Response of lake chemistry to changes in atmospheric deposition and climate in three high-elevation wilderness areas of Colorado
Mast, MA; Turk, JT; Clow, DW; Campbell, DH
| HERO ID | 1711004 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2011 |
| Title | Response of lake chemistry to changes in atmospheric deposition and climate in three high-elevation wilderness areas of Colorado |
| Authors | Mast, MA; Turk, JT; Clow, DW; Campbell, DH |
| Journal | Biogeochemistry |
| Volume | 103 |
| Issue | 1-3 |
| Page Numbers | 27-43 |
| Abstract | Trends in precipitation chemistry and hydrologic and climatic data were examined as drivers of long-term changes in the chemical composition of high-elevation lakes in three wilderness areas in Colorado during 1985-2008. Sulfate concentrations in precipitation decreased at a rate of -0.15 to -0.55 mu eq/l/year at 10 high-elevation National Atmospheric Deposition Program stations in the state during 1987-2008 reflecting regional reductions in SO2 emissions. In lakes where sulfate is primarily derived from atmospheric inputs, sulfate concentrations also decreased although the rates generally were less, ranging from -0.12 to -0.27 mu eq/l/year. The similarity in timing and sulfur isotopic data support the hypothesis that decreases in atmospheric deposition are driving the response of high-elevation lakes in some areas of the state. By contrast, in lakes where sulfate is derived primarily from watershed weathering sources, sulfate concentrations showed sharp increases during 1985-2008. Analysis of long-term climate records indicates that annual air temperatures have increased between 0.45 and 0.93A degrees C per decade throughout most mountainous areas of Colorado, suggesting climate as a factor. Isotopic data reveal that sulfate in these lakes is largely derived from pyrite, which may indicate climate warming is preferentially affecting the rate of pyrite weathering. |
| Doi | 10.1007/s10533-010-9443-4 |
| Wosid | WOS:000287750100003 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | Source: Web of Science WOS:000287750100003 |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Keyword | Atmospheric deposition; Water chemistry; Lake; Climate; Trends; Weathering; Alpine |