
OUT)=1?
(−¤−),
(−¤−), lake volume variation (−◦−) and DV /DT −−
(—).
lake volume variation (−◦−) and DV /DT
rera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko) presenting its annual peak in (IN
its from
its fromLago
Jeinimeni Lago Bertrand
andBertrand
El (fed
Baño (feddirectly
riversdirectly
peakbyby Lago
Lago
between General
General
October Car-
Car-
and (IN − OU T)) =
− OU T = ∆?
∆? (—).
(—).
late summer early autumn (January to March) and minimum
rera/Buenos
rera/Buenos
November Aires/Chelenko)
Aires/Chelenko) presenting
presenting itsitsannual
annual of peakpeak inin
in Septemberand (earlyare spring),
almost similar
uniform toover the
the annual restcycle the
of year.
the error.
lateGeneral
summer
late summer
Although early
the earlyautumn
pluvial autumn (January
regime (January
could
Carrera lake level (see Figure 4 and below). to
be March)
to March)
the source and andofminimum
minimum
main vari- QSS are outputs of surface water, groundwater is G (incom-
The accumulated annual water volume input by rainfall di-
in September
in September
ability, the(early (early
timing spring),
ofspring), similar
the water similar
flowto tothe
in the annual
annual
spring cycle
cycleofthat
suggests ofthetheit ing and outgoing) and  is the3 error. We will assume first,
error.
error.
rectly into the lake is about 3.1 km (1478 mm/yr, see sec-
General
couldCarrera
General
3.2 Water
alsoCarrerabe lake
Balance
fed level
lake level
partly (see
by(seeFigureFigure
spring 4 and
4 and
nival below).
below).
regimes following to compute
The
tion The accumulated
2 and
a first guess of
Table 2), annual
accumulated while that
the water
water
water volume
volume
attributed
balance,
input
toinput
river by
aby small
flows rainfallerror,
is di-di-
rainfall
winter accumulation. i.e.
rectlynegligible
into when
the. lake
lake compared
is about to the 33magnitude of other vari-
rectly
about 9.64into km the3
Therefore about the3.1
3.1 km
km (1478
contribution (1478 bymm/yr,
mm/yr,
rainfall di- seeseesec-
sec-
3.2 The water
3.2Water Water
Finally, balance
Balance
Balance
being isthegivenonlyby outflow
the expression from (Custodio
the lake, and River ables.
tion
tion
rectly
However,
22 and
into and Tableisit2),
the Table
lake
is clear
onewhile
while forthat
third that
us of
that (see the discussion
attributed
attributed
river inflows totoriver
river
(Table
section)
flows
flowsisis
Llamas (1983)): that
Baker exits from Lago Bertrand (fed directly by acronyms i.e., there
about
2),about not9.64
9.64 is km
a significant
negligible.
km 33 Therefore
Instead
. Therefore amount
theof
the
evaporation unmonitored
contributionwhen compared
contribution byby catchments,
rainfall
rainfalldi-di-
TheThewater
DV water
LGC/BA/C) balancebalance
presenting is given
is given its by
thethe
byannual expression
expression
peak in late (Custodio
(Custodio
summer early and
and and the
rectlybaker larger
intooutflows the
the lake area
lake(Table of
is one the ungaged basins, thethatlarger the
Llamas = P +
(1983)): Q − (E + Q ) ± G ± ² to rectly
river into the is one2),third that
that of
is negligible
third ofriver
(given
river inflows
inflows al-(Table
(Table
Llamas
DT (1983)):
autumn | (January SE
{z } to| March) SS
{z }and minimum |{z} in|{z} September error.
