Meteorologic and hydrologic data sets, Kuparuk River Watershed, Northern Alaska, USA

Note: This data set was first published on the 1998 CAPS CD.
The text for this document was taken unchanged from that CD.

Meteorologic and Hydrologic Data Sets, Kuparuk River Watershed, Northern Alaska, USA, 1985 -1996

Douglas L. Kane, Robert E. Gieck Jr.,
Larry D. Hinzman and Elizabeth K. Lilly

Water Research Center
Institute of Northern Engineering
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-5860

INTRODUCTION:

Various research projects on the North Slope of Alaska have, since the mid-1980's, resulted in the establishment of several unmanned meteorological and research sites on a north-south transect. For logistical reasons, most of the present sites are located along the Dalton Highway or accessible from roads on the Prudhoe Bay oil field. The catalyst for this data collection program was the Department of Energy's R4D project at Imnavait Creek where the first meteorological data sites were established in 1985. One year later in 1987, additional meteorological sites were established at Sagwon and Franklin Bluffs.

In 1992, another meteorological site was installed in conjunction with a wetlands study funded by the U.S. Geological Survey on the west side of the Prudhoe Bay oil field on the banks of the Kuparuk River. In 1993, the Imnavait Basin A site was moved several kilometers, renamed Upper Kuparuk, and re-installed on the Upper Kuparuk River south of the Dalton Highway near Toolik Lake. In 1994, the first remote meteorological station that transmits via satellite was installed on the Kuparuk River 90 km south of the Arctic Coast in the western most part of the Kuparuk River Basin. Also in 1994, the Betty Pingo Site was established about 2 km northeast of the Lower Kuparuk Site and the North Prudhoe Bay Site was established adjacent to the Beaufort Sea coast about 2 km east of the West Dock grid. In 1995, all sites utilizing 3 meter towers were upgraded to 10 meter towers. During the tower upgrade, the Lower Kuparuk site was removed from service. Meteorological instrumentation from the site were moved to the West Dock Grid establishing the West Dock Site. Radiation instrumentation from the Lower Kuparuk Site were relocated to the Betty Pingo Site.

The quality and continuous collection of this data is only possible because of the availability of solid state instrumentation and data loggers. The quality of most data is very good, although some instrumentation does not work well for various environmental conditions. For example, precipitation gages do not work well in windy conditions and radiometers do not work well when coated with rime ice, condensation, dust, etc.. We have tried to identify bad data and remove it, but this is not always possible. Because of poor performance during the winter months, we do not collect data from radiometers and the standard 8 inch (20 cm) orifice precipitation gages from September through mid-April.

The collection of this data set would not be possible without the support of the Department of Energy, U.S. Geological Survey and the National Science Foundation. We would also like to thank the many individuals who assisted us over the years in the collection of this data.

Please cite these data from the CAPS Version 1.0 CD-ROM as follows:

Kane, D.L., 1998.Meteorologic and hydrologic data sets, Kuparuk River Watershed, Northern Alaska, USA. In: International Permafrost Association, Data and Information Working Group, comp. Circumpolar Active-Layer Permafrost System (CAPS), version 1.0. CD-ROM available from National Snow and Ice Data Center, nsidc@kryos.colorado.edu. Boulder, Colorado: NSIDC, University of Colorado at Boulder.

These data have also been distributed on:

Arctic System Science Data Coordination Center. 1994. ARCSS/LAII Data Series Volume 1: Alaska North Slope Data Sampler. CD-ROM available from National Snow and Ice Data Center, nsidc@kryos.colorado.edu. Boulder, Colorado: NSIDC, University of Colorado at Boulder.

SITE DESCRIPTION:

On Alaska's North Slope, starting in 1985, meteorological stations at various research sites were located in a north- south transect along the Dalton Highway (figure 1). The southernmost site was established in the foothills of the Philip Smith Mountains at the headwaters of Imnavait Creek (latitude 68 degrees, 37 minutes N, longitude 149 degrees, 17 minutes W). This watershed has an average elevation of 910 m and is located 165 km south of Prudhoe Bay and 15 km north of the Brooks Range. The most intense research and data collection have occurred at this location. A typical meteorological station is shown in figure 2 .

Figure 1. Map of study region.

Figure 2. Illustration of instrumentation used in study.

figure 2. a typical meteorological station

Instrumentation for the collection of meteorologic, hydrologic and soil conditions was installed in 1984 and data collection began in the spring of 1985. The hydrology, meteorology and ecology of this watershed have been studied extensively (Everett and Ostendorf, 1988; Hinzman et al., 1991; Hinzman and Kane, 1991; Hinzman et al., 1992; Kane and Hinzman, 1988; Kane et al., 1989; Kane et al., 1990; Kane et al., 1991a; Kane et al., 1991b; Walker et al., 1989; Robinson and Hinzman, 1994; McNamara et al., 1994; Hinzman et al. 1994; Zhang et al.,1994; Hinzman et al., 1995 Rovansek et al., 1996).

