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Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912 |
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Electronic Journal of the International Association for
Environmental Hydrology
JEH Volume 20 (2012), Paper 4 Posted February 29, 2012 COHERENCE AND EVENT DETECTION METHODOLOGY OF RIVER DISCHARGE AND SNOW WATER EQUIVALENT IN NEW MEXICO, USA
J.L. Tichy ABSTRACT To find events in both river discharge data and snow water equivalent data for the Rio Grande, New Mexico, moving averages (short term average over long term average, STA/LTA) are used to create an event detector. Additionally, a cross-correlation is performed on the data from the United States Geological Survey and the National Resource Conservation Service (1981-2010) to see the relationship between the river discharge data and the snow water equivalent data. Using lag times calculated from the cross correlation, the difference in peak times from discharge and snowmelt indicates a shift in snowmelt to earlier in the spring. Because of the high correlation between snow water equivalent and river discharge, plus the results of the cross-correlation, it is found that the peak in snowmelt is occurring earlier in the year and that the time lag between peak snowpack and peak river discharge is decreasing, meaning that the snowpack is generally melting faster. One implication resulting from hydrologic changes such as these is the adaptation of aquatic and terrestrial species depending on the system for survival. Reference: Tichy, J.L. 2012. Coherence and event detection methodology of river discharge and snow water equivalent in New Mexico, USA. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 20, Paper 4. CONTACT: Jennifer L. Tichy University of New Mexico 10932 Jicama Way SE Albuquerque, NM 87123 E-mail: jltichy@gmail.com |
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