2), i.e.,
i.e., not
not negligible.
negligible. Instead
Groundwater error
ready
2), evapotranspiration Instead evaporation
is negligible), and therefore
evaporation when
when compared
outgo-
compared
DV DV
(early spring), IN similar to OU theT annual cycle of the General Car- ingtoto The
riverisaccumulated
water mostly
baker driven
outflows annual
by flow
(Table water
in
2), volume
Rio
isis Baker.
negligibleinput by is rainfall
This(given sum- that di-
=P =+P Q +SE QSE − − (E
(E + 4Q+SS QSS ±}) ± |{z}
)variation G G
|{z} ±±|{z} ²is² pre-
|{z}
river
rectly
baker
into the
outflows
lake is
(Table
about 3.1
2),
km
negligible
3 (1478 mm/yr, see Sect. (given thatal-2
al-
DT DT
rera
Where lakeDV | level
| {z } | {z } /DT{z }
(see
is the |
Fig. volume {z
and below). of the lake, P marized
ready in Figure 7,
evapotranspiration where theis average
negligible),evaporation
and over
therefore the outgo-
Groundwater error error ready
and evapotranspiration
Table 2), while that isby negligible),
attributed and therefore
to river flows outgo-
isisabout
cipitation,INQIN SE are inputs OU T of Tsurface
OU water,
GroundwaterE is evaporation, lakeing does
waternot ischange
mostly thedriven
pattern offlow
the outgoing
in Rio water,
Baker. while
This sum-
3.2 Water balance ing
9.64 water
km in3 is mostly
. precipitation
Therefore driven
the by flow
contribution in Rio
byof Baker.
rainfall This
directly is sum-
into
Q
Where areDVoutputs
/DT of surface
is the volumewater, groundwater
variation islake,
G (incom- themarized
averaged does change that the incoming
ofof thelake, PPisfirst,
ispre-
pre- Figure 7, where the average evaporation over the
SS
Whereing DV
and /DT
outgoing)is the andvolume
² is thevariation
error. We the
will assume marized
waterthefluxes.
lake in Figure 7, where the average evaporation over the
cipitation, Q SE are inputs of surface water, E is evaporation, lake doesisnot onechange
third that of riverofinflows
the pattern the outgoing (Tablewater, 2), i.e., not
while
cipitation,
The
to QSEbalance
water
compute a are
firstinputs
guess of
of surface
is given the the water,
bywater E isa (Custodio
expression
balance, evaporation,
small error,and lake
Thethe does
comparison
negligible. not change
of
Instead the
the evaporation pattern
outgoingdoes water of
when the
(18.99 outgoing
compared 3
kmof) the withwater,
to riverre-bakerwhile
Q SS are 1983):
outputs of surface water, groundwater is G (incom- averaged precipitation change that incoming
QSSi.e.are
Llamas, outputs of surface water, groundwater is G (incom- the averaged precipitation does change that of the incoming
ing negligible
and outgoing) when and compared
² is theto the magnitude
error. We will of assume
other vari-first, gards to
outflows the
water fluxes. 3total
(Table (rivers
2), +
is precipitation
negligible into
(given lake)
that incoming
already evapo-
ing ables.
and
DV outgoing)
However, and
it is ² is for
clear the userror.
(see Wediscussion
the will assume first,
section) water
water fluxes.
(10.74
transpiration km )
is shows that
negligible), 43% and of the total
therefore incoming
outgoing 3 wa-
water is
to compute
= Pais+ a first guess of the water balance, a small error, The comparison of the outgoing water (18.99 km )3 with re-
to compute
that there a{zQ
| first
−(E of
guess
significant
SE QSS )water
+amount
{zthe
G
±of unmonitored
balance, acatchments,
± |{z} small error, terThe comparison
is unaccounted
mostly driven by of
for.flow the
Theinoutgoing
seasonal
River water
cycle
Baker. of(18.99
This km
theis difference
summarized ) with re-
in
i.e.