In the Imnavait Watershed there are many sites where data collection has taken place. The original 1985 site, Imnavait A site (IA) was located on a 10% west-facing slope near the ridge top. Data collection, excepting rainfall data, was discontinued at A Site in August, 1992. Imnavait Site C (IC), also 1985, was located near the base of the west facing slope. Data collection ended at Site C in August, 1992. Imnavait B site (IB), added in 1986 is located on a ridge top on the east side of Imnavait Creek Watershed. Meteorologic and soil information were measured at both locations. Only rainfall data were collected at A Site after 1992. All data collection ended at A site in May,1996. Near Imnavait A site four runoff plots were constructed in a transect along the slope. These sites were named Imnavait D site (ID, plot 1 upper slope), Imnavait E site (IE, plot 2 upper mid-slope), Imnavait F site (IF, plot 3 lower mid-slope) and Imnavait G site (IG, plot 4 lower slope). Snow and soil temperature profiles were measured adjacent to each runoff plot. Heat flux and precipitation were also measured at Imnavait C site, located midway between Imnavait F and G sites. Sites F and G were removed from service in the fall of 1992, and data collection was discontinued at Sites D and E through at the end of 1995. Imnavait H site (IH) was established near the outlet of the basin to measure stream flow. Imnavait Site T (IT) was established to measure flow in a water track (water track 7). Imnavait W site (IW), otherwise known as the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation Service) Toolik River Site, is a Wyoming snow gage located near Imnavait B site. Imnavait S site (IS) was established as a snow survey transect paralleling the slope next to Imnavait sites D, E, F and G (runoff plots) and running from the east boundary across the watershed to the west boundary. Imnavait R Site (IR) and V Site (IV) are deep soil temperature profile sites that were installed in early spring 1993 in 8 to 10 meter deep bore holes. R Site is located on the ridge line bordering the east boundary of the basin. V Site is located adjacent to Imnavait Creek. Both R and V Sites are located about 300 meters north of the H Site Flume. Only a few hand made readings were taken at these sites until August, 1993 when data loggers were installed and continuous data collection began. Data collection continues at all of the Imnavait Basin sites except A, C, D, E, F and G.

The mineral soils in this area are cold, wet, poorly drained silt loams with a high organic content and include many glacial erratic of various sizes. The mineral soils are covered by a peaty layer, and are classified as Histic Pergelic Cryaquepts (Rieger et al., 1979). The vegetation is mostly water tolerant plants such as tussock sedges and mosses, but there are also lichens and shrubs such as willows, alder and dwarf birch. More complete descriptions of tundra vegetation have been published (Brown and Berg, 1980; Walker et al., 1989). The area was glaciated during the Pleistocene and is underlain by continuous permafrost. The maximum thaw depth during the period of study was approximately 120 cm, with typical depths being 40 cm.

In 1986, a second research area was established on a hilltop near the Sagwon Bluffs (Sagwon Hill Site, SH, latitude 69 degrees, 25 minutes N, longitude 148 degrees, 45 minutes W) approximately 100 km south of Prudhoe Bay. This site is located in a transitional zone between coastal plain and the foothills at an elevation of 370 m. The vegetation is also characteristic of tussock tundra and the soils are loamy with a peaty surface layer and are poorly drained (Everett, 1980). Instrumentation for measuring soil temperatures and meteorologic conditions was installed near the top of a 10% north-facing slope. In 1993 a deep soil temperature profile was added to the site. Thermistors were installed in two 8 to 10 meter deep bore holes and added to the data logger. Data have been collected for 9 years (1987-1995) at this site, and data collection continues at this site.

Also in 1986, another research area near Franklin Bluffs (Franklin Bluffs Site, FR, latitude 69 degrees, 50 minutes N, longitude 148 degrees, 45 minutes W) was established on the coastal plain 50 km south of Prudhoe Bay. This site is located in the relatively flat area of the Sagavanirktok River flood plain at an elevation of 80 m. The vegetation is comprised of a continuous cover of grasses and sedges rooted in mosses and lichens (Komarkova and Webber, 1980). The soils are poorly drained and generally do not thaw to depths of more than 50 cm. Organic materials of variable thickness overlie silt-loam textured mineral soils (Everett, 1980). Data have been collected for 11 years (1987-1997) at this site. In 1993 a deep soil temperature profile was added to the site. Thermistors were installed in two 8 to 10 meter deep bore holes and added to the data logger. Data collection continues at this site.

A northern Kuparuk Basin site (Lower Kuparuk, LK or KD) was established in April of 1992 approximately 21 km west of Deadhorse on the banks of the Kuparuk River (latitude 70 degrees, 17 minutes N, longitude 148 degrees, 58 minutes W). This site was located in an area with little topographic relief at an elevation of about 12 meters. The vegetation consisted of wet sedge tundra and forb tundra. The soils are organic overlying layers of fine sand and silts. This site was replaced by the Betty Pingo Site and discontinued in mid-July, 1995.

A site was established 1993 adjacent to the upper Kuparuk River just upstream of the Dalton Highway crossing. At the Upper Kuparuk Site (UK, latitude 68 degrees 38 minutes 24.5 seconds N, longitude 149 degrees 24 minutes 23.4 seconds W), streamflow, meteorological, radiation and soil temperature data were collected beginning in August, 1993. The site was expanded and upgraded from an 3 meter mast to a 10 meter tower in mid-July, 1995.

