CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Bobba, A.G.; Prowse, T.; Milburn, D.; and Diiwu, J.Y.
Date : 2002.
Title : Simulation of runoff in Arctic watershed due to climate change impacts.
Publication : Annual Meeting of the Canadian Geophysical Union. May 18-21, 2002, Banff, Alberta.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The hydrological sensitivities to long-term climate change of a watershed in Arctic were analyzed using a watershed runoff model. This model describes an interdependent tank -cascade model that uses a mass balance coupled with linear reservoir concepts. It is physically based and uses climatological considerations not possible for watersheds. Snowmelt and netsupply computations are separable from the mass balance determinations and are based on a simple heat balance. Partial area concepts are used to determine recharge and surface runoff. Losses are determined from joint considerations of available energy for actual and potential evapotranspiration and of available moisture in the soil horizons by using climatological concepts, relevant for large data-poor forested areas. The model is applied to Coppermine River watershed in Arctic and compared with observed data. Water balance modelling techniques, modified for assessing climate effects, were developed and tested for a watershed using climate change scenarios from both state of the art general circulation models and a series of hypothetical scenarios. The interaction between surface and subsurface water is discussed in relation to climate change. These hydrological results raise the possibility of major environmental and socioeconomic difficulties and have significant implications for future water resource planning and management.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology