Where does the stream begin? Stream initiation under variable wetness conditions in a boreal landscape

Abstract: The understanding of where the streams begin is an important factor in both hydrology and geomorphology, as well as for land use activities. Despite this, only a few research projects have been done in a snowmelt-dominated boreal landscape. The main objective in this study is to see if one could predict where a stream initiates by knowing possible controlling factors. Data points from stream initiation points in the boreal landscape of Krycklan, situated 50 km Northwest of Umeå, were analyzed. Krycklan is a well-known research area and a lot of research projects have been done here. The landscape is diverse and most of the streams have been modified by human impact. The data points were collected with help of a Global Positioning System (GPS) during three different sampling campaigns; May 2012, May 2013 and August 2013. Maps were made from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) showing slope, elevation and contributing areas for the stream heads. No clear relationship between the contributing area and slope could be found in this area, although it has been demonstrated in more semi-arid climates. The results show that other factors than the contributing area, elevation and slope seem to have a greater impact for the initiation of streams in a boreal landscape. The results were expected because of the modifications done for the streams.