CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Grasby, S.E.; Hutcheon, I.; and Krouse, R.
Date : 1986
Title : Assessing seasonal variation in meteoric versus groundwater inputs to the Bow River, southern Alberta, using stable isotopes of O and H
Publication : Abstracts with Programs. Geological Society of America, 28th Annual Meeting.
Issue : 28(7):
Page(s) : 198
Abstract
The stable isotope composition of Bow River water is used to determine the relative input of meteoric and ground water. Meteoric and ground water define two distinct trends in a delta D vs. delta 18O plot, allowing their relative inputs to be determined. Ground water is the dominant source of the river in the fall and winter. Whereas meteoric water is the dominant source during the summer rainy season; where evaporation accounts for 13% instream loss. The highest discharge of the river is associated with spring snow melt. Rather than entering the river as direct runoff, snow melt displaces groundwater into the river system. Overall, ground water accounts for over 40% of the annual flow. A "reversed" continental effect, with delta D and delta 18O values of tributary water increasing eastwards (inland) of the continental divide, is due to mixing of precipitation from the two prominent weather systems that bring moisture to the basin.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology