CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Carey, S.; and Woo, M.-k.
Date : 1997
Title : Snowmelt hydrology of two subarctic slopes, southern Yukon, Canada
Publication : Proceedings of the Northern Research Basins Eleventh International Symposium and Workshop, Prudhoe Bay to Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, August 18-22, 1997. - Fairbanks, Alaska : Published by The Water and Environmental Research Center
Issue : II:
Page(s) : 15-35.
Abstract
Snowmelt season is when large quantities of flow are discharged from subarctic basins, but the runoff contributing areas are highly variable as are the timing and the magnitude of meltwater generation from different slopes. Two slopes in the lower Wolf Creek basin in southern Yukon were studied in 1997. The south-facing slope had a dense aspen forest which is leafless in the melt period of April-May and it is underlain by seasonal frost. The north facing slope has open stands of spruce and an organic layer that rests on mineral soils with permafrost. Snowmelt was advanced by over 10 days on the south slope which had higher radiation than the north aspect. All the meltwater infiltrated the frozen silt without generating runoff. By the time significant melt events occurred on the north slope, the frost and the snow were gone from the south. Meltwater was able to infiltrate the frozen organic soil but deep percolation was prevented by theice-rich substrate. Lateral flow began after the organic layer was saturated, with much runoff along intermittent rills fed by diffused and pipe flows. Rills and pipes were interconnected but the drainage network and the runoff contributing area changed depending on the disposition of the snow and the water and frost table positions relative to the local topography. The hydrological contrasts between the north and south slopes have important implications on direct runoff generation in the melt period. Situations similar to the study site can be found elsewhere in subarctic North America and the observed processes have bearing upon hydrological modelling for the subarctic environment.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology