Runoff generation in a low Arctic drainage basin

Abstract

The production of runoff from a small drainage basin in the continuous permafrost area of continental Canada was studied for two years. The basin comprises two main land types (dry tundra slopes and valley bottom wetlands) and several lakes. In spring, meltwater from most parts of the basin contributed to total runoff but the magnitude and timing of slope and wetland runoff differed. In summer this difference in runoff production was more marked. In both seasons the base of the slopes initiated runoff, which increased significantly once the wetlands began to discharge. The combined runoff mechanisms of the two land types and the linkages between them provide a general framework for an understanding of runoff generation in low Arctic basins.