Dr. Chris Marsh has received the University of Saskatchewan Post Graduate Thesis Award for his PhD work on Multi-Scale Modelling of Cold Regions Hydrology.
Dr. Marsh is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow with the Centre for Hydrology and Global Water Futures (GWF) at the University of Saskatchewan. He is interested in hydrological modelling and related fieldwork and is currently working on the next generation core modelling group developing the Canadian Hydrological Model (CHM).
April 24, 2020
University of Saskatchewan (USask) hydrology PhD student Caroline Aubry-Wake, who studies the impact of climate change on glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, has received the Stan Paterson Scholarship for Student Excellence in Canadian Glaciology.
The award is given by the Canadian Geophysical Union (CGU) to a young hydrologist in honour of Dr. Stan Paterson (May 20, 1924 – October 8, 2013), a leading Canadian glaciologist.
Aubry-Wake is member of the USask Global Institute for Water Security and an executive member of the USask-led Global Water Futures Program – Young Professionals.
According to Aubry-Wake, since 1985 Canadian glaciers have shrunk 15 per cent, a number that could rise to 100 per cent by the end of the century.
Such a steep increase in glacier loss in the Rockies would have a devastating impact on mountain streams in Western Canada, including a significant reduction in river water supply, which would threaten cold-water fish and ecosystems and reduce water resources for hydroelectricity on the Prairies and in B.C.
“Estimated glacier loss in the Rockies by the end of the century ranges from 75 to 100 per cent,” Aubry-Wake said. “But there’s only a few studies investigating the details of future glacier melt in Western Canada. My research will help to sharpen these estimates by focusing on three glaciers, to improve our understanding of the key processes responsible for glacier retreat at those sites.”
Aubry-Wake conducts research at the Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park, Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park and Bologna Glacier in the Ragged Range, Northwest Territories.
Her research combines mountain fieldwork and a mathematical hydrological model to assess changes in water resources.
Held on May 13, 2020
In April 2019, GWF and partners issued a public call to action, Water Security for Canadians: Solutions for Canada’s Emerging Water Crisis. It called for modernization of Canada’s water institutions, governance, policies and legislation to better address the emerging national water crisis.
In late 2019, the Government of Canada announced the development of a Canada Water Agency and review of federal water policies and laws by the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment.
Responding to this opportunity, we are continuing the discussion with water practitioners, agencies, organizations and rightsholders across the country. We invite you to join us for a virtual panel discussion on water related issues and needs that a Canada Water Agency can address and provide, and how a Canada Water Agency can compliment existing regional water management issues and mandates.
Featuring Terry Duguid, MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and Chaired by Dr. Thomas Axworthy of Massey College, you will hear from experts in water science and governance and guests from provincial and municipal perspectives, examining Canadian water issues and the science, policy and the collaborative responses needed to tackle the emerging water-climate crisis.
Carolyn Aubry-Wake gave a French language talk on glaciers and forest fires on Wednesday, May 13th. Listen to this talk and others here.