Canadian Forest Hydrology
Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF), BC
Research Site Metadata
Location
Coastal Mountain Foothills, BC
Coastal Forest Region
49°16′N 122°34′W
Watershed Area(s): 12 to 89 ha
Total Relief: 445 m
Mean Annual Runoff: 2411 mm
Mean Annual Precipitation: 2141 mm
Mean Temperature: Jan 2.8°C; July 17.2°C
Total Relief: 445 m
Mean Annual Runoff: 2411 mm
Mean Annual Precipitation: 2141 mm
Mean Temperature: Jan 2.8°C; July 17.2°C
Photo by: David Blevin
• Long-term climate record including the occurrence of major ENSO and PDO cycles.
• Climatic setting of the study period.
• Typical annual hydrograph and precipitation pattern for East Creek in MKRF.
More Information
Landscape
The research site includes small perennial headwater and larger-order streams. Precipitation occurs predominantly in the fall, winter and spring; summers tend to be warm and relatively dry. There is a strong orographic effect, resulting in runoff that exceeds precipitation measured at the climate station. Winter temperatures are mild due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, so that most precipitation falls as rain. However, seasonally continuous snowpacks form at the higher elevations. Sections of some streams experience discontinuous flow during dry summer periods. The soils are dominantly podzols formed in ablation till or colluvium, overlying relatively impermeable basal till or granitic bedrock. Soil depth is approximately 1 m on average. The forest is a mix of second growth Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Douglas-fir.
Experimental Design
| Study type | Replicated Paired Watershed |
|---|---|
| Treatments | 3 partial-harvest ttmts (50% basal area removed with no stream buffers) |
| Controls | 3 sub-watersheds |
| Study Duration | 1997 - present |
| Pre-Harvest | 1997-1998 |
| Harvest | 1998-1999 |
| Post-Harvest | 2000 - present |
Parameters
Discharge, precipitation, air temperature, and water temperature, and aquatic ecology.
Contact
R. Dan Moore
Geography Depertment
The University of British Columbia
1984 West Mall
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2
Ph: (604) 822-3538
Fax: (604) 822-6120
Email:rdmoore@geog.ubc.ca
Geography Depertment
The University of British Columbia
1984 West Mall
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2
Ph: (604) 822-3538
Fax: (604) 822-6120
Email:rdmoore@geog.ubc.ca