Abstract ID: 3.13128 | Accepted as Poster | Poster | TBA | TBA

The headwaters of the tropical Andes are covered by the paramo ecosystem, which is recognized as a reliable water source for Andean communities. Despite its importance, little was known about precipitation inputs into this ecosystem. Fifteen years ago, we established the Zhurucay Ecohydrological Observatory at 3,700 meters above sea level in southern Ecuador to enhance our understanding of the processes that support hydrological services, including water regulation and the factors influencing water quality. In addition to standard meteorological stations, Zhurucay is equipped with a laser disdrometer, fog collectors, an eddy covariance tower, and other specialized sensors to monitor the water balance. This poster presents the findings gathered over this period. Notably, drizzle emerged as the primary water input to the system, accounting for over 80% of total precipitation. Fog, while present year-round, was not a significant direct water source but contributed indirectly by reducing evaporation and transpiration, supporting other ecosystem functions. We conclude that long-term observatories are essential for developing sustainable solutions for water and ecosystem management.