A DAILY WATER BUDGET FOR SAN SALVADOR: INVESTIGATING THE SYNOPTIC WEATHER PATTERNS RESPONSIBLE FOR RAIN AND WATER LEVEL VARIABILITY

Carbonate islands possess unique aquifers; hosting complex hydrological systems best characterized using multiple techniques. The Bahamian island of San Salvador is an example of a landscape where detailed climate and hydrologic data can be useful for estimating hydrologic processes of carbonate island landscapes. A Meteorological Observation Network was established to collect weather variables from January – December 2001. Temperature and precipitation records were used to construct a Thornthwaite and Mather water budget, documenting climatic variability in freshwater resources. The synoptic weather patterns responsible for rain events were determined and classified by type. Additionally, water levels from Crescent pond and Crescent top cave (Ctc) were recorded and variability was analyzed using regression models. Initial results from this study indicate that more than 1400 mm of precipitation fell during 2001. Constant tropical temperatures maintained a steady evaporation rate while input occurred at discrete intervals, limiting water available for aquifer recharge. Stationary fronts were the least frequently occurring storm systems but produced the most precipitation. The microtidal range of San Salvador was the dominant control of water levels for Crescent pond and Ctc; however there were periods where increased water level variability did correlate with weather patterns and precipitation events.