Biogeochemistry of a Subalpine Ecosystem: Loch Vale Watershed (Ecological Studies)

This is a presentation of the Loch Vale Watershed study, which was initiated to help understanding of biogeochemical pathways as well as the effects of acid deposition in the alpine and subalpine environment of the Rocky Mountain National Park. The study characterizes precipitation, bedrock, soils, lakes and streams, aquatic organisms and woody vegetation. Amongh the topics addressed are sources and seasonal variations in acidic deposition, buffering of surface waters through soil processes, geochemical mass balance, the chemical composition of surface waters and nutrient and growth dynamics of old-growth spruce-fir forests. Methodological considerations are also discussed.