Spatial–temporal variability of seasonal daily minimum flows in southern Quebec: synthesis on the impacts of climate, agriculture and wetlands

Abstract This study compares the impacts of climate, agriculture and wetlands on spatio-temporal variability seasonal daily minimum flows during period 1930–2019 in 17 watersheds southern Quebec (Canada). In terms spatial variability, correlation analysis revealed that were mainly negatively correlated with agricultural surface area spring, summer fall. winter, these positively wetland March temperatures but snowfall. During all four seasons, was characterized by higher flow values north shore (smaller larger area) than those south shore. As for temporal application six tests long-term trend showed most are a significant increase seasons due to reduction area, thus favoring water infiltration, increased rainfall On other hand, snowfall resulted observed several less watersheds.