A spatio-temporal analysis of near-surface air temperature within the West Castle Watershed, Alberta
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Date
2019
Authors
Bexte, Kyle J.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : Universtiy of Lethbridge, Department of Geography
Abstract
Modelling surface air temperature across regions of relatively complex terrain has historically presented a challenging task. Using topographically derived variables in association with land cover, monthly linear regression models were derived for mapping surface air temperature across the West Castle Watershed, Alberta. Hourly, daily, and monthly surface lapse rates were determined for the study period (July 1st, 2017 – June 30th, 2018). The monthly surface lapse rates observed varied between -8.0 ˚C km-1 in October and -2.2 ˚C km-1 in February. The role of frequent chinook events was observed in the distinct surface lapse rate in January compared against the previous and following months; January had a surface lapse rate of -5.8 ˚C km-1 compared to December and February of -2.3 ˚C km-1 and -2.2 ˚C km-1 respectively. Inverted surface lapse rates were found to exhibit a seasonal pattern in occurrence and were present for 18.5 % of the study period.
Description
Keywords
Air temperature , lapse rate , inversions , chinooks , mountains , near-surface , modelling , geographic information system , Dissertations, Academic