Potential evaporation in the peace river region of British Columbia

Abstract

Micrometeorological data collected over pasture in the Peace River area of British Columbia during the wet summer of 1977 were used to test the Priestley and Taylor (1972) model for potential evaporation. The model performed very well. RMSE was less than 10% of the mean evaporation rate on a daytime basis using an alpha value of 1.26. Since the model is mainly dependent on net radiation, which is rarely measured in such remote areas, this quantity was also estimated from more readily available meteorological data and used to calculate evaporation. Results were encouraging; calculated values were generally within 20 and 10% of energy balance estimates on daily and 5‐day mean bases.     

A simple method of estimating the soil water balance

A simple method of computing daily evapotranspiration is described. The main inputs to the model are easily measurable parameters such as rainfall and pan evaporation. The model takes into account evaporative demand and soil and crop factors, and can be used for the estimation of soil water loss in both fallow and cropped situations. In developing and testing the model, both published experimental information and data collected at ICRISAT Center were used. Estimated values of evapotranspiration and soil moisture storage were found to compare favourably with the observed values.     

Fresh water balance of the Gulf Stream system in a regional model study

 We investigate the dependence of surface fresh water fluxes in the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current (NAC) area on the position of the stream axis which is not well represented in most ocean models. To correct this shortcoming, strong unrealistic surface fresh water fluxes have to be applied that lead to an incorrect salt balance of the current system. The unrealistic surface fluxes required by the oceanic component may force flux adjustments and may cause fictitious long-term variability in coupled climate models. To identify the important points in the correct representation of the salt balance of the Gulf Stream a regional model of the northwestern part of the subtropical gyre has been set up. Sensitivity studies are made where the westward flow north of the Gulf Stream and its properties are varied. Increasing westward volume transport leads to a southward migration of the Gulf Stream separation point along the American coast. The salinity of the inflow is essential for realistic surface fresh water fluxes and the water mass distribution. The subpolar–subtropical connection is important in two ways: The deep dense flow from the deep water mass formation areas sets up the cyclonic circulation cell north of the Gulf Stream. The surface and mid depth flow of fresh water collected at high northern latitudes is mixed into the Gulf Stream and compensates for the net evaporation at the surface. Received: 19 September 2000 / Accepted: 5 February 2001     

The sensitivity of the water balance of a wet multilayer model pine canopy to variations in meteorological input

A multilayer canopy model of a pine forest is used to investigate the sensitivity of the water balance of the wet canopy to variations in meteorological input. The multilayer model does not take into account large-scale eddies, which are now considered to be of importance to canopy transport. It does, however, provide realistic simulations of wet canopy water balance and often predicts interception loss rates higher than those predicted by a unilayer model for the same meteorological input. Stable layers both within and above the canopy are often simulated during rainfall events, and these may help to spontaneously generate large-scale eddies or waves within forest canopies. The sensitivity study for a wet canopy suggests that low vapour pressure deficits and low wind speeds are associated with unstable surface conditions, and increasing values of both variables are associated with decreasing canopy drainage values and increasing evaporative losses. Low short- or long-wave radiation inputs are associated with stable surface conditions, and increasing values of both variables are associated with decreasing canopy drainage values and increasing evaporative losses. Increasing temperature is associated with increasing surface stability and increasing canopy drainage and decreasing evaporative losses. In real situations the tendency for increasing temperature to cause surface stability and decreased evaporative loss is probably compensated by the opposite effects of increasing short- or long-wave radiation. The model simulations suggest that wet forest canopies may be better ventilated at low temperatures, if other meteorological conditions are constant.     

Modelling the sensitivity of wheat growth and water balance to climate change in Southeast Australia

