An exploration of the controls of pre-instrumental streamflow using multiple tree-ring proxies

• Published in: Dendrochronologia (Verona) Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 225 - 234
• Main Authors: Watson, Emma, Luckman, Brian H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.09.2005
• Subjects: Banff National Park; Canadian Rockies; dendrochronology; forest trees; forested watersheds; Glacier mass balance; growth rings; paleoclimatology; Precipitation; snow; Stream flow; summer; Tree-ring chronologies; Tree-ring reconstructions; watershed hydrology; winter; Alberta; Canada, Alberta, Banff, Bow R; Canada, Alberta; Canada, Alberta, Banff Natl. Park; Precipitation; Stream flow; Tree-ring reconstructions; Canadian Rockies; Glacier mass balance; Banff National Park; Tree-ring chronologies
• ISSN: 1125-7865; 1612-0051
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dendro.2005.05.006

Previous studies have used tree-ring chronologies from several species to develop reconstructions of precipitation, temperature, streamflow and glacier mass balance for sites in Banff National Park, Alberta. This study examines the variability in a >300-year summer streamflow reconstruction for the Bow River at Banff in conjunction with changes in the major contributors to streamflow (glacier melt, winter and summer pecipitation). Reconstructed winter mass balance for Peyto Glacier is used as a surrogate for winter precipitation and April–August precipitation is reconstructed for Banff. Streamflow variability correlates most highly with winter precipitation and periods of high flow follow above average snowfall in the previous winter (high winter balance) and in some cases also with above normal summer precipitation. A clear response to changes in summer mass balance at Peyto Glacier (i.e. summer glacier melting) cannot be identified in this summer discharge record. Problems developing physically realistic flow reconstructions for snowmelt dominated rivers from summer sensitive tree-ring chronologies are also discussed.