Multivariate analysis of flood characteristics in a climate change context of the watershed of the Baskatong reservoir, Province of Quebec, Canada

The analysis of the impact of climate change (CC) on flood peaks has been the subject of several studies. However, a flood is characterized not only by its peak, but also by other characteristics such as its volume and duration. Little effort has been directed towards the study of the impact of CC on these characteristics. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare flood characteristics in a CC context, in the watershed of the Baskatong reservoir (Province of Quebec, Canada). Comparisons are based on observed flow data and simulated flow series obtained from hydrological models using meteorological data from a regional climate model for a reference period (19712000) and a future period (2041-2070). To this end, two hydrological models HSAMI and HYDROTEL are considered. Correlations, stationarity, change-points, and the multivariate behaviour of flood series were studied. The results show that, at various levels, all flood characteristics could be affected by CC. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.