Also in 1993, thermistors were installed in two 8.5 meter deep bore holes. These sites were located within Imnavait Basin but to the north of the research watershed (downstream of the flume). R Site (IR, latitude 68 degrees 37 minutes 25.7 seconds N, longitude 149 degrees 19 minutes 0.8 seconds W) sets atop the eastern ridge line overlooking Imnavait Creek. V Site IV, latitude 68 degrees 37 minutes 25.9 seconds N, longitude 149 degrees 19 minutes 22.3 seconds W) is adjacent to Imnavait Creek. Soil temperature data are collected from these sites at various depths. Maximum depths are just over 8 meters.

A wetland study site, Betty Meteorological Site (BM, latitude 70 degrees 16 minutes 46.3 seconds N, longitude 148 degrees 53 minutes 44.5 seconds W) was established in March, 1994 near Betty Pingo about 2 km northeast of the Lower Kuparuk Site within the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field. Soil temperature data initially collected at this site. Then in May, 1994 an instrumented 10 meter tower was added to the site to collect meteorological data. Finally, in July, 1995, the radiation instruments from the decommissioned Lower Kuparuk site were relocated to this site. This site was located in an area with little topographic relief at an elevation of about 12 meters. The vegetation consisted of wet sedge tundra and forb tundra. The soils are organic overlying layers of fine sand and silts. The 10 meter tower was established in a wetland area, however nearby dryer areas were also equipped with soil thermistors and net radiation instrumentation. Data collection continues at this site.

In March 1994, the North Prudhoe Bay Site (NP, latitude 70 degrees, 21 minutes N, longitude 148 degrees, 31 minutes W) was established at the location of the North Prudhoe Bay State No. 2 pad as part of an EPA re-vegetation study (Jorgenson et al., 1993). Vegetation was characterized as wet coastal gramminoid meadow. The soils are primarily organic with inclusions of sands and silts. This site was replaced by the West Dock site in July, 1995 and pulled from service in the fall of 1995 due to severe grizzly bear damage. Data were collected for 2 years at this site (1994 to 1995).

Later, in July, 1994, the West Kuparuk site (WK, latitude 69 degrees, 25 minutes, 34 seconds N, longitude 150 degrees, 20 minutes, 25 seconds W) was founded near the western margin of the Kuparuk Basin approximately 50 west of Sagwon Hill. The site is located on a ridge overlooking the West Fork of the Kuparuk River at an elevation of about 160 meters. Vegetation at the site consists of moist acidic tundra. The vegetation is also characteristic of tussock tundra. The soils are loamy with a peaty surface layer and are poorly drained very similar to the Sagwon site. Data collection continues at this site.

In July, 1995, instrumentation removed from the Lower Kuparuk Site was installed near the northwest corner of the West Dock grid establishing the West Dock Site (WD, latitude 70 degrees, 22 minutes N, longitude 148 degrees, 33 minutes W). Site vegetation is of the wet coastal gramminoid meadow type. The soils are Primarily organic with inclusions of sands and silts. Data collection continues at this site.

FILE AND DATA FORMATS:

Data were compiled and tabulated in annual data sets for each site. These data were further subdivided into data sets of various types: meteorological, radiation, soil temperature and heat flux, stream flow and snow surveys. The first two characters in the file name specify the site name, the next four characters identify the year of the record, the final letters describe the general type of data. The codes for the site names, year and data types are shown in Table 1. A full listing of files by site name is given in Tables 2a and 2b. The files are in comma separated ASCII format. Some examples of file names are:

IB1987M.DAT 1987 Imnavait B site meteorological data
SH1992T.DAT 1992 Sagwon soil temperature data
FB1990R.DAT 1990 Franklin Bluffs radiation data
IH1991Q.DAT 1991 Imnavait Creek stream flow
IC1987T.DAT 1987 Imnavait C site heat flux and soil temperatures

Each file begins with several lines identifying the site, year of record and general type of data within the data set. Following this, specific data columns are identified. Data are generally hourly or daily average values. However, some data such as stream flow and snow water equivalent are point values taken at varying time periods. Hourly average values represent the average conditions during the hour preceding the given time. Daily average values represent average conditions for the given day beginning at one minute past midnight and ending at midnight. All dates and times are in Alaska Standard Time.

INSTRUMENTATION SPECIFICATIONS:
DATA LOGGERS, CABLES AND MOUNTS

Campbell Scientific 21X data loggers were used to record and process data at all sites. Data recorded on the data loggers were compared to measured conditions to check the sensor calibrations and the data logger during site visits. Cables connecting the sensors to the data logger were shielded to minimize induced voltage caused by auroral activity. Heavy flexible metal conduit was used at some sites to discourage wildlife. Tripod masts (3 m) were used to mount sensors at Imnavait A site, Sagwon and Franklin Bluffs sites. At Imnavait B site, a 10 meter meteorological tower was used to mount the air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction sensors. Radiation sensors were mounted on a separate tripod mount design to suspend these sensor over the tundra and minimize shadows. A 3 meter tower was used to mount the sensors at the Lower Kuparuk site.

Some of the longer outages in the data sets are due to damage caused by wildlife. Bears have been attracted to the sites and caused severe damage. Moose and caribou have damaged cables with their hooves and by rubbing on the towers. Smaller wildlife, rodents and foxes, have also gnawed cables causing outages. The severity of the weather encountered at these sites has also taken its toll on the instrumentation. Lightning and prolonged extreme cold have damaged data loggers and batteries causing outages.

