What lakes reveal about streamflow and basin-scale hydrological processes in the arid central Andes, Argentina

Lakes in arid and semiarid regions provide valuable records of hydroclimatic variability and human water management. This study analyses the spatiotemporal dynamics of three lakes in central-western Argentina over five decades using Landsat imagery and hydrometeorological data. Two downstream lake systems, Guanacache, Desaguadero and Bebedero Lakes Complex (GDBLC) and Llancanelo Lake, and one headwater lake, Diamante Lake, were evaluated as indicators of hydroclimatic variability and basin-scale hydrological processes. GDBLC shows the strongest association with streamflow, although its variability is strongly influenced by regulated streamflow and long-term water management. Llancanelo Lake exhibits a similar but weaker response, reflecting the interaction of hydroclimatic variability, basin-scale water management, and local hydrological controls. In contrast, Diamante Lake shows weak and temporally unstable relationships with hydrometeorological variables, suggesting a direct response to high-mountain hydroclimatic variability. These findings demonstrate the value of downstream and headwater lakes as indicators of hydroclimatic and socio-hydrological processes in arid Andean basins.