Elevation-dependent compensation effects in snowmelt in the Rhine River Basin upstream gauge Basel

6Citations
Citations of this article
10Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

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.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Rottler, E., Vormoor, K., Francke, T., Warscher, M., Strasser, U., & Bronstert, A. (2021). Elevation-dependent compensation effects in snowmelt in the Rhine River Basin upstream gauge Basel. Hydrology Research, 52(2), 536–557. https://doi.org/10.2166/nh.2021.092

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free