Understanding the Impacts of Glaciers on Streamflow in Alaska and Washington
Glacier Impacts on Current and Future Streamflow
Dates
Start Date
2015-06
End Date
2017-06
Release Date
2015
Summary
Glaciers are a central component to the hydrology of many areas in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Glacier melt plays a crucial role in the movement of nutrients through a landscape and into the ocean, and the flow of water into streams that sustain many species. As air temperatures rise, increased rates of glacier melt may have significant impacts to the hydrology and ecology in these areas. This project aims to broaden our understanding of the role of glaciers in the hydrology of Alaska and Washington state and incorporate this knowledge into two types of models that simulate past and future scenarios of water flow. The project team aims to develop a public web portal to allow users to explore content, access data, and view results [...]
Summary
Glaciers are a central component to the hydrology of many areas in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Glacier melt plays a crucial role in the movement of nutrients through a landscape and into the ocean, and the flow of water into streams that sustain many species. As air temperatures rise, increased rates of glacier melt may have significant impacts to the hydrology and ecology in these areas.
This project aims to broaden our understanding of the role of glaciers in the hydrology of Alaska and Washington state and incorporate this knowledge into two types of models that simulate past and future scenarios of water flow. The project team aims to develop a public web portal to allow users to explore content, access data, and view results of the modeling through maps and visualizations. The team also plans to assess potential hazards (such as flooding) and habitat concerns (such as impacts to fish breeding habitats) that are possible with increased glacier melt and changes in streamflow. Land and natural resource managers can use this information to assess risks and plan for future conditions that may impact local and regional communities.
So far the project team has added a module (PRMSglacier) to simulate glacier runoff to the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS). Learn more about this work in the products section below.
This project is co-funded by the Northwest CSC and the Alaska CSC.
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AK-2015-2_TogiakNatlWR_SteveHillebrand_FWS.jpg “Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - Credit: Steve Hillebrand, USFWS”
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Purpose
This project will extend understanding of the role of glaciers in the hydrology of Alaska and Washington state and incorporate this knowledge into two types of simulation models. The project will develop robust methods for hydrologic modeling that will be applicable throughout AK and WA, including areas lacking types of on-the-ground measurements traditionally required for this type of research. Beyond improving theoretical understanding of glacier-influenced hydrology and building operational tools for other scientists, this project helps citizens of AK and WA by providing improved historical and projected statistics of streamflow to land resource managers and private citizens alike. This will be done by sharing the software and raw data of the modeling process through internet-standard protocols and developing a web portal specifically designed to allow users to explore content, access data, and view results through map-based and statistical visualizations. This will help the general population understand (1) the state of available resources, (2) potential responses of hydrology to changes in climate and glacier extent, and (3) uncertainty of model simulations associated with use of historical and projected future climate data. The development of this information can support the assessment of potential hazards (such as ice dam failures) and decision-making for more resilient development and risk management.
Project Extension
projectStatus
In Progress
Budget Extension
annualBudgets
year
2015
fundingSources
amount
23504.0
source
Alaska CSC
amount
25000.0
source
Northwest CSC
totalFunds
48504.0
totalFunds
48504.0
Preview Image
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - Credit: Steve Hillebrand, USFWS