Canadian Glacier Hydrology and Mass Balance Studies; A History of Accomplishments and Recommendations for Future Work

• Published in: Geografiska annaler. Series A, Physical geography Vol. 66; no. 3; pp. 169 - 182
• Main Authors: Young, G.J., Ommanney, C.S.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stockholm Taylor & Francis 1984; Swedish Society for Anthropology and Geography; Svenska sällskapet för anthropologi och geografi
• Subjects: Alpine glaciers; Cirque glaciers; Continental glaciers; Glacial ablation; Glacial lakes; Glacial landforms; Glacier mass balance; Glaciers; Mass balance; Polar caps; Canada
• ISSN: 0435-3676; 1468-0459
• DOI: 10.1080/04353676.1984.11880107

This is a review paper describing the history of glacier mass balance and runoff studies in Canada, evaluating the accomplishments and recommending some areas for future research and development.
The diversity of the projects and the fact that many of them have evolved in purpose during their history is emphasized. Most projects have had a short duration and the International Hydro- logical Decade activities have had a profound influence on glacier studies in general.
There have been considerable achievements in the collection and anlysis of data both in mass balance and in glacier runoff. Developments in technology (in computing, surveying and satellite techniques) have had a great impact on both the types of data collection and analysis.
Recommendations for future research and development focus on the need for better runoff models for large, integrated mountain basins.