ABSTRACT: Investigation of surface hydrology simulated by the Canadian Regional Climate Model over the Quebec/Labrador Territory.

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Abstract

The Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM) can be used in a simulation mode where it is driven by objective analyses. In such mode, the model can be validated using various observational datasets. We present an investigation of the CRCM$'$s surface hydrology from a three-year simulation conducted over the Quebec/Labrador territory. In the experiment, the CRCM was run at a 30 km horizontal grid-point spacing on a 100X100 point domain and driven by NCEP (National Center for Environmental Protection) atmospheric objective analyses for the period from June 1992 to May 1995. The CRCM$'$s regional hydrologic budget over a series of catchment basins is investigated and validated through comparison with observations of precipitation, screen temperature, snow cover and runoff data. The model$'$s output is also compared to evaporation data. Spatial analysis of the CRCM$'$s annual runoff shows that the model is in good agreement with basin observations although its precipitation and surface evaporation during summer months are generally too important. On the seasonal scale, the CRCM captures the main features of the annual cycle, and in particular the snow cover accumulation, which is a major element of the hydrologic cycle with its spring melt reaching up to 50\% of the annual runoff. Furthermore, investigation of the CRCM$'$s daily precipitation characteristics and comparison with observations provides a more detailed picture of the model$'$s precipitation behavior. Finally, results presented from sensitivity tests in regards to the model$'$s resolution and its domain location help define the set-up for the next CRCM experiment.

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology