Author(s): Abolfazl Jalali Shahrood; Amirhossein Ahrari; Ali Torabi Haghighi
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: River ice break-up; RiTiCE; Spring freshet; Kiiminkijoki; Kemijoki
Abstract: RiTiCE (River Timing Characteristics and Extremes) has been designed with a specific focus on the Arctic region, where annual hydrologic events, particularly the spring ice break-up, plays a significant role in terms of ecology, economy (hydropower generation), safety, and navigation. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of river ice, given the significant socioeconomic and ecological consequences associated with ice break-up events. These consequences include morphological changes and damage to riverine structures, making the investigation of river ice dynamics crucial for informed decision-making. Our study focuses on the specific cases of River Kiiminkijoki (pristine) and River Kemijoki (Regulated), both representative of the Arctic region's hydrological complexities. By incorporating annual daily hydrographs, air temperature, surface temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed data, RiTiCE aims to redefine the break-up event consistently across different locations. This approach addresses the challenges posed by data gaps in some locations and the limitations of remote sensing datasets on narrower river reaches. The deliverables of this study extend beyond identifying patterns in river ice break-up events. By examining regulated and pristine rivers, we aim to reveal the impacts of regulation on the river ice regime and explore the long-term consequences, contributing to a better understanding of the interactions between regulation, environmental factors, and river ice behavior.
Year: 2024