Monitoring and Studying the Effects of Atmospheric Deposition and Other Water Quality Threats to Parks In the North Coast and Cascades Network

Project ID: P14AC01527

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Central Washington University

Fiscal Year: 2014

Initial Funding: $13,560

Total Funding: $48,118

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Physical

National Park: North Coast and Cascades Network Inventory & Monitoring

Principal Investigator: Johansen, Anne

Agreement Technical Representative: Samora, Barbara

Abstract: The mountain parks of the North Coast and Cascades Network (NCCN) span a west to east precipitation gradient, from the very wet Olympic National Park (OLYM), to the drier Mount Rainier (MORA) arid North Cascades (NOCA) National Parks. This precipitation gradient is also present in each park, with the western areas relatively wetter than the eastern areas. Because of these gradients, network parks and areas within may respond differently to certain stressors (e.g., atmospheric deposition of contaminants), while responding similarly to others (e.g., global climate change). Nitrogen and sulfur compounds deposited from air pollution may harm lakes, streams,
soils, and vegetation in NCCN mountain parks. High elevation ecosystems in MORA and NOCA are sensitive to nitrogen and sulfur deposition. Not only do these systems receive more atmospheric deposition than lower elevation areas, but short growing seasons and shallow soils limit the capacity of soils and plants to absorb nitrogen, and dilute surface waters cannot buffer the effects of acid deposition. By sampling on a continuous basis with consistent techniques, we are able to track changes in atmospheric deposition and other threats to high elevation ecosystems. This project contributes knowledge to park managers and air pollution regulators for addressing threats to these Class I air quality parks, This project Involves CWU students and technical oversight from faculty, with opportunities to analyze lake, stream, and precipitation samples and to develop a professional technical report on the project results.