Year: 1985
Type: article
Abstract: Watershed history and geochemistry, and pond response to snowmelt were studied at six remote ponds in the Whi.teMountains of New Hampshire.Changes in pond chemistry have resulted from watershed disturbances, particularly forest fires and beaver activities.These factors need to be considered in any evaluation of pond susceptibility to acidification.The relationships of pond chemistry to the hydrology and geochemistry of their watersheds were studied at Black and Cone Ponds.Deeper soils and more weatherable minerals in the watershed produced longer flow paths, hj.gher pH, more basic cations, higher alkalinity, and lower so 4 -in the inlet stream of Black Pond.In contrast, the watershed at Cone Pond contained shallower soils with minerals more resistant to weathering, producing shorter flow path~, lower pH, fewer basic cations, no alkalinity, and higher so 4 -in the inlet stream.Acidic Cone Pond was intensively sampled in late winter to follow changes in water chemistry that resulted from "acid pulses" during snowmelt.During thaws the mass of H+ in the pond increased but large changes were not permanent and were confined to surface waters.Under conditions of winter stratification the botfom 2 m became much less acidic because of anoxic so 4 -reduction.Characterization of acid buffering capacity of a pond should be based on detailed knowledge of watershed disturbances, hydrology, mineralogy, and pond chemistry.
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2970860268