The balances of input in atmospheric precipitation and discharge in streams have been determined for selected mineral constituents in three small tributaries to Hubbard Brook in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Inputs and discharge of sulfate, am: monium, and nitrate were calculated from hydrologic data, together with chemical analyses of weekly samples of precipitation and streamwater taken over a 2-year period. The calculations show that precipitation provides most of the 30-50 kilograms of sulfate per hectare carried annually by the streams and that inputs exceed outflows of ammonium and of nitrate. Maximum effluent nitrate concentrations of 2 mg/1 (milligrams per liter) are observed in early spring. Measurements of pit indicate that the hydrogen ion is one of the major cations in precipitation over the area. Determinations were made of the discharge of bicarbonate, silica, and aluminum in the streams. Annual stream loads of silica ranged from 20 to 40 kilograms per hectare. Effluent bicarbonate and silica concentrations vary directly with each other and inversely with aluminum. (Key words' Forests; precipitation; quality of water) Hampshire. The objectives include' (1) the minerals; and with determinations of the indetermination of the rates of addition, internal put in precipitation and discharge in streams of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and circulation, and egress of dissolved mineral chloride [Likens et al., 19'6.7; Juang a•d Johnmatter in forested watersheds, and (2) the relation of these rates to the ecology of the son, 1967]. This report provides data on the balance forest and to the geochemistry of the watershed minerals. Individual phases of the inves-between the input in precipitation and the discharge in streams of sulfate, ammonium, * This report is contribution number 5 of the nitrate, hydrogen ion, bicarbonate, silica, and Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study. Published as aluminum for three Hubbard Brook tributary a contribution to the U.S. Program of the International Hydrological Decade and the Inter-watersheds. Considerable information on these national Biological Program. balances in the watersheds studied has been 1115 1116 FI S I--IER ET acquired during the present study (June 19'64 has selected for intensive hydrologic study. through May 1966). I• is anticipated that a These small (12 to 43 hectare) watersheds are subsequent report covering a longer period will outlined in Figure I and designated W-2, W-4, establish more precisely the input-discharge and W-6. Measurements of precipitation and relationships for dissolved mineral matter in of streamflow in the watersheds are obtained intact sections of the forest. Concurrent chem-continuously by Forest Service personnel from ical measurements on the efiluent from a cut-a network of recording rain gages and stream over watershed within the study area are pro-gages. Monthly and annual water budgets are viding information on the effects of disturbances computed for each of the watersheds. Addiwithin the natural environment and, indire...
A study was made of the mineral composition of individual rainfalls at Prince William National Forest Park, Virginia. Data are presented showing variations in the composition of rainfall during the course of six separate storms. The data support the theory that much of the SO•--in rainfall is formed from the oxidation of S02 in cloud droplets. It is suggested that atmospheric NO•, acting as a catalyst, is very important in this reaction. The data indicate that SO•--, NO•-, and NH• + in rainfall are derived primarily from gaseous constituents of the atmosphere. The origin of NOa-in thunderstorm rainfall is discussed and evidence is given to show that the role of lightning is almost certainly unimportant.
The Ca++/Cl-ratio is a logical index of the predominance of continental or marine water-soluble aerosols in precipitation. Use of this ratio and others indicates that, excluding immediate coastal areas, continental aerosols constitute a large majority of the soluble material brought down in precipitation over land. The correlation of the concentrations of various ions in precipitation with the regional distribution of these elements in the soil presents further support for this conclusion.
The Ca++/Cl− ratio is a logical index of the predominance of continental or marine water‐soluble aerosols in precipitation. Use of this ratio and others indicates that, excluding immediate coastal areas, continental aerosols constitute a large majority of the soluble material brought down in precipitation over land. The correlation of the concentrations of various ions in precipitation with the regional distribution of these elements in the soil presents further support for this conclusion.
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