Relationship Between Precipitation and Topography in the Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan
Date
1989-09
Authors
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Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Long tenn precipitation records show a trend toward increased
precipitation over tiJne in the cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. 'The
Cypress Hills are a plateau 300 to 500 matres higher than the
surrounding prairies. Detennining the variation of precipitation with
the topography of this area is the focus of this thesis.
'Ib investigate this problem an intensive precipitation gaging
network was established over a large portion of the Cypress Hills and
maintained during the surmners of 1987 and 1988. In addition, a variety
of meteorological instn.nnents were set up to record weather conditions
affecting the area.
Five topographic variables were used to describe the topography
surrounding each gaging station. comparisons between these variables
and precipitation recorded at the station indicated that elevation and
local relief were the lIDSt significant in explaining changes in
precipitation. Gaging stations were grouped into three classes, north
slope, plateau, and south slope stations to compare precipitation
received over the cypress Hills. Analysis of variance indicates that
significant precipitation differences occurred across the Cypress
Hills.
Generally, the greatest precipitation occurs along the steep north
slopes with spillover onto the plateau surface. There is a trend to
decreasing precipitation on the more gentle southern slopes inferring
the development of a rain shadow. The effect of a large glacial
spillway dividing the cypress Hills is unclear. Evidence gathered
supports roth a decrease in precipitation or no effect upon
precipitation associated with the valley.
The distribution of precipitation across the Cypress Hills is
complex and is highly dependent upon weather conditions. COrrespondence
between topography and precipitation is IIOSt apparent when nof.st; air
masses generated by cyclonic stonns affect the area. It also appears
that thunderstorns which encounter the Cypress Hills are intensified.
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Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Geography and Planning
Program
Geography and Planning