Synopsis of Mackenzie GEWEX Studies on the Atmospheric-Hydrologic System of a Cold Region

The atmospheric-hydrologic system of the Mackenzie River Basin (MRB) shares many traits special to the world cold regions. MAGS investigators used a variety of research methods (field investigations, remote sensing, data analyses and modeling) to characterize, understand and predict the cold climate phenomena. Research emphasized the atmospheric and hydrologic processes in the MRB which exhibit pronounced seasonality. In general, the atmosphere is most dynamic in the cold season and hydrologic activities are particularly vigorous in the snowmelt period. The Basin experiences large climate variability that may be linked to shifts in the direction and intensity of airflows. Climate warming signals are also being recognized and a number of studies examined the future warming effects on wildfires, snow, frost, lakes, river ice and streamflow. This chapter synthesizes the contributions of MAGS to the knowledge on the atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere of the cold region.