Robert F. Carlson, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Department of Civil Engineering, Fairbanks, Alaska
Spatial distribution of freshwater runoff into Prince William Sound (PWS) is estimated using digital elevation data and a hydrology model. The model is driven by daily temperature and precipitation data and considers variations in elevation and glacier distribution.
Cross-correlation analysis between daily streamflow data and daily model output show statistically significant cross-correlation maxima of .65 to .85 at -4 to 0 days phase lag. Field data and model output agree within 67% to 168% in a system characterized by spatial and temporal variability of several orders of magnitude. The model indicates that approximately 8 meters of freshwater per unit area of water are added annually to PWS by stream runoff and glacier melt. Maximum surface freshening in central PWS and the Gulf of Alaska lag maximum freshwater input by one month, suggesting that the freshwater budget of PWS might be influenced by the Alaska Coastal Current.
