The Influence of Climate Change on River Corridors in Drylands: The Case of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico (TCBR) is the southernmost arid or semi-arid zone with highest biodiversity in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Two main hydrographic streams cross TCBR, Salado River (an endogenous river) Grande exogenous river). This study investigated temperature anomalies over past 40 years. We analyzed potential differences between sub-basins riparian areas on both using various indices, namely Global Warming Index (GWI), Normalized Difference Vegetation (NDVI), Water (NDWI), Drought (NDDI), relationship of these indices climate change. Time series satellite-based precipitation (June 2000–December 2020) air (January 1980–December were analyzed. A set Landsat 8 OLI TIRS imagery from driest wettest months (2013–2020) was used to estimate NDVI, NDWI, NDDI. These evaluated separately for river corridors dry rainy seasons. records indicate that sub-basin, higher than sub basin. GWI suggest warming trend 1994 2020, increasing up 0.86°C 0.52°C River. basins showed significant wet seasons each index (NDVI, NDDI). Discriminant Analysis sub-basin corridor are associated severe drying conditions season (highest NDDI values). In season, intermediate values NDVI NDWI but low characterized by provide environmental services trade-off stream should be considered hotspots. Due accentuated lowest precipitation, desertification signs Both resilience strategies face climatic conditions.