Modeling the effects of climate change on glaciers in the Upper North Saskatchewan River Basin
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Date
2011
Authors
Booth, Evan L. J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography, c2011
Abstract
This thesis is focused on determining the rate at which the climate of
western North America (WNA) has changed in recent history, and looks at the
impact that projected future climatic changes will have on a large glaciated
watershed in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The rate of change over WNA is
quantified for 485 climate stations for the period 1950-2005 using indicators
developed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Results of the
analysis show statistically significant historical trends across the study area. To
gauge the effect of climate change on glaciers, a mass balance model was
developed and integrated with the University of Lethbridge GENESYS
hydrometeorological model. GCM future climate scenarios were used to model
change in the Upper North Saskatchewan River Basin through 2100. Results
forecast dramatic declines (> 80%) in total glacier area, ice volume, and
streamflow contribution by 2100.
Description
ix, 137 leaves ; 29 cm
Keywords
Climatic changes -- North America, Western , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- North America, Western , Glaciers -- North America, Western , North America -- Climate , Dissertations, Academic