Shenandoah watershed study [SWAS] 2007 report

Webb, J; Deviney, F; Maben, S

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia maintains the Shenandoah Watershed Study (SWAS) program in cooperation with the National Park Service. Over the 28-year period, 1979-2007, the SWAS program has developed and maintained a monitoring framework designed to account for the spatial and temporal variability of hydrologic and biogeochemical conditions in the watershed ecosystems of the Shenandoah National Park (SHEN). The SWAS program is a component of the SHEN Long Term Ecological Monitoring Program. The SWAS framework includes 14 study watersheds selected to represent the major bedrock types in SHEN. Data collection includes quarterly, weekly, and hourly sample collection for analysis of stream water composition, and discharge gauging. This data collection allows detection of biogeochemical change in SHEN watersheds and supports research to advance understanding of factors and processes that govern current conditions and determine response to stressors. This report continues a calendar year basis for data reporting and interpretation. We plan a schedule for annual reports in which statistical analysis of trends are reported every three to five years, or as warranted by notable observations or other important considerations. The current report provides descriptive information for data obtained in the period, 01/01/06 – 12/31/07, including comparisons with previous years in the SWAS program record. The major program recommendations submitted with this report are consistent with previous recommendations concerning the need for increased emphasis on the more-sensitive headwater reaches of SHEN streams, characterization and monitoring of soils and springs, and investigation of the fate and transport of atmospherically deposited mercury. Additional recommendations concern the use of newly available bedrock and vegetation maps. Much of the recommended work has been initiated. We again recommend that recent work to model the frequency, duration, and magnitude of episodic acidification be extended to better address the effects of discharge-related extreme conditions on aquatic biota in SHEN. We have also now fully adopted the NPSTORET data management system developed by the National Park Service for management of water resources data in national parks.

Shenandoah watershed study [SWAS] 2007 report

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