WIND SPEED AND DIRECTION

Wind speed was measured using a Weathertronics anemometer at Imnavait A site from 1985 through 1992. The threshold of the wind measurement is 0.22 m/s and the accuracy is plus/minus 0.07 m/s. Met One model 014A wind speed sensors were employed at Imnavait B site, Sagwon, Franklin Bluffs and Lower Kuparuk sites. The threshold velocity of this instrument is rated at 0.447 m/s and the reported accuracy is approximately 0.1 m/s. Field calibration tests of the wind speed sensors are difficult to obtain, sensors are regularly replaced and sent to the manufacturer for calibration and replacement of bearings. Wind direction was measured with a model 024a Met One Wind Direction Sensor at all sites. The accuracy, as reported by the manufacturer, is to within plus/minus 5 degrees. The wind direction sensors are calibrated annually by obtaining the fill scale return of the resistor and scaling this to the desired 360 degree output. Additionally, the heading of the wind direction sensors are checked periodically each year by pointing the vane at aiming points for four compass points. There are problems of note at these remote sites pertaining to wind speed and direction measurements. The most significant off these are rime ice and freezing precipitation that can at best alter the aerodynamics of these sensors and possibly stop them completely. No attempt was made to identify these periods in the data sets. Prolonged periods of calm with wind speed reporting at the threshold velocity of 0.447 m/s and/or constant wind direction are very rare at these sites and should be considered indicators of these conditions. However, we cannot be sure that a calm period did not occur since the sites were unmanned. Rime ice and freezing precipitation can occur during any season but are most likely during the fall, late winter and early spring. Sensors are cleaned at each site visit, but due to the remoteness of the sites, site visits are generally 1 to 3 months apart. The second problem specific to the wind sensors are perching birds. Since these sites are located in a treeless tundra, large birds including ravens, rough leg hawks and snowy owls can damage vanes and anemometers by repeatedly perching on them. This rarely caused data loss but may have slightly affected the accuracy of the wind vanes if they were bent.

Table 1. File name formats.

FILE IDENTIFICATION FORMATS

____________________________________________________________
FIRST TWO CHARACTERS        YEAR         FINAL CHARACTERS
Site Identification                               Data Type(s)
____________________________________________________________

IA  Imnavait A site           1985-1995 M Meteorological
IB   Imnavait B site                              Q Stream Discharge
IC   Imnavait C site                              R   Radiation
ID   Imnavait D site                              S  Snow Surveys
IE   Imnavait E site                              T  Soil Temperatures, 0 to <1 m
IF   Imnavait F site                              T1 Shallow profile, 0 to <1 m
IG   Imnavait G site                              T2 Deep profile, 0 to >8 m
IH   Imnavait Flume                               TU Upland Soil, 0 to <1 m 
IS   Imnavait Snow Course                    TW Wetland Soil, 0 to <1 m
IW   Imnavait Wyo. snowgage   (includes soil heat flux at LK   Lower Kuparuk 
site, Imnavait D, E, F and G sites)
UK   Upper Kuparuk site
FB   Franklin Bluffs site
SH   Sagwon site
SW   Sagwon Wyo. snow gage
BM   Betty Pingo Met site
NP   North Prudhoe Bay
WD   West Dock site
WK   West Kuparuk
____________________________________________________________

AIR TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY

Air temperature and relative humidity were measured using a Campbell Scientific Model 207 Temperature and Relative Humidity Probe. The relative humidity component utilizes a Phys-Chemical Research Corporation PCRC humidity transducer. These probes were housed in a self-aspirating radiation shield and are used to measure temperature and relative humidity at all sites. The reported temperature operating range is -33 to +48 degrees C with a worst case accuracy of plus/minus 0.4 degrees C and typically an accuracy of plus/minus 0.2 degrees C, and plus/minus 1 degree C from -33 degrees C to -40 degrees C. The relative humidity operating range is 12 to 100 percent with an accuracy of plus/minus 5 percent. A Campbell Scientific model 105T type T thermocouple was also used at the Imnavait B site. This thermocouple's calibrated range is -78 degrees to 50 degrees C, plus/minus 0.2 degrees C.

As with the wind speed above, rime ice accumulations can affect the air temperature and especially the relative humidity reading obtained. This is caused by insulating the sensors within the radiation shield and isolating them from ambient conditions. Air temperature readings would be affected slightly in the time required to respond to changes in the ambient air temperature. Relative humidity could be greatly affected by being isolated from the ambient conditions. Relative humidities would be related to the vapor pressure of the surface of the rime ice adhering to the radiation shield and wire mesh inner enclosure surrounding the relative humidity sensor and not necessarily indicative of the true ambient conditions.

SOIL TEMPERATURE

Soil temperatures were measured at all sites using YSI model 44007 thermistors and 100 K ohm precision resistors. These thermistors are rated at plus/minus 0.2 degrees C from 0 to 80 degrees C. The accuracy declines below 0 degrees C to plus/minus 0.3 degrees C at -25 degrees C, plus/minus 0.4 degrees C at -40 degrees C and plus/minus 1.0 degree C at - 80 degrees C.

REFERENCES

Brown, J. and R.L. Berg, (eds.). 1980. Environmental engineering and ecological baseline investigations along the Yukon River- Prudhoe Bay Haul Road. U.S. Army CRREL Report 80-19. 187 p.

