A province with several climates: What knowledge of hydrology can be useful? A literature review

Abstract

This article explores the hydrological state of the art that could be useful for a climate-diverse region, such as Manabi province in Ecuador. The province, with an area of 18,940 km2, has a variety of tropical and dry climates. First, a review of the climatic conditions of the study area is carried out, since different sources disagree to some extent regarding climate types; then, a critical assessment of the relevant hydrologic literature is carried out. Here it is found that the literature best-suited for the conditions of Manabi includes literature for semi-arid, savannah and humid tropical hydrology. Several research gaps are found, but also a significant body of knowledge that could serve as a base for future studies. It should be noted that much of the available literature was obtained with vegetation and soil conditions that might differ from those of Manabi. Therefore, it is essential that findings from abroad are contrasted with results obtained in Manabi. Understanding of the hydrological functioning of the study area could contribute to the hydrologic literature for semi-arid, savannah and humid tropic climates.