A simulation study was carried out to assess the potential sensitivity of wheat growth and water balance components to likely climate change scenarios at Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia. Specific processes considered include crop development, growth rate, grain yield, water use efficiency, evapotranspiration, runoff and deep drainage. Individual impacts of changes in temperature, rainfall and CO₂ concentration ([CO₂]) and the combined impacts of these three variables were analysed for 2050 ([CO₂] = 570 ppm, T +2.3°C, P ?7%) and 2070 ([CO₂] = 720 ppm, T +3.8°C, P ?10%) conditions. Two different rainfall change scenarios (changes in rainfall intensity or rainfall frequency) were used to modify historical rainfall data. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) was used to simulate the growth and water balance processes for a 117 year period of baseline, 2050 and 2070 climatic conditions. The results showed that wheat yield reduction caused by 1°C increase in temperature and 10% decrease in rainfall could be compensated by a 266 ppm increase in [CO₂] assuming no interactions between the individual effects. Temperature increase had little impact on long-term average water balance, while [CO₂] increase reduced evapotranspiration and increased deep drainage. Length of the growing season of wheat decreased 22 days in 2050 and 35 days in 2070 conditions as a consequence of 2.3°C and 3.8°C increase in temperature respectively. Yield in 2050 was approximately 1% higher than the simulated baseline yield of 4,462 kg ha^???1, but it was 6% lower in 2070. An early maturing cultivar (Hartog) was more sensitive in terms of yield response to temperature increase, while a mid-maturing cultivar (Janz) was more sensitive to rainfall reduction. Janz could benefit more from increase in CO₂ concentration. Rainfall reduction across all rainfall events would have a greater negative impact on wheat yield and WUE than if only smaller rainfall events reduced in magnitude, even given the same total decrease in annual rainfall. The greater the reduction in rainfall, the larger was the difference. The increase in temperature increased the difference of impact between the two rainfall change scenarios while increase in [CO₂] reduced the difference.     

Application of the Canadian regional climate model to the Laurentian great lakes region: Implementation of a lake model

Abstract

This study reports on the implementation of an interactive mixed‐layer/thermodynamic‐ice lake model coupled with the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM). For this application the CRCM, which uses a grid mesh of 45 km on a polar stereographic projection, 10 vertical levels, and a timestep of 15 min, is nested with the second generation Canadian General Circulation Model (GCM) simulated output. A numerical simulation of the climate of eastern North America, including the Laurentian Great Lakes, is then performed in order to evaluate the coupled model. The lakes are represented by a “mixed layer” model to simulate the evolution of the surface water temperature, and a thermodynamic ice model to simulate evolution of the ice cover. The mixed‐layer depth is allowed to vary spatially. Lake‐ice leads are parametrized as a function of ice thickness based on observations. Results from a 5‐year integration show that the coupled CRCM/lake model is capable of simulating the seasonal evolution of surface temperature and ice cover in the Great Lakes. When compared with lake climatology, the simulated mean surface water temperature agrees within 0.12°C on average. The seasonal evolution of the lake‐ice cover is realistic but the model tends to underestimate the monthly mean ice concentration on average. The simulated winter lake‐induced precipitation is also shown, and snow accumulation patterns on downwind shores of the lakes are found to be realistic when compared with observations.     

Proposal for a heat balance model tailored to the Korean peninsula

This study proposes a model that estimates optimal expected temperature for thermal comfort at various levels of relative humidity, wind speed, mean radiation temperature, metabolic rate, and clothing insulation, while improving the variables of the mean radiation temperature. By including the results of numerical and observational data testing, the improved model considers mean radiant temperatures more comprehensively than the previous model. Changes in expected temperatures for thermal comfort at various mean radiation temperatures showed that the outdoor temperature must decrease as the length of outdoor exposure increases. The expected temperature for thermal comfort must be lower at higher metabolic rates. The expected temperature does not change as wind speed increases when the mean radiant temperature is low. However, as mean radiant temperature increases, the expected temperatures change depending on the wind speed.     

Assessment of agricultural drought using a simple water balance model in the Free State Province of South Africa

Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI) at three different probability levels (20%, 50%, and 80%) was used to quantify drought affecting rain-fed maize production in the Free State Province of South Africa based on climate data from 227 weather stations. Results showed high spatial variability in the suitability of different areas: the southern and southwestern localities are unsuitable due to high drought incidences; the northern, central, and western regions are marginally suitable; the eastern, northerneastern areas and a few patches in the northwest are highly suitable with relatively low drought severity. Proper choice of maize varieties to suit conditions at different localities is crucial. The Mann–Kendall test and coefficient of variation were further used to determine trends and temporal variability, respectively, in the WRSI, seasonal rainfall, and seasonal maize water requirements. Results of this analysis revealed no significant positive trends in the WRSI, no significant negative trends in seasonal rainfall, and no significant positive trends in maize water requirements, contradicting previous findings of increased drought severity. Seasonal rainfall and the WRSI showed high interseasonal variability, while seasonal maize water requirements showed low variability. In view of these observations, it is apparent that realignment of management practices is an overdue prerequisite for sustainable maize production.     