Everett, K.R. and B. Ostendorf. 1988. Hydrology and geochemistry of a small drainage basin in upland tundra, northern Alaska. Proceedings, 5th International Conference on Permafrost, K. Senneset (Ed), 2- 5 August 1988. Trondheim, Norway, Tapir Publishers, Vol. 1, pp. 574- 579.

Everett, K.R. 1980. Soils and Mapping. In - Environmental Engineering and Ecological Baseline Investigations along the Yukon River - Prudhoe Bay Haul Road. J. Brown and R.L. Berg (Eds.) CRREL Report No. 80-19. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hanover, New Hampshire, pp. 48-52.

Hinzman, L.D., D.L. Kane, and Z. Zhang, 1995. A spatially distributed hydrologic model for arctic regions. International GEWEX Workshop on Cold-Season/Region Hydrometeorology. Summary Report and Proceedings. 22-26 May 1995, Banff, Alberta, Canada. Int. GEWEX Project Office Publication. Series, No. 15, Washington, D.C., 236-239.

L.D. Hinzman, D. L. Kane and D. J. Goering. 1994. Environmental Controls on Active Layer Thaw Depth. 1994 Fall Meeting. American Geophysical Union. December 5-9, 1994. p 76.

Hinzman, L.D., Kane, D.L., Gieck, R.E. and Everett, K.R. 1991. Hydrologic and thermal properties of the active layer in the Alaskan Arctic. Cold Regions Science and Technology, Vol. 19, pp. 95-110.

Hinzman, L.D. and Kane, D.L. 1991. Snow hydrology of a headwater Arctic basin 2. Conceptual analysis and computer modeling. Water Resources Research, Vol. 27(6), pp. 1111- 1121.

Hinzman, L.D., G. Wendler, R.E. Gieck, and D.L. Kane. 1992. Snowmelt at a small Alaskan arctic watershed 1. energy related processes. Northern Research Basins Conference. Whitehorse, Northwest Territories, Canada.

Jorgenson, J.T., J.G. Kidd, L.L. Jacobs, and T.C. Cater. 1993. Ecological restoration of the North Prudhoe Bay State No. 2 exploratory well site, Prudhoe Bay Oilfield, Alaska, 1992. First Annual Report. Prepared for ARCO Alaska, Inc. by Alaska Biological Research, Inc.

Kane, D.L. and Hinzman, L.D. 1988. Permafrost hydrology of a small arctic watershed. Proceedings Fifth International Conference on Permafrost, K. Senneset (ed.), Trondheim, Norway, Tapir, pp. 590-595.

Kane, D.L., Hinzman, L.D., Benson, C.S. and Everett, K.R. 1989. Hydrology of Imnavait Creek, an arctic watershed. Holarctic Ecology, Vol. 12, pp. 262-269.

Kane, D.L., Gieck, R.E. and Hinzman, L.D. 1990. Evapotranspiration from a small Alaskan arctic watershed. Nordic Hydrology, Vol. 21(4/5), pp. 253-272.

Kane, D.L., Hinzman, L.D., Benson, C.S. and Liston, G.E. 1991a. Snow hydrology of a headwater arctic basin 1. Physical measurements and process studies. Water Resources Research, Vol. 27(6), pp. 1099-1109.

Kane, D. L., Hinzman, L. D. and Zarling, J. P. 1991b. Thermal response of the active layer in a permafrost environment to climatic warming. Cold Regions Science and Technology, Vol. 19, pp. 111-122.

Komarkova, V. and P.J. Webber. 1980. Vegetation, In - Environmental Engineering and Ecological Baseline Investigations along the Yukon River - Prudhoe Bay Haul Road. J. Brown and R. L. Berg (Editors). CRREL Report No. 80-19. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hanover, New Hampshire, p. 37-42.

J.P. McNamara, D.L. Kane and L.D. Hinzman. 1994. Mass Transport and Landscape Scale in the Kuparuk River Basin, Arctic Alaska. 1994 Fall Meeting. American Geophysical Union. December 5-9, 1994. p 284.

Rieger, S., D.B. Schoephorster, and C.E. Furbush. 1979. Exploratory soil survey of Alaska. U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service. Washington D.C. 213 p.

D. Robinson and L. Hinzman. Nutrient Characterization of a Small Arctic Coastal Watershed. Alaska Water Resource Issues. April 7-8, 1994. Alaska Section, American Water Resources Association. Fairbanks, Alaska. WRC-116. p. 5.

Rovansek, R. J., L. D. Hinzman, and D.L. Kane. 1996. Hydrology of a Tundra Wetland Complex on the Alaskan Arctic Coastal Plain. Arctic and Alpine Research. 28(3):311-317.

Walker, M.D., D.A. Walker and K.R. Everett. 1989. Wetland soils and vegetation, Arctic Foothills, Alaska. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Report 89(7), 89 p.

Z. Zhang, D.L. Kane and L.D. Hinzman. 1994. Development of a Physically Based Hydrologic Model for an Arctic Region. 1994 Fall Meeting. American Geophysical Union. December 5- 9, 1994. p 284.

At Imnavait D site, runoff plot 1, there were no snow temperatures recorded between days 130 and 312. The 20 cm temperatures are missing for the entire year. There are several periods when data are missing for all depths; day 175, 209-211, 294-298, and day 315.

