CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Haines, H.A.; Luckman, B.H.; and Smart, C.C.
Date : 2009.
Title : Changes in 20th century streamflow regimes in the southern Canadian Cordillera.
Publication : 2009 Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers. May 26-30, 2009. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Several modeling and empirical studies indicate that rising global, particularly winter, temperatures may have significant effects on the regime of rivers draining from high mountain areas. These include changes in the absolute amounts of precipitation, rain-to-snow ratios and glacier melt. This paper examines parallel changes due to climatic variation during the 20th century in river regimes for the Athabasca and Bow headwaters in the Canadian Rockies. These are major sources of water for the adjacent lowland areas thus changes in timing of water availability will have major economic consequences downstream. The discharge record for the Bow at Banff is the longest available for the southern Cordillera and provides a baseline to evaluate the Athabasca record which is more fragmentary. Examination of peak and daily streamflow data show earlier timing of spring pulse onset, center of mass of annual flow (CT) and peak flows. The Banff CT record averages 5 days earlier over the 20th century but there is considerable decadal variability in magnitude and trend that is apparently associated with the PDO. Preliminary analysis of the Athabasca records also demonstrates earlier CT timings with some decadal variability.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology