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A screening procedure for identifying acid-sensitive lakes from catchment characteristics
1Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, California, USA. nberg@fs.fed.us
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|June 15, 2005
Summary
Wilderness lake acidification is monitored using catchment properties to predict acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). Models identified key factors like area ratio and lithology, aiding in identifying sensitive lakes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Hydrology
Background:
- Wilderness lakes require monitoring for acidification.
- Lake sensitivity to acidification is linked to catchment properties.
- Acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) is a key indicator of lake sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop models to predict ANC in high-elevation Wilderness lakes.
- Identify significant catchment properties influencing lake ANC.
- Validate models for screening lakes with low ANC.
Main Methods:
- Developed conceptual and general linear models.
- Utilized catchment-to-lake area ratio, perimeter-to-area ratio, bedrock lithology, vegetation cover, and headwater location as variables.
- Validated models using independent water chemistry data.
Main Results:
- Several catchment properties significantly explain ANC variations in Sierra Nevada Wilderness lakes.
- General linear models proved effective in predicting ANC.
- Models were successfully used to screen for lakes with low ANC.
Conclusions:
- Catchment properties are crucial for estimating lake ANC and sensitivity to acidification.
- The developed models provide a valuable tool for prioritizing monitoring efforts.
- Further monitoring of atmospheric deposition is recommended to enhance ANC prediction accuracy.
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