SEARCH Projects

Synthesis of Water Balance Data from Northern Experimental Watersheds

PI: Douglas L. Kane Co: Daqing Yang Institution: U of Alaska Fairbanks

Abstract

This study will focus on compiling existing knowledge from arctic water balance studies. This will be accomplished through 1) data collection through a survey of individual sites, 2) integrated data set development, and 3) comparative analysis. This research will create a unique database of water balance elements for the high latitude basins. The data will be used to compare and understand the water balance results from high latitude watersheds, with special emphasis on inter-annual variability, regional variability, long-term averages of the various hydrologic components (annual and seasonal), methodology for computations and scientific framework. Common issues, both strengths and weaknesses in northern hydrologic studies will be identified and collaborative research efforts to address these common issues will be recommended. The overall goal of this effort is to advance our understanding of circumpolar hydrologic processes through the synthesis of existing international data sets.