Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Michael English

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

The environmental isotope oxygen-18 and natural water chemistry were used to identify both the percent individual source component and mechanisms responsible for generating summer surface storm runoff in a small Precambrian Shield catchment. In addition, variations in radon gas (Rn-222) concentration in both surface and groundwaters were monitored in order to gain additional information not obtainable through use of the above stated tracers. Results indicate that the percent component contribution and the mechanism(s) responsible for stormflow generation within the study basin are largely dependent upon antecedent basin conditions and physical storm characteristics. Generally speaking, shortly after initiation of precipitation under any given antecedent condition a piston flow type mechanism operates delivering pre-event water (primarily phreatic zone water) to the stream channel. Rapid throughflow of water occurs during intense precipitation events as well as during wet antecedent conditions. The composition of throughflow is largely composed of event water. Under wet antecedent conditions throughflow is generally a mixture of event and pre-event waters. In this case pre-event water is primarily vadose zone water.

Convocation Year

1990

Convocation Season

Spring

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