by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
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The strong expansion of large-scale extensive agriculture is making the plains of South America<\/strong> more vulnerable to flooding. That is a direct effect of the deep transformation these territories have undergone in recent decades. This was revealed by a team of researchers from the University of San Luis<\/strong>, Argentina, and Lancaster University<\/strong>, UK.<\/p>\n Using satellite images and field observations over the past four decades, as well as statistical models and hydrological simulations, the scientists identified trends in groundwater and flood dynamics. Revealing how some seemingly minor but also extremely widespread human-imposed changes to vegetation cover have ended up altering the water cycle in different regions.<\/p>\n