Canada’s Changing Climate Report, Chapter 6: Changes in Freshwater Availability Across Canada

This chapter assesses past and future climate-related changes to surface runoff (streamflow), surface water levels, soil moisture and drought, and groundwater in Canada.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Creator Bonsal, B R; Peters, D L; Seglenieks, F; Rivera, A; Berg, A
Summary Freshwater availability in Canada is influenced by a multitude of factors: some natural, some as a result of human activity. Changes in precipitation and temperature have a strong influence, both directly and indirectly, through changes to snow, ice, and permafrost. Disturbances of the water cycle by humans (dams, diversions, and withdrawals) make it difficult to discern climate-related changes. Direct measurements of freshwater availability indicators are inconsistent across the country and, in some cases, too sparse to evaluate past changes. National and regional studies are considered, along with information on changes in temperature, precipitation, and the cryosphere to assess changes to freshwater availability in Canada.
Local Relevance
Notes
Tags Hydrology
Geographic Region NWT
Release Date 2019-01-01
Last Modified Date 2019-01-01
Funding Program