Effects of Drainage Basin Characteristics on River Runoff and River Water Chemistry in Iceland

Abstract

This paper describes the effects of the drainage basin characteristics on river runoff and chemistry of river water. The drainage basin characteristics influence the amount of water yield and chemistry of river water. The drainage basin characteristics are composed of topographic condition, rock and sediment type, vegetation and land use. Most variable characteristic of Iceland is permeability of rock. Iceland is on the Mid-Aelantic Ridge and active volcanic zones run across the island. The Tertialy strata which are almost impermeable are exposed at northern west and east coast of Iceland.
Icelandic rivers are divided into three groups by the pattern of runoff variation and chemical conditions.
“Spring-fed rivers” : The amount of runoff and chemical conditions are very even all year round and unaffected by the amount of rainfall. This type rivers are mainly founded in the central zone that is highest permeable area.
“Direct runoff rivers” : The variations of runoff and chemical conditions are very much dependent on the variation of rainfall. These variations are very anomalous. This type rivers are found in the areas of the impermeable basaltic rocks.
“Glacier rivers” : The amount of runoff varies annually. The amount of runoff is very large in summer and is very little in winter. The most typical characteristic of this type rivers is the high concentration of suspended sediment.