Water balance partitioning for ecosystem service assessment. A case study in the Amazon

Rainforests ensure fundamental water-related ecosystem services that are currently threatened by land-use change, in particular deforestation. Quantitative assessments of have traditionally focused on the benefits linked to direct water availability for humans. Under this perspective, forests been considered as consumers, due high interception and transpiration rates reduce flows available downstream human activities. In contrast, their role suppliers through from tree canopies has often neglected. Integrating second perspective into other land covers is key providing a comprehensive support decision-making processes change. addition, specific indicators necessary incorporate contribution different balance components service assessment. paper, we investigate use partitioning assessment services. We three models (two existing ones one developed study) compare, via model simulations, forested deforested area Brazilian State Rondônia. Then, propose set that, based outputs models, provide multidimensional characterization types. Regardless used, values these selected case study consistently point out vegetation regulating cycle. Forests act effective indirect activities players moisture recycling, thanks evapotranspiration (about 68% total precipitation). Deforested areas, instead, higher drainage 50% The proposed methodology helps highlight importance assessments. Moreover, quantitatively impact change involved cycle relying, directly or indirectly, processes.