New Paper Published

Informing Seasonal Proxy-Based Flow Reconstructions Using Baseflow Separation: An Example From the Potomac River, United States

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Informing Seasonal Proxy-Based Flow Reconstructions Using Baseflow Separation: An Example From the Potomac River, United States

Posted by Jim Stagge on January 03, 2021

Our new paper, titled “Informing Seasonal Proxy-Based Flow Reconstructions Using Baseflow Separation: An Example From the Potomac River, United States”, has been published in the journal Water Resources Research (WRR).

This paper was authored and led by Max Torbenson, postdoc in our lab.

Major Implications

  • Shows the value of using baseflow separation to obtain a hydrologic signal more closely aligned with tree-ring proxies

  • Update to prior summer flow reconstructions on the Potomac River (350 years)

  • Unique cool-season reconstruction in the Eastern U.S.

  • Historical records support the validity of both summer and winter reconstructions

  • Consecutive below-mean winter flows occured with higher frequency prior to the instrumental era. This water is valuable for refilling reservoirs that provide buffer for Washington DC water supplies.

Media Coverage

This research was covered by AGU podcast Third Pod from the Sun during an interview with the lead author, Max Torbenson.

Audio: Third Pod from the Sun