FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, vol.25, no.5, pp.1609-1622, 2016 (SCI-Expanded)
Snow processes have important impact on the short and mid-term water balance of mountainous catchments. Hence, predicting and understanding the spatial variability of snow-related dynamics plays an important role in catchment hydrology. The snow dynamics are also critical in mountainous ecosystems via their effects on the water balance. These dynamics play a key role as important resources for the water supplies as the main income source and driving force of local development in such regions. The aim of this study was to estimate the spatial variability of seasonal snow cover and quantify the snow dynamics (Snow Water Equivalent, snow melt runoff, depth) using mechanistic modelling and remote sensing from 1987 to 2014 in Egribuk Subcatchment located at Seyhan Watershed, Turkey. Process-based J2000 model was used to estimate the snow dynamics. Wide range of spatial and time series data sets were used in modelling process. The study concludes with the remarks on the potential contribution of recent developments such as distributed snow modelling and use of remote sensing data to improve our understanding water cycle. Addressing the model results, specific strategic benchmarks were recommended to manage the snow-water at the subcatchment level to address present issues and projected adaptation needs for water management.