Quantification of crop yields under rainfed conditions using a simple soil water balance model

Summary The concept of water requirement satisfaction index was used to quantify the crop yield under rainfed conditions, choosing pearl millet as an example. The relationship between the water requirement satisfaction index and yield was observed to beY = exp (— 18.023+4.173 lnx), indicating the exponential behaviour of the yield as affected by the water availability to the crop. The correlation between the observed and expected yields was found to be 0.94. Yields were simulated for the years 1901–85 using the mathematical relationship. Simulation results showed that the years with commencement of rainy season from 25th to 28th week are most suited for millet production in the study area. The maximum crop failures were observed with 7 years per decade during the years 1901–40. The results also showed that the concept ofWRSI can be used in assessing the effects of soil moisture stress on crop yields at field level.

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Zusammenfassung Das Konzept des Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (Wasser-Bedarf-Sättigungs-Index,WRSI) wurde verwendet, um Ernteprognosen ohne Bewässerung am Beispiel von Perlenhirse zu erstellen. Das Verhältnis zwischenWRSI und Ernteertrag konnte dabei alsy = exp (— 18.023+4.173 lnx) beschrieben werden, was auf eine Beeinflussung der exponentiellen Entwicklung des Ernteertrags durch die Menge verfügbaren Wassers hinweist. Die Übereinstimmung zwischen erwarteten und beobachteten Erträgen lag bei 0.94. Die Ernteerträge für die Jahre 1901–1985 wurden damit simuliert. Die Ergebnisse dieser Simulation zeigten, daß Jahre, in denen der Beginn der Regenzeit zwischen die 25. und 28. Woche fällt, am besten zur Hirseproduktion in der untersuchten Gegend geeignet scheinen. Maximale Ernteausfälle wurden mit sieben Jahren pro Dekade zwischen 1901 und 1940 registriert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß das Konzept desWRSI auch zur Einschätzung von Auswirkungen der Bodenfeuchtigkeitsbelastung auf Ernteerträge auf dem Feld verwendet werden kann.

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A mathematical model of water and sediment flow in open river channels

A one-dimensional mathematical model of water and sediment flow in open channels is proposed based on the forces influencing a water stream and bottom and stream sediments. The equations of water and sediment flow are closed by the equations of continuity of stream, velocity of particle motion in a stream, and the equation of balance of kinetic energy and moving particles: joint calculation of stream hydraulic characteristics and sediment discharge is performed. Hydraulic resistances are retrieved not from the Chezi formula, but based on the balance of forces and kinetic energy. A sediment discharge is calculated from velocities and the number of moving solid particles instead of empirical relationships whose accuracy is usually low. The model is verified against the data of experiments in hydraulic flumes with glass and sand bottom. Comparison with independent data in the glass flume in a wide range of water discharges and bottom inclinations showed a high accuracy of calculation of hydraulic characteristics (relative error is less than 4%). The experimental data showed that the accuracy of sediment discharge calculated by the model exceeds the accuracy of the calculation using traditional empirical formulas.     

Global and continental water balance in a GCM

Surface hydrology is recognised as an important component of general circulation climate models. The global and regional climates simulated by such models are demonstrably sensitive to the parameterization of terrestrial hydrologic processes. There exists, therefore, a clear requirement to evaluate different parameterization approaches in terms of the representation of the terrestrial phase of the hydrologic cycle. One potential means of meeting this requirement is by using available continental water-balance summaries. In this study three versions of a GCM, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Climate Model Version l (CCM1), differing mainly in spatial resolution and the representation of the surface hydrology, are compared against existing water-balance studies. Additional streamflow data are incorporated as a means of further validating both the water-balance approach and the GCM surface hydrologic parameterization in capturing the gross features of continental-scale hydrology.     

A PCSWMM/GIS-based water balance model for the Reesor Creek watershed

This paper presents the results of a study of a watershed experiencing the pressures of land-use change resulting from urban development. The study was undertaken to facilitate an understanding of the water balance of the watershed by developing and implementing watershed procedures that are to be addressed in a watershed plan. There were three components to the research: firstly, observation of the effects of spatially distributed rainfall measurements and their effect on modelling were assessed. Secondly, the model was then calibrated by observing how differing techniques can discretize both the landscape (e.g. land-use and soil type) and incoming precipitation. Finally, a modelling methodology was developed to integrate a Geographic Information System and a hydrologic model (e.g. Storm Water Management Model) in a water balance analysis on a watershed basis. Results show that, under certain conditions, kriging spatially distributed rainfall values can help predict rainfall at ungauged (virtual) sites. Discretization of a watershed was found to affect the differences between measured and generated runoff volumes; however, this can be refined with calibration. It was seen that a strong correlation between measured and predicted rainfall values did not always guarantee a strong relationship between measured and generated runoff Recommendations include the use of a longer time series of rainfall, streamflow and predicted rainfall to observe temporal variations, and the need to assess the differences in modelled rainfall values generated by various surface interpolation methods (e.g. Inverse Distance Weighting and other kriging options) currently available in GIS packages.     

