Air pollution and desert systems at risk: The susceptibility of pothole ecosystems on the Colorado Plateau to acid deposition
Graham TB. 1991. Air pollution and desert systems at risk: The susceptibility of pothole ecosystems on the Colorado Plateau to acid deposition. Pages 102-111. In Graham TB (ed): Acid Rain and Air Pollution in Desert Park Areas. Tucson, AZ. May 16-18, 1988. National Park Service
This study, conducted in and near Arches National Park, examined pothole ecosystems in relation to effects of acid deposition. The author found that the general expectation of relatively little acid deposition in the arid southwest, and rapid neutralization by alkaline water sources, does not hold for all desert areas. Potholes, cryptogamic soils, and aquatic areas in high elevation deserts may be especially vulnerable to damage from accumulations of acid pollutants. The author investigated pothole ecology and sensitivity of aquatic organisms to acidification, the potential for using selected organisms in biomonitoring, and results of artificially acidifying nine potholes to three pH levels. Further studies are recommended in areas nearer to pollution sources and having different rock types. Bibliography pages 107-109. With a map showing National Park Service units and electric generating stations, graph of 79 potholes showing volumes.
- Type
- Conference Proceeding Paper
- Authors
- Graham, Tim
- Units
- ARCH , ARD
- Keywords
- Acid Deposition, Air Pollution, Air Quality, AIRBIB, Animal Studies, Aquatic, Aquatic Studies, Atmospheric Sciences, Ecology, Inventory, Invertebrates, Invertebrates (Invertebrata), Limnology, Monitoring, NCPN springs literature 2003, Physical Sciences, Pools, potholes (geologic), Soil Science, Tinajas, Water Quality, Water Resources