Northern Research Basins Water Balance (Proceedings of a workshop held at Victoria, Canada, March 2004). IAHS Publ. 290, 2004, 91–102

Abstract This paper presents results of water balance components, as obtained by long-term research in the Valdai Hills area of northwestern Russia. Examined are the observation methods and calculation techniques, in particular correction of precipitation and evapotranspiration estimates, as well as soil moisture and groundwater storage. All the components are determined independently, so the residual or discrepancy can show the inaccuracies and shortcomings in water balance computation. Seasonal distribution of the water balance components and their year-to-year variability are analysed, as well as trends that occurred due to climatic changes.

Key words discrepancy; field and forested watersheds; observation period; Russia water balance components