Integration of Physical and Biological Field Data and High Resolution Numerical Models - An Overview of Environment Canada's Experience on the St. Lawrence River, Canada

摘要

Environment Canada, in collaboration with numerous other organisations, is developing a high resolution two-dimensional finite element numerical modeling environment of the St. Lawrence River (from Cornwall, Ont. to Trois-Rivieres, Que.). This modeling environment permits initialisation with up-to-date field data (winds, flows from tributaries) and integrates meteorological model results (forecasted wind field, temperatures) in order to compute water levels and currents as well as, inter alia, the movement of oil slicks following a spill in the river or one of its tributaries. Work is also progressing on the modeling of biological parameters (such as aquatic plants) to help evaluate the environmental impacts of water level fluctuations due to climate change or regulation on the riverine ecosystem.