Glacial Melt in the Canadian Rockies and Potential Effects on Groundwater in the Plains Region

The prevailing concern in the Western Canadian Plains is that glaciers from eastern Rocky Mountains (CRM) are losing mass, thus affecting groundwater recharge Plains. generally accepted hypothesis those geological source of for aquifers located this region, close to part Rockies, represent a major water local population. It believed aquifer originates as infiltration snowmelt and ice Front Ranges Rockies. A growing relates significant glacier melt estimated mass balances, which indicate fields have experienced considerable losses over last 15 years, between 1 5 km3 per year, reducing recharge. However, deep flow under melting conditions mountainous regions poorly understood. In study, three 2D numerical hydrogeological models built order simulate Main CRM province Alberta, Canada. Numerical results sensitivity analysis up different regional groundwater-flow systems present region. These reveal time- space-scales associated with combination foothills, Plains, conditions. Based on current knowledge hydrogeology study area modelling results, it highly unlikely affects immediate future. contribution Rockies time-dependent delayed flows 1000s years ranges, 100,000s foothills Foreland; millions at scale.