Geochemical Characterization of Park's Soils Related to Impacts from Atmospheric Acidic Deposition
Schwartz J. 2016. Geochemical Characterization of Park's Soils Related to Impacts from Atmospheric Acidic Deposition. National Park Service
PIs propose to characterize the physical and chemical properties of soils in each of the eight major watershed types (the "block design for acid sensitivity") identified in GRSM-00398. An initial GIS analysis with the park soil layer generated outcomes on the specific site locations for collection of soil samples. Three soil samples were taken from each site and are being analyzed in winter of 2009/10. Soil chemical properties related to acidification were characterized for 25 sites within eight acid-sensitive watersheds. The watersheds included: Newt Prong, Road Prong, Rock Creek, Lost Bottom Creek, Jakes Creek, Walker Camp Prong, Cosby Creek, and Palmer Creek. The Walker Camp Prong watershed had significantly higher soil base saturation, calcium and magnesium than all other study watersheds as a result of the application of dolomitic limestone to roadways for wintertime traction control. Soil chemistry must be governed by external inputs and basin characteristics, more so than parent material. This idea was strengthen by the ability to relate many soil chemical properties to forest type and identifying other chemical properties as functions of elevation, slope and soil depth. Also, the presence of unexposed Anakeesta did not seem to have any significant effect on soil chemical properties because all significant differences could be linked to factors unrelated to surficial geology.
- Type
- Generic Dataset
- Authors
- Schwartz, John
- Date of Issue
- 2016-10-11
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM Permitted Study ID: GRSM-00795, SER, Southeast Region
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Soil Quality | Soil Function and Dynamics