Effects of volcanic ash on the benthic environment of a mountain stream, northern Idaho
Water-Resources Investigations Report
82-4106
By: S.A. Frenzel
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Abstract
The May 18, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens deposited about 15 millimeters of volcanic ash on the Big Creek basin in northern Idaho. Much of the uncompacted ash remained on hillsides a year after the eruption. Physical and chemical analyses of water samples from Big Creek collected from December 1980 to December 1981 showed no anomalies attributable to ash. Qualitative collections showed benthic invertebrates to be abundant and diverse in Big Creek. Experiments conducted in an unimpacted mountain stream revealed a small quantity of volcanic ash may be beneficial not detrimental to invertebrate communities. Benthic invertebrates were most abundant on ash-covered artificial substrates, with detritovores dominating the communities on all substrates. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Frenzel, S., 1982, Effects of volcanic ash on the benthic environment of a mountain stream, northern Idaho: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-4106, iii, 32 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri824106.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Effects of volcanic ash on the benthic environment of a mountain stream, northern Idaho |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 82-4106 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri824106 |
| Year Published | 1982 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Idaho Water Science Center |
| Description | iii, 32 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| Other Geospatial | Big Creek Basin;Gedney Creek Basin |