Hydrological modeling of the urban-agricultural border in the caupicho quito ravine and evaluation of the flood scenarios through the use of earthen ponds with organic biomaterials totora (schoenoplectus californicus)

The Caupicho ravine, located in the southern sector of Quito, is a transition zone between urban and agricultural areas characterized by a marked susceptibility to extreme hydrometeorological events. The maximum flows generated by intense rainfall represent a latent threat to surrounding communities. Therefore, the objective of this study is to highlight the need to implement improved earthen dam infrastructure using Totora as a biomaterial in order to store temporary retention volumes, reduce downstream damage, and mitigate the risks associated with flooding. A comparative hydrological analysis ArcGIS (HEC-GeoHMS and HEC-GeoRAS) is carried out, based on extreme statistics, with the results showing that the most significant events correspond to return periods of between 50 and 100 years. However, historical records show that in the Lucha de los Pobres Baja neighborhood, floods occur approximately every five years, generating negative economic effects and compromising social resilience. Based on vulnerability mapping, scenario modelling and the identification of the most exposed areas, it is concluded that the implementation of earthen rafts is a key input for risk management and territorial planning, where the delimitation of areas designated for evacuation and rescue is proposed in order to strengthen community response.