Work

Recharge from glacial meltwater is critical for alpine springs and their microbiomes

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: The importance of glacier meltwater as a source of mountain-block recharge remains poorly quantified, yet it may be essential to the integrity of alpine aquatic ecosystems by maintaining baseflow in streams and perennial flow in springs. We test the hypothesis that meltwater from alpine glaciers is a critical source of recharge for mountain groundwater systems using traditional stable isotopic source-identification techniques combined with a novel application of microbial DNA. We find that not only is alpine glacier meltwater a critical source of water for many springs, but that alpine springs primarily supported by glacial meltwater contain microbial taxa that are unique from springs primarily supported by seasonal recharge. Thus, recharge from glacial meltwater is vital in maintaining flow in alpine springs and it supports their distinct microbiomes.

Source: Environmental Research Letters

DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abf06b

Authors: Jordyn B Miller, Marty D Frisbee, Trinity L Hamilton, Senthil K Murugapiran

Institutions: Purdue University West Lafayette, University of Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry

Subfield: Geochemistry and Petrology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,255