Open AccessRecharge from glacial meltwater is critical for alpine springs and their microbiomes
Author(s) -
Jordyn B. Miller,
Marty D. Frisbee,
Trinity L. Hamilton,
Senthil K. Murugapiran
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
environmental research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.37
H-Index - 124
ISSN - 1748-9326
DOI - 10.1088/1748-9326/abf06b
Subject(s) - meltwater , groundwater recharge , glacial period , geology , glacier , baseflow , hydrology (agriculture) , geomorphology , groundwater , aquifer , streamflow , geography , drainage basin , geotechnical engineering , cartography
The importance of glacier meltwater as a source of mountain-block recharge remains poorly quantified, yet it may be essential to the integrity of alpine aquatic ecosystems by maintaining baseflow in streams and perennial flow in springs. We test the hypothesis that meltwater from alpine glaciers is a critical source of recharge for mountain groundwater systems using traditional stable isotopic source-identification techniques combined with a novel application of microbial DNA. We find that not only is alpine glacier meltwater a critical source of water for many springs, but that alpine springs primarily supported by glacial meltwater contain microbial taxa that are unique from springs primarily supported by seasonal recharge. Thus, recharge from glacial meltwater is vital in maintaining flow in alpine springs and it supports their distinct microbiomes.