CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Carey, S.K.; and Woo, M.-K.
Date : 2000.
Title : Hillslope hydrology and runoff processes in a subarctic, subalpine environment.
Publication : Annual Scientific Meeting, Canadian Geophysical Union, Banff, Alberta, May 23-27, 2000.
Issue : Abstract.
Page(s) :
Abstract
A hydrological study was conducted between 1996 and 1999 within the Wolf Creek basin, Yukon, to assess the factors that control the variation in distribution and movement of water in subalpine hillslope environments. Annual water balance studies completed on four hillslopes with different frost status, vegetation, soils and microclimate revealed important factors controlling vertical and lateral fluxes of water. Surface-atmosphere interactions were largely influenced by available energy and vegetation. Available energy affected snowmelt timing and evaporation whereas vegetation played an important role in rainfall interception and limiting evapotranspiration during dry periods. Topography, soils and frost strongly affected surface-ground interactions. Topographic influences on lateral flows was evident as upslope contributing areas supplied water to low-slope and near stream zones. Frost produced runoff responses on hillslopes during melt when ice-rich zones impeded the movement of the infiltrated snowmelt water. In the organic layer, rills, soil pipes and Darcian flow combined to deliver water rapidly downslope whereas runoff from the mineral soils is subdued. Hillslopes that yielded runoff possessed as a two-layer flow system: 1) quick flow in surface organic layers and 2) slow flow in the mineral layers. By inhibiting deep percolation, the frost table position indirectly regulates the position of the water table. This then controls the two-layer flow system such that quick flow are reactivated in the summer when the water table rises within the organic horizon. The two-layer system and the position of the water table control both hillslope runoff hydrographs and contributing areas. This information provides insight into the causes of sub-basin variability in hillslope water balances.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology