Hydrochemical Balance of an Alpine Watershed in Southeast Alaska
Stednick JD. 1981. Hydrochemical Balance of an Alpine Watershed in Southeast Alaska. Arctic and Alpine Research. 13(4):431-438
Samples of precipitation and streamflow water were taken for chemical analysis from Upper Indian River on Chichagof Island for water years 1979 and 1980. The alpine watershed of 8.0 km2 is described by a ridge of 670 m elevation, with peaks to 838 m. Annual streamflow averaged 2825 mm, distributed in a bimodal pattern with annual precipitation of 3300 mm. Total nitrogen had a net loss of 5.9 kg · ha-1· yr-1, 34% of the output being organic. Total phosphorus output equaled the precipitation input, while orthophosphate accumulated at 0.4 kg · ha-1· yr-1. Sodium accumulated at 1.4 kg · ha-1· yr-1, while other monitored elements exhibited at net loss, from 5.1 kg · ha-1· yr-1 of magnesium to 475.5 kg · ha-1· yr-1 of calcium. A silica output of 55.2 kg · ha-1· yr-1 resulted in a denudation rate of 0.0037 mm per year. Underlying parent material and bedrock weathering and dissolution defined streamflow chemistry. The abundant organic soils may define the organic outputs. The ocean proximity is reflected in precipitation inputs of chloride, calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Stednick, John
- Units
- SEAN , WRD
- Keywords
- Chemistry, Hydrology, Surface Water, Water Management