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Abstract

Aerial rivers, long-term preferential pathways of atmospheric moisture flows, sustain ecosystems and regional hydrology. Maximizing their downwind discharge potential remains elusive without an objective way to identify critical upwind source regions. Here we analyze the drainage patterns of aerial rivers across South America and develop a mathematical method to identify turning points in moisture drainage curves, beyond which the intensity of upwind moisture contribution declines sharply. This provides a criterion for objectively delineating critical upwind basins and reveals pronounced continental variation in their spatial extent. These patterns reflect distinct regimes within the continental aerial river system, enabling its classification into four major drainage types: headwater, drainage, outfall, and plain areas. The four types differ in their potential for atmospheric moisture management and in their susceptibility to ecological tipping points, with implications for refining forest conservation priorities. Together, these findings support more effective land-water planning and moisture governance under a changing climate.