Modelling the Flow and Storage Components in the Lower Liard River Valley
Principal Investigator: Quinton, William L. (24)
Licence Number: 13417
Organization: Simon Fraser University
Licensed Year(s): 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001
Issued: Apr 10, 2003
Project Team: Dr. M. Hay

Objective(s): The research team aims to develop an understanding of the major processes affecting the flow and storage of water in the wetland-dominated discontinuous permafrost terrain of the Lower Liard Valley. This will lead to an improved representation of the processes controlling drainage in hydrological models, and will therefore improve the prediction of runoff and water storage levels. This information will be beneficial to northern communities for several reasons. For example, clean, potable water is anticipated to be an increasingly valuable resource in years to come. Improved understanding of flow and storage processes will help reduce uncertainties regarding the influence of climate warming on the future availability of northern water resources. Also, the delivery of water (including sediments, nutrients and biota) from headwater streams such as those in the Lower Liard is critical to maintaining the vitality of downstream ecosystems that often include species of economic importantance. Proper water resource management requires that the sensitivity of runoff producing areas to perturbances be understood, since natural (e.g. climate) and human activities can influence the quantity and quality of water delivered to the rivers and lakes used as municipal water sources.