At Imnavait E site, runoff plot 2, the 30 cm snow temperatures are missing from day 130-365. For the 20 cm snow temperatures days 131-315 are not recorded or missing and for the 10 cm snow temperatures data are missing or not recorded from day 138-315. All depths are missing data from day 145-175, 209-211, 294-298 and day 315.

At Imnavait site F and G, runoff plots 3 and 4, there are no temperatures for the above ground thermistors between days 137 and 267, when there was no snow on the ground. All the soil temperature files are complete for the year.

1988 IMNAVAIT A, C, D, E, F, G, H, S, AND W SITES

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

In 1988 the 1 meter air temperature and humidity are missing on days 209-217 and 220-241. The 2 meter air temperature and relative humidity data are missing on days 209-217, 220- 241, and 262-304. The wind speed and direction and precipitation are missing on days 223-241. Hourly precipitation was recorded from day 108 through day 365. Daily Wyoming gage precipitation values are complete for the year.

SOIL TEMPERATURE

At Imnavait D site, runoff plot 1, there was no snow cover between days 126-263, the snow temperature records are complete for the period of snow cover. The 20 cm probe is missing data from day 001-322 and data for all depths are missing from day 209 - 241 and day 304 - 322. There were also several outages of less than one day during the time of hourly recording (day 108-241). Also the 10, 15, 25, 35 and 40 cm data are missing for days 322-366.

For, Imnavait E site, runoff plot 2, there was no snow cover between days 127-263, the snow temperature records are complete for the 10 and 20 cm probes but the 30 cm snow temperature probe is missing for the entire year.

All depths are missing data from day 209-241 and 304-322. The 40 cm probe is also missing days 322-366. There were also several outages of less than one day during the time of hourly recordings (day 108-241).

Imnavait F site, runoff plot 3, had no snow cover from day 132-263, the snow temperature records are complete for the time of snow cover. All data are missing from day 133-134 and day 303. The 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm probe temperatures are missing from day 135-152.

Imnavait G site, runoff plot 4, had no snow cover from day 133-263. The 21 cm probe was missing data from day 162-303. All depths are missing on day 303.

1989 IMNAVAIT A, C, D, E, F, G, H, S, AND W SITES

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year for air temperature and relative humidity at heights of 1 and 2 meters and wind speed and direction. Hourly precipitation data were recorded from day 090 through day 299. There was one period of missing data for all instruments, except the Wyoming Gage, from day 226 through 228. Daily Wyoming gage precipitation values are complete for the year.

SOIL TEMPERATURE

At Imnavait D site, runoff plot 1, there was no snow cover between days 151-272, and therefore no snow temperatures are reported for that period. The temperature records are complete for the snow temperature probes at 10, 20 and 30 cm and for soil temperatures at 0, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 35 cm depths. There were no data for the 20 cm probe and the 30 and 40 cm depths were not recorded from day 307 through day 365.

At Imnavait E site, runoff plot 2, snow temperatures at the 10 cm height were reported from day 001-148 and 272-365. There were no data for the 20 and 30 cm snow temperatures this year. The soil temperature records were complete for all depths.

At Imnavait F site, runoff plot 3, there was no snow cover from day 149-272. All data are missing from days 193-272 and the soil temperatures are missing from days 273-302.

At Imnavait G site, runoff plot 4, there were no snow temperatures recorded from days 150-286. The soil temperatures were all missing from day 193-286.

1990 IMNAVAIT A, C, D, E, F, G, H, S, AND W SITES

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year, for air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction. There was one period of missing data for the 2 meter air temperature and relative humidity probe from day 134-137. Hourly precipitation was recorded from day 139 through day 251. Daily Wyoming gage precipitation values are complete for the year.

SOIL TEMPERATURE

Snow and soil temperatures were collected at 12 depths at each of four different locations in the watershed. There was no snow cover between approximately day 136 and day 266, so there are no snow temperatures reported for that time period.

At Imnavait D site, runoff plot 1, the 10, 20 and 30 cm snow temperature records are complete. The 15, 20, 30 and 40 cm soil temperature data are missing as are days 140-186 for the 0, 5, 10, 25 and 35 cm depths.

At Imnavait E site, runoff plot 2, the 10 cm snow temperature record is complete but the 20 cm temperatures are missing from day 1-321 and the 30 cm temperatures are missing completely. The soil temperature records at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 cm are complete but the 40 cm depth is missing day 322-365.

At Imnavait F site, runoff plot 3, the snow temperature records at 10, 20 and 30 cm are complete. The soil temperatures are missing data for days 139-221 for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 cm.

At Imnavait G site, runoff plot 4, the snow temperature records at 10, 20 and 30 cm are complete. The soil temperatures are missing data for days 139 - 224 for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 cm.

1991 IMNAVAIT A, C, D, E, F, G, H, S, AND W SITES

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year, for air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction. There was one period of missing data for all sensors from day 205-206. The 2 meter air temperature data is also missing from day 235-237. Hourly precipitation was recorded from day 132 through day 235. Daily Wyoming gage precipitation values are complete for the year.

SOIL TEMPERATURE

At Imnavait D site, runoff plot 1, there was no snow cover from day 151-286. Data are missing for all depths from day 090-132. The data for the 10, 15, 25, 35 and 40 cm thermistors are missing for the entire year.

At Imnavait E site, runoff plot 2, there was no snow cover from day 139-286. The 30 cm snow temperatures and the 40 cm soil temperatures are missing for the year.

