A model of intra-annual flow distribution with scanty observational data

Abstract

A model of intra-annual (mean annual and mean monthly) flow distribution and methods of its application to reconstructing the zonal runoff in West Siberia Plain are developed with scanty initial information. Analysis of the results shows that the model allows us to satisfactorily describe the observable changes in the total runoff and its groundwater component. The observed increase in the groundwater levels in the taiga zone of Western Siberia may occur even with decreasing annual precipitation. Increasing air temperature at the beginning and end of the winter period leads to an increase in the underground runoff. In addition, during the winter period the average air temperature increases and, as a consequence, the soil ice content decreases and the filtration properties of the soil increase.