Deirdre Spearns

My master’s project examines the radiative forcing resulting from the creation of a hydroelectric reservoir in the northern boreal region. Through a case study of the Romaine-2 reservoir, Côte-Nord, Quebec (~50°N), we aim to determine the net radiative forcing due to the modification to the surface albedo resulting from the reservoir impoundment. Data from a nearby black spruce forest site and lake (Bernard Lake) are used as proxies for the pre and post impoundment conditions. The evolution of the radiative forcing in the face of climate change will be examined using the Canadian Small Lake Model.

Master’s student in water engineering

Affiliations

Department of Civil and Water Engineering,

Université Laval

Centre d’études nordiques (CEN)

Albedo

Radiative forcing

Northern reservoirs

Supervision: Daniel Nadeau and François Anctil

Contact

deirdre.spearns.1@ulaval.ca