Canadian Water Resources Journal 

About: Canadian Water Resources Journal is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Water resources & Water quality. It has an ISSN identifier of 0701-1784. Over the lifetime, 1112 publications have been published receiving 13590 citations. The journal is also known as: Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques & Revue canadienne des ressources en eau.

Aquifer vulnerability index: a gis - compatible method for groundwater vulnerability mapping

Abstract: The Aquifer Vulnerability Index (AVI) method for mapping the vulnerability of groundwater is based on two key parameters, 1) thickness of each sedimentary unit above the uppermost aquifer, and 2) estimated hydraulic conductivity of each of these layers. Using water well records, these parameters are combined to obtain a reasonable estimate of the hydraulic resistance of the protective aquitard cover, if present, at each site. AVI regions of isovulnerability (extremely low, low, moderate, high and extremely high) are then contoured using the geographic information system (GIS) SPANS. The AVI method was used to map a 3100 km2 area along the Saskatchewan-Alberta boundary. AVI maps can be used to help define groundwater protection zones, or for screening sites for land use selection. Within SPANS, AVI maps can be compared or merged with other GIS-referenced information, such as land use and water quality.

A Review of Statistical Water Temperature Models

Abstract: The use of statistical models to simulate or to predict stream water temperature is becoming an increasingly important tool in water resources and aquatic habitat management. This article provides an overview of the existing statistical water temperature models. Different models have been developed and used to analyze water temperature-environmental variables relationship. These are grouped into two major categories: deterministic and statistical/stochastic models. Generally, deterministic models require numerous input data (e.g., depth, amount of shading, wind velocity). Hence, they are more appropriate for analyzing different impact scenarios due to anthropogenic effects (e.g., presence of reservoirs, thermal pollution and deforestation). In contrast to the deterministic models, the main advantage of the statistical models is their relative simplicity and relative minimal data requirement. Parametric models such as linear and non-linear regression are popular methods often used for shorter time scales (...

Recent Variations in Climate and Hydrology in Canada

Abstract: Climatic and hydrologic variations between the decades 1976–1985 and 1986–95 are examined at 210 climate stations for temperature, 271 climate stations for precipitation, and 642 hydrology stations from across Canada. The variations in climate are distributed across a broad spatial area. Temperatures were generally warmer in the more recent decade, with many stations showing significant increases during spring and fall. Significant decreases in temperature were found during winter in eastern Canada. Significant increases in temperature were more frequent in western Canada than in the east. Significant decreases in precipitation were also more prevalent in the north, as were increases in the south, except for Ontario and Quebec where little or no change has taken place. The hydrologic responses to these variations in climate are classified into four hydrograph types and six patterns of shifts in streamfiow between the two decades. The 642 hydrologic stations fall into 16 of the potential 24 groups. These 1...

WATFLOOD: a Micro-Computer Based Flood Forecasting System Based on Real-Time Weather Radar

Abstract: WATFLOOD is a menu-driven micro-computer based flood forecasting system incorporating data management programs to enable real-time use of weather radar for flood forecasting. It includes a radar calibration model called CALIBR and a simulation model called SIMPLE, which is the heart of the system. SIMPLE is a process-based hydrologic simulation model programmed in FORTRAN77. Only the most dominant hydrologic processes affecting flood flows are included. The programming for inputing streamflow, gage rainfall, and reservoir releases uses a spreadsheet type of input format.SIMPLE features an automatic pattern search optimization algorithm to determine which combination of parameters best fit measured conditions. The parameters for optimization are: soil permeability, overland flow roughness, channel roughness, depression storage, and an upper zone depletion factor. In the operational mode, the calibration option is used to determine the initial soil moisture based on real-time measurements of streamflow.Rada...

Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the Hydroclimatology of Western Canada—Review and Prospects

Abstract: The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a large-scale climate system feature that influences the surface climate and hydrology of western North America. In this paper, we review the literature describing the PDO and demonstrate its effects on temperature, precipitation, snowfall, glacier mass balance, and streamflow with a focus on western Canada, and particularly British Columbia. We review how the PDO index was developed and discuss other North Pacific climate patterns that resemble the PDO. The impacts of PDO on glacier mass balance and streamflow from retrospective studies are also reviewed and illustrated with specific examples from BC. We assess the current state of knowledge regarding the PDO and provide a critical assessment of its use in hydroclimatology. This information should provide insight on the sensitivity of projects to climatic variability.