TR-100 : Temperature lapse rate study in Satluj catchment

Abstract

The temperature lapse rate (TLR) is considered one of the important derived parameter in most of the snowmelt models. The distribution of temperature based on TLR has a major influence on snowmelt run-off computation and on the determination of the form of precipitation. To improve the understanding of distribution of temperature and how best to incorporate its effect in the snowmelt models, a study of TLR in Satluj catchment has been carried out. It is found that TLR values for the two sets of stations which are in the same region vary drastically. The results show a decrease of TLR with elevation at different elevation. The use of derived values of TLR is suggested at least on the monthly basis for the snowmelt season. Separate values of TLR for maximum, minimum and mean temperatures are recommended for temperature extrapolation/intrapotation for snowmelt computation.