Improved Process Understanding and Parameterization Methods but not yet Prediction on the Subarctic Canadian Shield
IP3 Annual Workshop Lake Louise, AB C. Spence, X.J. Guan, R. Phillips, N. Hedstrom and F. Seglenieks October 14-16, 2009
DRAFT – Page 2 – November 3, 2009
Baker Creek
Bedrock_1 Bedrock_2 Bedrock_3 Conifers Deciduous Water Wetland_1 Wetland_2
266 masl
200 masl
Land Cover
Elevation
Soil moisture and well Climate tower Water level and stream gauging Snow course
DRAFT – Page 3 – November 3, 2009
Hillslope scale
• Frost table depth and surface soil moisture was measured at a selection of soil-filled valleys.
• This was done to evaluate how the latter varies over space and time.
• This was evaluated because surface soil moisture status is indicative of a hillslope’s ability to transfer water.
DRAFT – Page 4 – November 3, 2009
Hillslope scale
July 5, 2008
DRAFT – Page 5 – November 3, 2009
Hillslope scale
Modified Péclet Number for Northern Wetlands:
DRAFT – Page 6 – November 3, 2009
Catchment scale
DRAFT – Page 7 – November 3, 2009
Characteristic S-Q catchment curves
DRAFT – Page 8 – November 3, 2009
Stream Disconnection Active Stream Network Contributing
Stream Network
Catchment scale
• Contributing area and active stream network are always changing!
DRAFT – Page 9 – November 3, 2009
Connectivity
• How connected is the stream network? ? ? ?
DRAFT – Page 10 – November 3, 2009
Connectivity
• Connectivity Length ▪ Average weighted length between two connected points
• Number of components in the network
• % Connection
DRAFT – Page 11 – November 3, 2009
Prediction - CRHM
DRAFT – Page 12 – November 3, 2009
Prediction - MESH
• Quick initial test done with implementing HRU approach in MESH
• Comparison of 2007 streamflow using traditional GRU approach and 6 HRU approach
DRAFT – Page 13 – November 3, 2009
Summary
• New parameters to be tested: 1) The “Guan” number incorporates the relative influence of
topology, advective heat and conductive heat on frost table depth and, in turn, hillslope storage capacity.
2) Characteristic storage-discharge catchment curves that could be used with connectivity measures.
• In the meantime, model testing continues with representations of response units reflective of observed sub-catchment hydrological behaviour.
DRAFT – Page 14 – November 3, 2009
Acknowledgements
• NWRI - Newell Hedstrom, Raoul Granger, Kelly Best • Students - Amanda Burke, Jason Hosler, Kirby Ebel • INAC - Bob Reid, Meg McCluskie, Shawne Kokelj • WSC - Dale Ross, Murray Jones, Dave Helfrick,
Jamison Romano, Dwayne Ofukany, Laurie McGregor, Colin McCann
• U of S - Tom Brown, John Pomeroy