Accuracy of the linearized standard balance and asymmetric balance systems in a shallow-water numerical model

A numerical evaluation of the accuracy of the standard balance equations (BE) and the asymmetric balance equations (AB) in strong vortex applications is presented. Linearized equations for the evolution of disturbances on a symmetric hurricane-like vortex in a shallow-water model are used to compare forecasts using the AB and BE formulations with benchmark primitive equation forecasts. The validity of the BE and AB models is formally determined by the square of the Froude number, F², and the square of the local Rossby number for disturbances with azimuthal wavenumber n, , respectively. The numerical experiments demonstrate that accurate results can be achieved with BE and AB in situations where F² and , respectively, are not necessarily small. When the divergence of the asymmetric disturbance is not much smaller than its vorticity, and the azimuthal wavenumber of the disturbance is low, the AB system proves to be a useful alternative to BE.     

A model for predicting actual evapotranspiration under soil water stress in a Mediterranean region

Summary In this paper a model for estimating actual evapotranspiration is developed and tested for field crops (grain sorghum and sunflower) maintained under water stress conditions. The model is based on the Penman-Monteith formulation of ET in which canopy resistance (r _c) is modeled with respect to the crop water status and local climatological conditions. The model was previously tested on reference grass; in this last case no reference was made to soil water conditions andr _c was modeled only as a function of climatological parameters. Herer _c is expressed as a function of available energy, vapour pressure deficit, aerodynamic resistance and crop water status by means of predawn leaf water potential. Results, obtained with various crop water stress intensities, show that, on a daily scale, calculated ET is 98% and 95% of the measured ET for sorghum and sunflower respectively. The correlation between daily calculated and measured ET is very high (r ² = 0.95 for sorghum andr ² = 0.98 for sunflower). On an hourly scale, the model works very well when the crops were not stressed and during the senescence stage. In case of weak and strong stress the model has to be used with some precautions.With 9 Figures     

Technogenic influence on the quality of water resources of small river basins (with a special reference to the Protva river)

The underground waters in small river basins in central Russia are recharged as a result of the atmospheric precipitation infiltration on the catchment and river water inflow to the horizons hydraulically connected with the river. In the first case, the atmospheric precipitation on its way of transit is being enriched in elements of water-bearing rocks, in the second case, of the surface runoff and domestic wastes waters. Both fluxes get mixed at the coastal water withdrawals of underground water. Some regularities in the drinking water quality formation connected with climatic conditions and water use regime were established based on geochemical and hydrodynamic studies of underground waters of the Protva River basin deposits.     

Response of the water balance in Greece to temperature and precipitation trends

This paper deals with the most recent trends in meteorological and hydrological variables, which include air temperature and precipitation (P), potential and actual (ET) evapotranspiration, surface runoff (RO), water recharge into the soil (R) and water loss from the soil (L). Most hydrological variables were calculated via Palmer's algorithm. For this purpose, two rank-based statistical tests (the Mann?CKendall (MK) and a change-point analysis (CPA) approach) and the basic linear regression-based model were applied on the weekly precipitation and temperature from 17 stations all over Greece, during 1961?C2006. Only in winter, all variables except for R, which showed no clear signal, presented downward trends. The declining trends of P and L in spring and summer were counterbalanced by reductions in RO (and R in the case of summer) as opposed to increases in ET. In autumn, the declining tendencies of P and L were offset by RO reductions and R increases. Annually, the trends in water cycle components were analogous to that of spring, summer and autumn. The number of stations with statistically significant (at 95%) trends greatly varied with season and meteorological/hydrological variable.     

Applying the energy- and water balance model for incorporation of the cryospheric component into a climate model. Part II. Modeled mass balance on the green land ice sheet surface

The Greenland ice sheet is a very important potential source of fresh water inflow to the World Ocean under warming climate conditions. Apparently, it was the same during the Last Interglacial 130-115 thousand years ago. In order to quantify input of the Greenland ice sheet to the rise of the global mean sea level in the past or in the future, we include a surface mass balance model block into the Earth System Model. The computational algorithm is based on the calculation of energy balance on the ice sheet surface. The key tuning parameter of the model is the daily amplitude of air surface temperature. It defines the area and the rate of snow or ice melting. The range of possible values of this parameter is determined during a series of numerical experiments. High sensitivity of meltwater runoff volume to surface air temperature amplitude is revealed.