The ins and outs of Burns Bog: A water balance study

This study assesses the influence of forest encroachment on the water balance of Burns Bog in Delta, British Columbia by determining the differences in the evapotranspiration and interception losses between a forested and non-forested (open) bog site. Throughfall in the forested bog site was 88% of the precipitation. During the growing season (June 15 – September 15, 2009), average evaporation in the open bog site, was 0.9 mm/day. The average evapotranspiration from the forested bog site was 0.7 mm/day; average transpiration was 0.4 mm/day while the average evaporation rate was 0.3 mm/day. Water storage was greater in the open bog site, with higher water levels and soil moisture. Deep drainage accounted for up to 10% of the water balance at both sites. A water balance model that requires few input variables was successfully created and calibrated and can be used to simulate water levels in Burns Bog.