The Observation and Simulation of Diurnal Evaporation Contrast in an Alaskan Alpine Pass

Abstract

The surface climate simulation strategy developed by Myrup and modified by Outcalt was employed in the analysis of evaporation in rough alpine tundra terrain at Chitistone Pass, Alaska (61N, 142W, 1773 m MSL). The observations of evaporation for clear weather compare favorably with simulation estimates, especially for sites where water availability is not a limiting factor. Drier sites produce divergence between simulation and actual evaporation calculations. Further development is necessary to produce a working simulation model that incorporates both a water and heat budget synthesis for tundra terrain. However, with the employment of the equilibrium temperature model, the contrast of evaporation over tundra terrain appears to be predictable.