At Imnavait F site, runoff plot 3, the data were missing for all depths from days 001, 002, 155-212, 221-224 and 236-365. The snow melted from plot 3 on day 126 but the data were missing in the autumn so the time of snowfall can not be determined.

At Imnavait G site, runoff plot 4, there were missing data for all depths from days 001, 002, 045-113, 149, 155-212, 221-224, and 236-365. Also missing were data from the 30 cm snow probe and the 0, 10, 15, 20, 21, 25, 26 and 30 cm soil temperature probes from day 003-044.

1992 IMNAVAIT A, C, D, E, F, G, H, S, AND W SITES

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected, for air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction until day 244 when all instrumentation except the tipping bucket raingage were removed. There was one period of missing data for the 2 meter air temperature probe from day 239-242. Hourly precipitation was recorded from day 158 through day 239. Daily Wyoming gage precipitation values are complete from day 001 through 365.

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were: air temperature at 10 meter, 2 meter and 1 meter heights, relative humidity, 1 meter wind speed, 3 meter wind speed, 10 meter wind speed and wind direction. The 10 meter air temperature data were intermittent from day 018 through day 045. The 1 meter wind speed data were missing from day 081 through day 086, day 139 through day 141, day 145, day 147 through day 253 day 258 through day 262, day 263, day 277 though day 279 day 314 through day 315 and day 319 through day 322.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data began on day 284 and continued through the end of the year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at 1.5 and 3 meters and wind direction. The Wyoming gage precipitation data are complete for the year.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil and snow temperature data were collected from day 284 through the end of year. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 55 cm and 70 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. The 30 cm depth was missing from day 284 through day 365.

1987 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at, 1.5 and 3 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 142 and day 254 through day 365. All data were missing from day 236 through day 254, 1.5 meter wind speed was missing from day from day 236 though day 313. All data were missing for 15 hours during day 352. The Wyoming gage precipitation data are complete for the year.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data were collected all year. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 55 cm and 70 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only. The 30 cm snow temperature was not reported from day 126 through day 254. The 20 cm snow temperature was not reported from day 130 through day 254. The 10 cm depth soil temperatures were missing for the year. All soil and snow temperature data were missing from day 236 through day 254.

1988 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1989 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 155 and day 259 through day 365. Air temperature data at the 1.5 meter height was missing from day 057 through day 229. The 3 meter height air temperature and relative humidity data were missing for 12 hours on day 161. All meteorological data were missing from day 290 through day 298. The Wyoming gage precipitation data are complete for the year.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data were collected all year. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 55 cm and 70 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only. The 30 cm depth soil temperatures were missing for the year. All soil and snow temperature data were missing from day 290 through day 297.

1990 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 109 and day 266 through day 365. The wind speed data at 1.5 meters height were missing from day 109 through day 185. The 1.5 meter height temperature and relative humidity data were intermittent from day 146 through day 186. The 3 meter temperature and relative humidity data were missing from day 188 though day 189, day 206 through day 208, day 210 through day 211, day 215 through day 218 and day 230 through day 234. The Wyoming gage precipitation data are complete for the year.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1991 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

begin day	end day
142	153
155	157
160	168
175	177
181	182
186	187
193	194
201	201
208	210
211	216
223	225
262	265

The 3 meter relative humidity data were missing from day 175 through day 365. The Wyoming gage precipitation data are complete for the year.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1992 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1993 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 162 and day 296 through day 365. The 3 meter relative humidity data were missing on from day 001 through day 162. Air temp and RH at 1 meter, 3 meter RH and wind direction data were missing from day 131 through day 162. The Wyoming gage data are reported for day 001 through day 273.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data from the original profile (sh1993t1) were collected all year. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 55 cm and 70 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only. The 30 cm depth soil temperatures were missing from day 1 through day 295. All data were missing day 131 through day 161. 70 cm soil temp data were missing from day 273 through day 285.

A new deep soil temperature profile was added to the site on day 162 (sh1993t2). Data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, 90 cm, 150 cm, 250 cm, 450 cm, 650 cm, 850 cm, 1050 cm depths. No data were collected before day 162. 1050 cm depth data were missing from day 162 through day 296. 90 cm depth data were missing day 208, 210-216, 220 and day 222-296

1994 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data from the original profile (sh1994t1) were collected all year. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 55 cm and 70 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only. The 30 cm snow temperatures, surface, 10 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm and 70 cm depth soil temperatures were missing day 39 and day 40.

Deep soil temperature profile data (sh1994t2) were collected the entire year. Data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, 90 cm, 150 cm, 250 cm, 450 cm, 650 cm, 850 cm, 1050 cm depths. The 5 cm, 20 cm, 90 cm, 250 cm, 650 cm and 1050 cm depth data were missing day 39 and day 40.

