Does Lake Titicaca still control the Lake Poopo system water levels? An investigation using satellite altimetry and MODIS data (2000-2009)

Complementary analysis of satellite mission data (altimetry, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS)) and climate fields over 2000-2009 was conducted to investigate the variability of the water cover surfaces and the geographical source of water inflowing into the Lake Poopo system. The results suggest that over the time span of 2000-2009 a great part of the variability of the Poopo system originates from geographic sources other than Lake Titicaca. Possible alternative causes include climate change inducing increased temperatures and greater evaporation rates along the Altiplano; increased glacier and snow melting over the Andes Cordillera; and a potential increased anthropogenic water use (such as irrigation, minery, etc.) throughout the path of the Desaguadero River (which connects lakes Titicaca and Poopo). This change in the hydrology of this region could lead to a collapse of water supplies and endanger the already fragile Poopo system as well as the regional socioeconomic system, which closely depends upon it.