Elevation-dependent compensation effects in snowmelt
This repository stores scripts used to simulate snow using a physically-based snow routine and analyse results with regard to elevation-dependent compensation effects in snowmelt. Main results were published in:
Rottler, E., Vormoor, K., Francke, T., Warscher, M., Strasser, U., Bronstert, A.: Elevation-dependent compensation effects in snowmelt in the Rhine River Basin upstream gauge Basel, Hydrology Research, 52 (2): 536–557. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/nh.2021.092, 2021
Summary
In snow-dominated river basins, floods often occur during early summer, when snowmelt-induced runoff superimposes with rainfall-induced runoff. An earlier onset of seasonal snowmelt as a consequence of a warming climate is often expected to shift snowmelt contribution to river runoff and potential flooding to an earlier date. Against this background, we assess the impact of rising temperatures on seasonal snowpacks and quantify changes in timing, magnitude and elevation of snowmelt. We analyse in situ snow measurements, conduct snow simulations and examine changes in river runoff at key gauging stations. With regard to snowmelt, we detect a threefold effect of rising temperatures: snowmelt becomes weaker, occurs earlier and forms at higher elevations. Due to the wide range of elevations in the catchment, snowmelt does not occur simultaneously at all elevations. Results indicate that elevation bands melt together in blocks. We hypothesise that in a warmer world with similar sequences of weather conditions, snowmelt is moved upward to higher elevation. The movement upward the elevation range makes snowmelt in individual elevation bands occur earlier, although the timing of the snowmelt-induced runoff stays the same. Meltwater from higher elevations, at least partly, replaces meltwater from elevations below.
Feedback
Should you have any questions or want more information, please do not hesitate to write an email to: rottler(a)uni-potsdam.de
Funding
This research was funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) within the graduate research training group NatRiskChange (GRK 2043/1-P2) at the University of Potsdam: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/natriskchange