1995 SAGWON

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 or 1 meter, 3 meters and 10 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 or 1 meter, 3 meters and 10 meters, wind speed at 1.5 or 1 meter, and 3 or 10 meters, wind direction and precipitation. 1.5 meter wind speed, air temperature and relative humidity sensors were moved to a height of 1 meter and 3 meter wind speed and direction sensors were moved to a height of 10 meters on day 193. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 144. Wind speed data at 1.5 meters were missing from day 001 through day 136. The 3 meter air temp and relative humidity data were missing from day 124-131, 143- 152, 157-163, 170-173, 180, 189-192 and day 242 through day 262. Wind direction data were missing from day 237 through 365. Data collection was suspended on day 192 and 193 while site maintenance and upgrade took place. The Wyoming snow gage data are not available.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1989 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at.1.5 and 3 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 152 and day 282 through day 365. All 3 meter wind speed data were missing for the entire year.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1990 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1991 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 and 3 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind speed at 1.5 and 3 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 139 and day 241 through day 365. All 3 meter wind speed data were missing from day 001 through day 114. The 1.5 meter temperature and relative humidity were all or partially missing from day 211 through day 215, day 223 through day 225, day 227 through day 229, day 234 through day 236, day 237 through day 240, day 246 through day 248, day 251 through day 254, day 255 through day 259, day 262 through day 266, day 269 through day 271 and day 277 through day 278.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data were collected all year. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 65 cm and 85 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only. The 10 cm snow temperatures were missing from day 001 through day 171 and day 172 through day 365. The 20 cm snow temperatures were missing from day 045 through day 171. The 30 cm snow temperatures were missing from day 114 through day 171. The Surface soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 171 and day 195 through day 329. The 5 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 180. The 10 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 171. The 20 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 180 and day 249 through day 277. The 30 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 171. The 40 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 180 and day 247 through day 277. The 50 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 171. The 65 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 180. The 5 cm depth soil temperature data were missing from day 114 through day 171.

1992 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1993 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data were collected all year from the original profile (fr1993t1). Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 65 cm and 85 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 heights. 30 cm snow temperatures were missing from day 15 through day 365. 10cm snow temperature data were missing from day 01-165, 170, 177-196, 204-213 and day 225 through day 365. Surface soil temperatures were missing days 01-63 and days 181-365. 5 cm soil temperature data were missing days 227-228, 256-295, 332-336 and 349-353. All data were missing from day 145 through day 161. 65 cm soil temperature data were missing days 256-295, 322-324 and 347-357. 85 cm soil temperatures were missing days 322-324 and 347-357.

A new deep soil temperature profile was added to the site on day 162 (fr1993t2). Data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, 90 cm, 150 cm, 250 cm, 450 cm, 650 cm, 850 cm, 1050 cm depths. No data were collected before day 162. 10cm depth data were missing from day 332 through day 337.

1994 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data were collected all year from the original profile (fr1994t1). Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 65 cm and 85 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 heights. 30 cm snow temperatures were missing from day 01 through day 365. 20 cm snow temperatures were missing days 01-33, 63-70, 312- 313, 329-363. 10cm snow temperature data were missing from day 01-365. Surface soil temperatures were missing days 01- 365. 30 cm soil temperatures were missing days 279-365.

Deep soil temperature profile (fr1993t2) data were collected all year. Data were collected at surface, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 50 cm, 90 cm, 150 cm, 250 cm, 450 cm, 650 cm, 850 cm, 1050 cm depths. 1050 cm soil temperatures were missing from day 06 through day 31. Surface temperatures were missing from day 9 through day 11. 5 cm soil temperatures were missing from day 10 through day 11. 10cm depth data were missing from day 49 through day 68.

1995 FRANKLIN BLUFFS

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for the entire year. Data types collected were air temperature at 1.5 or 1 meter, 3 meters, and 10 meters, relative humidity at 1.5 or 1 meter, 3 meters, and 10 meters wind speed at 1.5 or 1 meter, and 3 or 10 meters, wind direction and precipitation. Precipitation data were not collected from day 001 through day 139 and day 251 through day 365.

1992 LOWER KUPARUK SITE

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

This site was established and meteorological data collection began on day 117. Meteorological data were collected for 1.5 and 3 meter air temperature (ùC), relative humidity (%) and wind speed (m/s), also wind direction (ùTN)at 3 metes. Rainfall data (mm) were collected. Wind speed data at the 1.5 meter height was missing from day 117 though day 144, day 175 through day 178 and day 181 through day 190. Wind direction was missing from day 117 through day 144. The 3 meter temperature and relative humidity data were missing or intermittent during the following periods:

begin day	end day
140	144
153	155
157	159
183	183
185	186
218	227
229	240
248	253
260	260
266	267
269	273
278	280

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data collection began on day 244 and continued through day 366. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only.

1993 LOWER KUPARUK SITE

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data were collected for 1.5 and 3 meter air temperature (ùC), relative humidity (%) and wind speed (m/s), also wind direction (ùTN)at 3 meters. Rainfall data (mm) were collected from day 148 through day 256. Severe damage was done to the site by grizzly bears on day 179. Data for all air temperature, relative humidity and 1.5 meter wind speed were lost until day 256.

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

Soil temperature data were collected from day 001 trough 365. Soil temperature data were collected at surface, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm depths. Snow temperatures were collected at 30 cm, 20 cm and 10 cm heights. Snow temperatures were reported for the period of snow cover only.

1994 LOWER KUPARUK SITE

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

SOIL AND SNOW TEMPERATURES

1995 West Dock Site

METEOROLOGICAL DATA

Meteorological data collection began on day 195 and continued throughout the rest of the year. Data were collected for 1 meter air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, 3 meter air temperature and relative humidity, 10 meter air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction.

Service Interruption

Note: This data set was first published on the 1998 CAPS CD.The text for this document was taken unchanged from that CD.