CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Gosal, K.
Date : 2006.
Title : Climate change in the Columbia River Basin: Case study of climate change implication for transboundary watersheds.
Publication : CONCORD Meeting. Symposium on Climate Change - Organizing the Science for the American Cordillera. April 4-5, 2006. Mendoza, Argentina. Abstracts Volume.
Issue :
Page(s) : 20-21.
Abstract
Management of water values within the Canadian Columbia basin is driven by a wide array of laws, regulations, policies and international obligations. One major international agreement which heavily influences the management of Columbia River flows in Canada is the Columbia River Treaty (CRT). In 1964, Canada and the United States ratified the CRT. Its primary purpose is to provide flood control protection and optimize electrical energy production on the Columbia River system in both countries. Under the CRT, Canada agreed to build three storage dams: Duncan (1968), Keenleyside (1969), and Mica (1973), in exchange for a share of downstream (U.S.) flood control and power benefits. The CRT does not expire, but may be terminated (or possibly renegotiated) no earlier than 2024, given 10 years advance notice (2014). The Canadian Columbia Basin is an evolving region with increasing population growth, and different societal values than those that existed at the time the Columbia River Treaty was created. There are a broader range of issues concerning both the use and the management of the water resources of the region. Potential climate change impacts on these resources are not clearly understood, and may further exacerbate these issues. The challenge is to recognize and understand the complexities of the system and manage for a variety of interests and values. The hydrology of the Basin, as the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin (CRB) has been and will continue to be influenced by climate change and climate variability. The hydrology of the CRB is strongly dominated by winter snow accumulation and spring melt, and shows a characteristic low flow period in the fall and winter months, and a large spring peak flow (freshet) from snow melt. Temperature increases, such as those already being seen in the Basin, will change this flow pattern. In general, the US portion of the CRB may be more vulnerable in terms of climate change impacts on water resources as the snow/rain threshold in regions to the south will be reached by smaller temperature increases than in the Canadian portion. Canadians must be prepared for changing water demands from the US at the same time as the Canadian portion of the basin itself faces increased impacts from climate. This is a strong motivator for having a robust understanding of the Basin’s vulnerability to future climate change. Changing climatic and hydrologic conditions impact both natural and social systems. Using an understanding of the relationship between climate change, climate variability, and hydrology to predict future outcomes is an essential step in creating an informed management strategy that will prevent damage, reduce costs, and protect members of the community. Determining impacts and vulnerability is essential to address water issues in the Basin, particularly to prepare residents for the renewal or renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty. Seasonal climate predictions are one way to improve management decisions around issues of climate variability. Awareness of long term climate conditions in the Columbia River Basin is critical due to international treaties related to flow management, which must respond to substantial changes in water resources under some climate changes scenarios. This presentation will focus on the how to incorporate climate change science and information into existing regulatory structures and trans-boundary agreements.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology