Centre for Hydrology PhD Student Robert Armstrong will present details of his work on ‘Spatial Variability of Actual Evaporation in a Prairie Landscape’ on Monday 28 March, 2011 at 2:30pm, 144 Kirk Hall.
The following abstract provides an overview of his work;
Actual evaporation has considerable spatial variability that is not captured by point scale estimates from meteorological station data. Physically-based point scale evaporation models were found to provide reasonable estimates of evaporation for temporal scales from several days to seasonal periods but provided poorer estimates for daily and sub-daily periods. Remote sensing was valuable for deriving key variables needed for distributing point scale models for direct estimates over a larger area. A method was developed for distributing net radiation at the field scale which can be used to obtain the spatial variability of evaporation estimates. There was no evidence that spatial covariance between surface variables driving the Granger feedback evaporation model influenced upscaled evaporation estimates which can be attributed to offsetting interactions between model parameters. The variability of point scales estimates obtained from long term hydrological simulations during drought and non-drought periods was further considered across the Canadian Prairie region. The structure of drought was dynamic and there was no consistent spatial pattern of actual evaporation. The variability of evaporation increased as the drought progressed and declined sharply with ensuing wetter conditions.
The results contribute to a better understanding of the effects of spatial associations of key factors on evaporation estimates in a Prairie landscape. The methodology developed for distributing net radiation from assimilated visible and thermal images could potentially be used in regional scale modelling applications for improving evaporation estimates using point scale estimation techniques. The modelling algorithms applied to derive point estimates of evaporation from surface reference data may be useful for operational purposes that require estimates of evaporation (e.g. agriculture, hydrology, ecology, etc.).

The Saskatchewan Branch of the CWRA is hosting a one-day workshop to explore aspects of interjurisdictional water quantity management in Prairie Canada. It will cover policy, governance, public engagement, and data harmonization.
The workshop’s objectives include
– Assessment of water quantity management at international and interprovincial boundaries, with an emphasis on the Prairies region
– Exploration of innovative and effective best practices for addressing boundary issues through case studies
– Promotion of interdisciplinary approaches for integrated transboundary water quantity management
It will be held on Friday 4th February 2011, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Saskatchewan in Regina. The registration deadline is 1st February 2011: early-registration discounts are available until 10th January 2011.
More details are available from the announcement poster, and the registration form is available here.

The University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Society for Hydrological Sciences is offering an intensive course on the physical principles of hydrology with particular relevance to Canadian conditions.
Factors governing hydrological processes in Canadian landscapes will be discussed including precipitation, interception, snow accumulation, snowmelt, evaporation, infiltration, groundwater movement and streamflow. These processes will be framed within the context of distinctly Canadian landscape features such as glaciers, peatlands and seasonally frozen ground. State of the art statistical analyses will be presented. Students will be exposed to an overview of each subject, with recent scientific findings and new cutting edge theories, tools and techniques. They will complete numerical and essay assignments to develop skills in problem solving and in synthesizing complex hydrological concepts. Field examinations in nearby environments and research basins will enhance the learning experience. Students will emerge from the course with a deeper understanding of physical hydrological processes and how they interact to produce catchment water budgets and streamflow response.
The course will take place at the University of Calgary Biogeoscience Institute’s Barrier Lake Station in the Kananaskis Valley from February 28 – March 11, 2011. The course will focus on classroom instruction, but will take advantage of the proximity to the Marmot Creek Research Basin to expose students to current field instrumentation and measurement techniques. Each day will start with lectures on the primary subject, and include time to work on assigned exercises. Certain days will include a field work component to examine the processes and measurement techniques relevant to the lectures.
The course is intended for hydrology and water resources graduate students and early to mid-level career water resource engineers, hydrologists, aquatic ecologists and technologists from Canada who are either working directly in hydrology and water resources or are looking to broaden their understanding of hydrological systems and processes. In 2010, participants were from several universities and employers such as Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Syncrude, Ducks Unlimited, Brookfield Power, Knight Piesold, AMEC, and Alberta Environment. Participants came from across Canada and the United States.
Course capacity is 30 students. Registration ends February 7, 2011. This physical science course is quantitative in nature and so a firm foundation in calculus and physics at the first year university level and some undergraduate hydrology or hydraulics training is required. Registration and course information can be found here:
If you have further questions, please contact Dr Christopher Spence or Dr John Pomeroy. If interested in receiving academic credit for your participation, please contact Dr Pomeroy. Arrangements have been made for people not currently enrolled in a university program to receive academic credit.
The full announcement is available in PDF form here.

Prof Howard Wheater, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan, will give a lecture entitled ‘Water Futures and the Perfect Storm’ on Monday 25th October 2010, at 7pm in the St Thomas More College Auditorium. Please note that seating may be limited.
This event has been organised by the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and made possible by the William Rekunyk Fund.