DTnegligible when
} |compared } to the|{z}
magnitude of other vari- gards to the total (rivers + precipitation into lake) incoming
and
i.e. ables.the
negligible larger the area
whenitcompared of the ungaged
to us
the(see basins,
magnitude the larger
of other the
vari- between
gards
Fig. 7,tolake volume
the total variability
the3(rivers (DV /DT ) and all water into
) shows+that precipitation overinto thelake) incoming
IN OUT Groundwater error where average evaporation lake does not
However, is clear for the discussion section) water (10.74 km 3
43% of the total incoming wa-
ables.
that
WhereHowever,
there it is
is the
clear
is a significant
DV/DT for usvariation
amount
volume (see the of
discussion
of unmonitored
the lake, section)
catchments,
P is pre- water
change (10.74
the km
pattern ) shows
of the that
outgoing 43%
ter is unaccounted for. The seasonal cycle of the difference of
water,the total
while incoming
the averaged wa-
thatand
there is a significant amount of unmonitored
the largerSEthe area of the ungaged basins, the larger the
cipitation, Q are inputs of surface water, E iscatchments,
evaporation, ter is unaccounted
precipitation does for.
change The that seasonal
of the
between lake volume variability (DV /DT ) and all water into cycle
incoming of the
water difference
fluxes.
and the larger the area of the ungaged basins, the larger the between lake volume variability (DV /DT ) and all water into
www.adv-geosci.net/22/173/2009/ Adv. Geosci., 22, 173–179, 2009
178 G. Zambrano et al.: First insights on LGC/BA/C water balance

The comparison of the outgoing water (18.99 km3 ) with As a constraint on the water balance, we can calculate po-
regards to the total (rivers + precipitation into lake) incom- tential inputs based solely on precipitation. The entire Baker
ing water (10.74 km3 ) shows that 43% of the total incoming basin covers 26 726 square kilometres (page 22, Lobos et al.,
water is unaccounted for. The seasonal cycle of the differ- 1987a) and about half may be associated to Lake Carrera
ence between lake volume variability (DV/DT) and all wa- basin (approximately 13000 squared kilometres). As an av-
ter into the lake (Fig. 4), shows that the missing water does erage estimate, we used the historically derived precipitation
present a cycle with a maximum in January through March (Table 3, Lobos et al., 1987a) from the whole Baker basin,
and minima in August (Fig. 8). i.e., 1750 mm/yr. By subtracting the average historically de-
rived evapotranspiration 336 mm/yr, we obtain the incoming
runoff into the lake (assuming all water is transported instan-
4 Discussion and conclusions taneously) which is 1423 mm/yr. When computed over the
Carrera Basin, it gives a volume of about 18.49 km3 , which
We investigated the seasonal water balance of the west-east
is indeed comparable to the outflowing water reported for
oriented 200 km long Lake Carrera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko.
River Baker (18.99 km3 ). Note that by their computed runoff
In situ, historical, and satellite data allowed us to character-
(which takes into account also lake evaporation; Table 3) it
ize the main contributors to the lake and understand the lake
results in an amount of water of 17.40 km3 . Of course both
level variability. Precipitation, through melting snow and
precipitation and evapotranspiration varies along the basin,
rainfall into the basin, associated with four climatic zones
and most probably underestimated in the case of precipita-
with large differences in the precipitation patterns and which
tion, especially given that precipitation over the North Ice-
are crossed by the lake (Fig. 1) has a major impact in the wa-
field could exceed 6000 mm/yr. The same may be true for
ter balance of the lake. The summer nival flow river regimes,
evapotranspiration. However, this gives us insights on the
arising from the western side Andean region, play a prepon-
fact that there’s an amount of water incoming into the basin
derant role into the river inflow into the lake, accompanied
that is effectively unaccounted by the actual river inflows
by a winter-spring probably pluvial-nival regime associated
(close to half) into the lake.
with the southern region of the lake. This gives insights into
Indeed this is only a first approximation of the total water
the seasonal cycle of the lake level variability.
balance. A correct analysis will first require de visu all the
It is interesting to note that the seasonal cycle of the miss-
possible rivers and streams coming into the lake, and then at-
ing water presents a maxima in summer that agrees with sum-
tempt to gauge them or estimate their contribution. Ground-
mer melted water, for example an influx regime similar to
water may be a major contribution of mass flux of water to
River Ibáñez. However, we note that the missing water also
some lakes, for example shallow isolated lakes in glacial out-
has a seasonal pattern with water inflows during winter and
wash plains (Magnusen et al., 2006). A rough estimate based
spring seasons, which indicates that some water must also
on regional scale geologic mapping indicates that unconsoli-
arise with a seasonal flow regime similar River Jenimeni or
dated deposits, mostly fluvial, represent somewhere between
River El Baño, which follow a southern lake nival-pluvial
5 and 10 per cent of the lake shore interface. There are
regime.
