The Canadian Rockies Hydrological Observatory, which is being established in the Kananaskis and Upper Bow drainages by CH staff based at the Coldwater Laboratory, was the subject of a detailed article in the December 13th issue of Canmore’s Rocky Mountain Outlook.
The piece describes the purpose and aims of the project in improving river-flow predictions in the Prairies, through detailed observation of hydrometeorological conditions in the mountain headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River.
It also highlights the importance of major funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (40%), Province of Saskatchewan (40%) and U of S (20%) in covering the $835,000 cost.
The full article is available online from the RMO website.
Monthly Archives: December 2012
Cold Matters – IP3 / WC2N Book Published
The IP3 and WC2N research networks are now ended, but Robert Sandford has written an engaging popular science book on the findings of the networks and related research, Cold Matters: the State and Fate of Canada’s Freshwater (publication details).
The book describes the research, researchers and results in these studies of cold regions hydrology, glaciology, meteorology and climatology in western and northern Canada.
CH Director Prof. John Pomeroy remarks “I was very impressed by how Bob related abstract scientific concepts (such as model parameterisation) into approachable descriptions that the non-scientist can enjoy. The book reviews the development of the models we use and why they were developed, the principles that govern hydrology and glaciology in Canada, the rapid changes to rivers, snow, glaciers and permafrost that have been observed and the implications of our results for the future of western and northern Canada. He encourages the reader to see the importance of research on these topics and their application in water management. The book is not only informative, but enjoyable to read and I highly recommend it not only to scientists in the field but a way to teach this information to non-physical science students and to inform the general public.”
Hydrology Seminar – Wednesday December 19th, 12:00noon
Dr Jean-Emmanuel Sicart, Researcher at the IRD, University of Grenoble, will present a seminar on
The Analysis of seasonal variations in energy fluxes and meltwater discharge of a Tropical high-altitude Glacier
On Wednesday 19th December, 2012, at 12noon in Room 146 of Kirk Hall.
The seminar will present a study of the atmospheric forcing that controls seasonal variations in the mass balance and in meltwater discharge of the tropical glacier Zongo, Bolivia (16°S, 6000-4900 m asl. 2.4 km²). The full abstract is available here.
This is a ‘brown bag lunch’ event, so please feel free to bring your lunch, and to pass this information on to others who might be interested.
Dr Cherie Westbrook’s research featured in Canadian Geographic Magazine
Associate Professor Cherie Westbrook of the Centre for Hydrology and Dept of Geography & Planning and her wetland ecohydrology research team’s results were featured in this month’s Canadian Geographic article on Rethinking the Beaver.
In the article, Dr Westbrook explains the ecohydrological approach to study of hydrology where beaver are present, and the tremendous impact beaver dams have in enhancing groundwater recharge. She also notes the impact of beaver-enhanced surface and groundwater storage in headwater streams on reducing the variability of streamflow, including maintaining low flows in drought situations. More information on Dr Westbrook’s research can be found here.