CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Coulson, H.
Date : 1997
Title : The impacts of climate change on river and stream flow in British Columbia and Yukon
Publication : Responding to Global Climate Change in British Columbia and Yukon. Volume 1 of the Canada Country Study: Climate Impacts and Adaption. Edited by: E. Taylor and B. Taylor. British Columbia Ministry of Environment Lands & Parks and Environment Canada, Vancouver, B.C.
Issue :
Page(s) : 5:1 - 5:11
Abstract
Changes in runoff amounts caused by changes in precipitation and temperature due to a doubling of the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide based on the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis general circulation model are estimated. A water balance model based on a processes known as the Thornthwaite procedure was used. The model estimates runoff (water excess) based on precipitation data (water input), temperature data (an index of water lost to evapotranspiration) and an estimate of soil moisture storage capacity. Data from 18 climate stations were extracted and monthly and annual runoff computed. In order to estimate how climate change might affect streamflow, historical temperature and precipitation data were then adjusted by the amounts predicted by the general circulation model. Bearing in mind that the accuracy of the predicted changes in runoff depends largely on the accuracy of the general circulation model predictions for precipitation and temperature, these results indicate that significant changes in runoff are possible. An increase in annual runoff is indicated with this increase occurring in winter and spring, with the spring freshet occurring up to one month earlier. Runoff during the summer low flow period would be lower in southern BC and slightly increased in northern BC and the southern Yukon. There is the potential for an increase in peak flows in coastal and southern BC.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology