Evolution of Water Bodies as a Socio-Hydrological System in Piura City

Mogollón C.E.R.; Prieto G.C.P. · Historia Ambiental Latinoamericana y Caribena (2026) · DOI: 10.32991/2237-2717.2026v16i2.p616-638

Resumen

Accelerated urban growth and unplanned land occupation have increased the vulnerability of cities to hydrometeorological events, particularly in contexts such as the city of Piura, which is affected by flooding associated with the El Niño phenomenon. These events generate damage to urban infrastructure; however, rather than addressing the root causes from an ontological perspective, implemented actions tend to focus on the effects rather than the underlying causes. In this context, this article analyzes the evolution of water bodies—specifically the Santa Julia Wetland—from a socio-hydrological approach, examining the dynamic interaction between human and natural systems. To achieve this, a multitemporal analysis was conducted using Sentinel-2 MSI satellite imagery processed in QGIS, covering the period from 2017 to 2024. The NDVI, NDBI, and NDWI indices were applied to assess vegetation cover dynamics, urban expansion, and hydrological variability within the Santa Julia Wetland. The results reveal a trend of increasing urbanized areas, accompanied by a progressive reduction in vegetation cover and alterations in water bodies. From a socio-hydrological perspective, it is concluded that flooding issues in Piura are not solely driven by climatic factors but also by structural transformations of the territory, resulting from soil impermeabilization processes associated with urban growth. The anthropogenic occupation of strategic ecosystems such as the Santa Julia Wetland and other closed basins has progressively diminished, reducing their capacity for hydrological regulation. In this regard, the study highlights the need to integrate urban planning approaches based on ecological infrastructure, recognizing these water bodies as fundamental elements for mitigating such impacts, rather than treating them as vacant spaces available for occupation.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo