Evaluating the spatial and temporal distribution of snow accumulation, snowmelts and discharge in a multi basin scale: an application to the Tohoku Region, Japan

Citation
K. Motoya et al., Evaluating the spatial and temporal distribution of snow accumulation, snowmelts and discharge in a multi basin scale: an application to the Tohoku Region, Japan, HYDROL PROC, 15(11), 2001, pp. 2101-2129
Citations number
22
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology
Journal title
HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
ISSN journal
0885-6087 → ACNP
Volume
15
Issue
11
Year of publication
2001
Pages
2101 - 2129
Database
ISI
SICI code
0885-6087(20010815)15:11<2101:ETSATD>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to discuss the temporal and spatial distribut ions of the snow water equivalent, snowmelt and discharge in a multibasin s cale (Tohoku Region, Japan; covering about 77 000 km(2)), using the heat bu dget model with the help of remote sensing (satellite images and meteorolog ical radar). The calculated distributions of snow water equivalent were sim ilar to that of the snow map obtained from the satellite images. At the sam e time, the seasonal variation of discharge in the three basins investigate d (Yuda, covering 583 km(2), Shichikasyuku, 237 km(2) and Okutadami, 426 km (2)) was in good agreement with the observed one at the dam. Moreover, we c onducted sensitivity tests for increasing solar radiation and air temperatu re by adding 10 W/m(2) to the solar radiation and I degree to air temperatu re, respectively. The peaks of the snow cover area did not change so much, although the area in the snowmelt season decreased in these cases. The snow water equivalent in both cases became smaller than the control, particular ly in the case of a 1 degree increase in air temperature. The snowmelt and discharge increased in the first half of the snowmelt period but were less than the control in the latter half. The model suggested in this study will be able to estimate changes in the hydrological elements related to snow, if a scenario of the climate change is provided. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wi ley & Sons, Ltd.