also considerable areas of volcanic rocks, including basalts,
As a result the missing water must arise from the en-
which are generally highly transmissive (Fetter, 2001). Anal-
tire lake basin from both nival and pluvial regimes. This
ysis over the broader lake reveals that although the regional
is in fact not surprising: a geographic investigation using
rock geology, as reported by plate 5 of Chilean Hydrogeo-
a high-resolution regional map (Lobos et al., 1987a) shows
logical Map (Lobos et al., 1987b) (excluding the along river
that there are many rivers incoming into the lake, known
path, considered as highly permeable) favours surface flows,
or unknown (at least to our knowledge), which are still un-
groundwater flow present a great potential. Thus groundwa-
gaged. For example, over the west and directly related with
ter inputs may therefore be significant in this lake. However
a glacier connected with North Icefield is river Soler which
given the extreme depth and volume of the lake, lack of di-
is a tributary to the lake Bertrand in the south western side
rect estimates of groundwater inputs, the perils of estimating
of Lake LGC/BA/C at 46◦ 580 S–72◦ 520 W. Between Puerto
groundwater as the residual in mass-balance estimates (Win-
Ibáñez and Bahı́a Murta, there’s also an ungaged river, the
ter, 1981) and the large uncertainty in ungauged river inputs,
river Avellanos (46◦ 300 S, 72◦ 100 W). Over the southern side,
we conservatively propose that groundwater inputs are prob-
close to Chile Chico, there’s at least three ungaged rivers that
ably less than 10% of the overall water budget.
input into the lake at 46◦ 330 S–72◦ 140 W, 46◦ 430 S-72◦ 310 W
Finally, in parallel, a computer hydrological model of the
and 46◦ 460 S–72◦ 360 W. Clearly, there is a lot of surface wa-
basin could be another useful approach. For example, anal-
ter incoming into the lake. Other inputs are also possible,
ysis such as the one reported by Pellicciotti et al. (2008)
such as groundwater, which is currently unreported.
allowed them to estimate the amount of snow melted wa-
ter over the highs of the Juncal Norte Glacier (32◦ 980 S,
70◦ 110 W) located in the upper Aconcagua River Basin, in
the semi-arid Andes of central Chile. This same approach

Adv. Geosci., 22, 173–179, 2009 www.adv-geosci.net/22/173/2009/

G. Zambrano et al.: First insights on LGC/BA/C water balance
could give us an estimate of the amount of snow melted wa-
ter compared to rainfall.
Although incomplete, due to the substantial lack of infor-
mation on incoming water, the investigation of Lake Car-
rera/Buenos Aires/Chelenko water budget resulted in impor-
tant information on the source of its variability. Given the
large volume of water in its hydrological basin, the depen-
dence of the River Baker basin on its variability, and finally
its dependence on the summer snow melting over the Andes,
the lake appears to be an important proxy for understanding
the local hydroclimate variability as well as for monitoring
future impact of climate changes over the whole basin. No
doubt reconstruction of past lake level variability could also
be useful for understanding the influence of remote climates
on the Andean snow accumulation and hydrologic cycle and
help us in determining the impact of future climates in the
whole Baker hydrological basin.
Acknowledgements. We are highly indebted to Directorate General
Water (DGA, Chile) of Coyhaique in the Aysen Region for the
in situ data and support. Particularly to Mr. Juan Salas and
Mr. Francisco Guzmán whom both sent us the required information
and delivered us important insights on the lake basin variability.
Mrs. G. M. Zambrano is funded by national CONICYT 21080378
grant (CONICYT Ph.D doctorate scolarship 21080378). This work
was part of the ECOS C04U02 (Chile (DGEO)-France (LEGOS))
project Continental hydrology from a combination of altimetry,
gravimetry and in-situ data. Application to the Andean Region.
Edited by: R. Garraud
Reviewed by: one anonymous referee
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