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This surface water recovery assessment is a cooperative project by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, Syracuse University, the Institute of Ecosystems Studies (IES), the U.S. Geological Survey, and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The project uses available data for the Adirondack and Catskill regions to evaluate evidence of ecosystem recovery from acid deposition and compare recovery rates in the two areas. A complete project description is included below.
Project Description
Acid precipitation has adversely affected forested and aquatic ecosystems in New York, particularly in the Adirondack and Catskill regions. The acidification of surface waters in both regions and the attendant adverse effects on fish and other aquatic biota, are well documented. Despite a decrease in the acidity of atmospheric deposition across the northeastern United States during the past 20 years, the most acid-sensitive streams and lakes have not yet begun to recover, and many show continued declines in ANC (acid-neutralizing capacity), an indicator acid-base status. Many studies have documented the effects of acid precipitation in the Adirondack and Catskill regions, but no comprehensive effort has been made to compare data and results from these two regions. This project, begun in 2001, brings together scientists from five research institutes who have collected data on the effects of acidic precipitation in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains during the past two decades. The goal of this project is compile data on the chemistry of streams, lakes, soil, and atmospheric deposition in these regions and to statistically analyze these data to discern spatial patterns and temporal trends in surface water recovery from decreases in precipitation acidity. The temporal trends in selected chemical indicators of acid-base status will be defined through Seasonal Kendall Tau analysis of several lake outlets and streams in the two regions. Changes in the retention of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in watersheds through time are also being investigated by comparing results from small watershed studies in the two regions. Predictions of the acid-base status of surface waters are being made through biogeochemical model simulations for various projected future rates of atmospheric nitrogen and sulfur deposition and several different land management alternatives. Results will be made available to the public through this website.
Please send any questions or comments to Mike McHale.
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