CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Boon, S.; and Smith, D.J.
Date : 2005.
Title : Glacier-climate relationships in the North Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Publication : Canadian Geophysical Union Annual Science Meeting, Banff, Alberta. May 8-11, 2005.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
This research aims to quantify the response of glaciers on the north-central coast (NCC) of British Columbia (BC) to climate variability and change. The impact of climate change on glacier MB - and subsequently runoff - indicates that fluctuations in glacier extent and volume could significantly affect hydropower projects located in coastal BC, and fish habitat crucial to BC's salmon industry. Previous research in the Pacific Northwest (south Coast Mountains/Washington State) and southern Alaska has shown a significant relationship between regional variations in glacier MB and atmospheric circulation. Glacier-climate response in the NCC region, however, is relatively unknown. MB variability in this area is driven mainly by winter precipitation, which is a function of both regional synoptic conditions, and large-scale atmospheric circulation such as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). While the MB of Pacific Northwest glaciers responds out of phase with that of Alaska glaciers to the PDO, the MB response of NCC glaciers is unknown. These glaciers may be in an area unaffected by PDO-related climate variability, thus local meteorological conditions may be the main driver of MB variability. Given the lack of long-term records of local meteorology and glacier MB for this region, examination of glacier-climate relationships requires the use of proxy data such as tree rings. Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) ring-width time series are most useful, as the trees are long-lived, and radial growth patterns respond to 1 April (winter) snowpack. Both hydrometeorological and tree-ring time series analysis will be used to: (1) develop a long-term record of local meteorological conditions and large-scale climate variability for the NCC; (2) develop a regional glacier MB record for the NCC; and, (3) place the MB record in the context of the long-term climate record to examine the response of NCC glaciers to past climate, and possible response to predicted climate change.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology