A simple model of runoff from ungauged basins in West Greenland

A simple model of runoff in West Greenland is proposed for the case that glaciers are in a state of balance. The independent variables in the model are estimated annual precipitation and evaporation while model parameters are evaluated by analysis of precipitation series from Greenland, and mass bal...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Braithwaite, R.J.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 1982
Subjects:
Online Access:https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/publications/5e7b442d-8b7a-45b4-80a8-68f481bcb2c1
Description
Summary:A simple model of runoff in West Greenland is proposed for the case that glaciers are in a state of balance. The independent variables in the model are estimated annual precipitation and evaporation while model parameters are evaluated by analysis of precipitation series from Greenland, and mass balance series from other parts of the world. The model can be applied to ungauged basins for preliminary calculations of mean runoff, reservoir capacities and relative error in mean runoff. Application of the model to sixteen proposed hydropower projects in West Greenland shows an order-of-magnitude agreement with earlier estimates. However, a more detailed analysis of runoff from Johan Dahl Land confirms that the runoff is less than originally estimated. The proposed reservoir appears to be adequate for 30-year storage but the design yield of the project must be reduced for safety. The shortcomings of the model should be obvious. They can be best overcome by an improved knowledge of hydrological conditions in the country resulting from systematic field observations.