Alpine hydrogeology: Building a scientific framework for groundwater in alpine headwaters

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Nearly half of the world's population depends on rivers originating in high mountains for water supply. Baseflow of these rivers during a long dry or cold season is critical for freshwater ecosystems and for drinking water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, and many other water uses in downstream regions. Alpine headwaters of these rivers generate a disproportionately large amount of runoff due to high precipitation and low evapotranspiration compared to forested zones in lower parts of the mountains. As global warming is expected to reduce alpine snowpack and deplete glaciers, alpine aquifers will play increasingly important roles in storing meltwater and rain water and gradually releasing them during the baseflow period, thereby potentially buffering the effects of climate change. However, the current understanding of alpine aquifers is limited due to a lack of detailed hydrogeological studies in rugged alpine environments. Therefore, the overarching goal of this research program is to develop a scientific framework for understanding and quantifying groundwater storage in alpine headwater catchments. To achieve the goal, my research team will conduct field-based studies of groundwater in the Canadian Rockies to identify common types of aquifers in alpine regions and develop methods to estimate the amount of groundwater stored in these aquifers and how long it is stored (i.e. aquifer characteristics). We will also develop the methods to estimate the aquifer characteristics at a scale of river basins using available information on geology and topography, and build hydrological models for predicting the influence of climate change on river baseflow. By working with international collaborators from Asia, Europe, and South America, we will develop a framework that encompasses the common characteristics of mountain ranges around the world and hence, is globally transferrable to mountainous regions having different geological and climatic conditions. The new scientific framework and models will provide the critical information and tools for water resource management in the regions dependent on mountain rivers.