Hydrologic and limnologic features of Quitobaquito Pond and Springs, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Fisher SG. 1989. Hydrologic and limnologic features of Quitobaquito Pond and Springs, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Quitobaquito Science Series. Technical Report No. 22. Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Arizona. Tucson, AZ
The objectives of this study were to describe the basic limnologic and hydrologic features of the Quitobaquito Pond and spring system and to provide information that can be used to predict the long-term status of the ecosystem in the face of a variety of management plans. This study had two main emphases. First, to generate an approximate water budget for the system typical of an average day in midsummer. The purpose of this was to determine how critical the water supply is, how much of a decrease in supply could be tolerated without losing the pond, and to identify the natural components which are responsible for water loss from the system. The second main objective was to describe the limnologic dynamics of the pond ecosystem. Overall system metabolism was deduced from a study of physical and chemical characteristics. Importantly, these data were collected over a range of times during the year and during a single day in order to determine the range of states which the system might occupy. Results of this study were compared with past studies at the site, particularly the data collected by Professor Gerald Cole and his student, Mel Whiteside, nearly 25 years ago (Cole and Whiteside 1965).
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Fisher, Stuart
- Date of Issue
- 1989-06
- Publisher
- Cooperative National Park Resources Studies Unit, University of Arizona
- Units
- ORPI , WRD
- Keywords
- Hydrology, Limnology, Precipitation, Quitobaquito ponds (ORPI), Quitobaquito Springs (ORPI), Research & Studies, Sediment, Water Quality, Water Resources, Water Temperature, WRBIB