Premium
Strategies for emission controls to mitigate snowmelt acidification
Author(s) -
Chen Limin,
Driscoll Charles T.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2005gl024123
Subject(s) - snowmelt , deposition (geology) , biogeochemical cycle , environmental science , surface water , acid deposition , aquatic ecosystem , acid rain , acid neutralizing capacity , environmental chemistry , ecosystem , atmospheric sciences , hydrology (agriculture) , soil acidification , surface runoff , chemistry , ecology , soil water , geology , soil science , environmental engineering , sediment , biology , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering , soil ph
Elevated atmospheric deposition of strong acids contributes to short‐term/seasonal acidification of surface waters draining sensitive northern forests of North America and Europe during high flow. Reducing atmospheric deposition of NO 3 − and/or SO 4 2− , therefore, could improve the health of aquatic ecosystems by mitigating episodic acidification. We used an integrated biogeochemical model (PnET‐BGC) to simulate the effects of acidic deposition on seasonal variations in surface water chemistry, and to evaluate emission control scenarios to decrease acidification during snowmelt. Model calculations suggest that historical long‐term inputs of acidic deposition have altered the seasonal patterns in surface water chemistry. Although short‐term increases in NO 3 − coincide with snowmelt acidification, model simulations indicate reductions in SO 4 2− deposition result in larger benefits than an equivalent reduction in NO 3 − deposition. Year‐around reductions in NO 3 − deposition are also more beneficial to the acid‐base status of stream water than summer‐only reductions.