The Kimün-Ko Water Resources Observatory of La Araucanía —water knowledge— was officially established in November 2020 within the Department of Civil Engineering at Universidad de La Frontera .
Our initial purpose was to improve understanding of catchment-scale hydrological processes in La Araucanía. The work has since expanded to catchments across Chile, producing robust technical information to support water-resources decisions.
Kimün-Ko combines in situ observations, satellite products and atmospheric reanalyses. This evidence supports hydrological modelling across spatial and temporal scales, addressing both observed streamflow and the processes that explain how each catchment behaves.
We also develop open-source software and platforms for hydrometeorological analysis, drought, rainfall and soil-moisture monitoring, and scientific communication. Teaching within UFRO Civil Engineering completes this mission by preparing professionals to address the country’s growing water challenges.
