SWAN Monitoring Water Quantity and Quality

Southwest Alaska Network

Water Quantity Hydrology and geology are the two principle drivers dictating structure and function of all aquatic systems. In the broadest sense, hydrology encompasses the distribution and movement of water and its interactions on the surrounding environment − whether in the ground, on the land, or in the air. Discharge and water level measurements are two hydrologic parameters critical to understanding the biophysical patterns observed in aquatic systems. Discharge refers to the longitudinal movement of water and is measured as the volume of water that moves past a given point over a unit of time (commonly expressed as cubic feet per second; cfs). Water level refers to the vertical movement of water. These two parameters relate to water quantity. They dictate a wide variety of physical, chemical, and biological interactions that structure freshwater flow systems, from nutrient loading to the timing and success of fish spawning. Our objectives for this monitoring are to answer the following questions: What are the status and trend of the timing, duration, and magnitude of peak lake discharge? What are the status and trend of the timing, duration, and magnitude of peak lake levels? We currently monitor water quantity at four lake outlets in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks and preserves. Water Quality Lakes integrate water, energy, nutrients, sediments, and pollutants from the surrounding land and air. Therefore, lake water quality can be a useful indicator of broad scale stressors, such as climate change. High-latitude lakes are projected to become not only warmer as a result of climate change, but also more turbid, more enriched in nutrients and organic matter, and more productive. These changes have the potential to impact the growth, survival, and reproduction of aquatic organisms such as salmon, and also the terrestrial organisms that rely on them. The Southwest Alaska Network monitors several lake water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. Because these four parameters are monitored by all I&M networks nationwide, they are called “core parameters.” We also monitor water clarity, due to the glacial influence on water quality in many watersheds. Our monitoring objectives are to answer the following questions: What are the status and trend of the core parameters during a mid-summer index period within select lakes? What are the status and trend of lake temperature, duration and depth of thermocline, stratification patterns, and warming and cooling patterns within select lakes? What are the status and trend of the core parameters at select lake outlets during the ice-free period? We currently monitor water quality at various sites in Katmai and Lake Clark national parks and preserves and Kenai Fjords National Park.

SWAN Monitoring Water Quantity and Quality

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