Heat Budget Studies on the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park1

The analytical heat budget of a reach of the Madison River was determined. Net radiation and heat change in the river were measured. The difference between these two measurements was apportioned into evaporation and sensible heat flux by the use of Bowen’s ratio. An equation that is based on net radiation, air and water temperatures, and air and water vapor pressures was developed for the prediction of downstream cooling.