Water source dynamics of high Arctic river basins

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.9891
• Publication Date: 2013-05-08T21:19:29Z
• Authors: Phillip J. Blaen; David M. Hannah; Lee E. Brown; Alexander M. Milner
• Keywords: Meltwater; Snowmelt

Abstract Arctic river basins are amongst the most vulnerable to climate change. However, there is currently limited knowledge of hydrological processes that govern flow dynamics in basins. We address this research gap using natural hydrochemical and isotopic tracers identify water sources contributed runoff spanning a gradient glacierization (0–61%) Svalbard during summer 2010 2011. Spatially distinct operating over diurnal, weekly seasonal timescales were characterized by hydrochemistry composition. Two conceptual (‘meltwater’ ‘groundwater’) identified used as basis for end‐member mixing analyses assess year‐to‐year variability source dynamics. In glacier‐fed rivers, meltwater dominated flows at all sites (typically >80%) with highest contributions observed beginning each study period early July when snow cover was extensive. Rivers non‐glacierized sourced initially from snowmelt but became increasingly dependent on groundwater inputs (up 100% total volume) late summer. These changes attributed depletion snowpacks enhanced soil storage capacity active layer expanded throughout melt season. findings provide insight into underpin systems potential future hydrology might be expected under changing climate. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.