Hydrological Simulation of the Churchill River Watershed Using Bias Corrected Climate Model Data

The goal of the proposed research project is to use bias corrected climate model output to drive a hydrological model of the Churchill River Basin in Labrador. This represents a major milestone in an existing research collaboration between Memorial University and Nalcor Energy, the primary objective of which is to determine the effects of climate change on the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project, to be located on the Churchill River. Objectives of the current proposal include: learning how to use Environment Canada’s GEM model; processing climate model output from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP); collecting observed data from sites in Labrador to help with bias correction, and; using processed NARCCAP data to drive the hydrological model within GEM. This internship will provide proof of concept using data from one climate model that will allow expansion to all NARCCAP ensemble members in the future.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Ken Snelgrove

Student:

Jonas Roberts

Partner:

Nalcor Energy

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Energy

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland