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Sensitivity of stream basins in Shenandoah National Park to acid deposition

Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4115
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri854115

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Abstract

Six synoptic surveys of 56 streams that drain the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, were conducted in cooperation with the University of Virginia to evaluate sensitivity of dilute headwater streams to acid deposition and to determine the degree of acidification of drainage basins. Flow-weighted alkalinity concentration of most streams is below 200 microequivalents per liter, which is considered the threshold of sensitivity. Streams draining resistant siliceous bedrocks have an extreme sensitivity (alkalinity below 20 microequivalents/L); those draining granite and granodiorite have a high degree of sensitivity (20 to 100 microequivalents/L); and streams draining metamorphosed volcanics have moderate to marginal sensitivity (100 to 200 microequivalents/L). A comparison of current stream water chemistry to that predicted by a model based on carbonic acid weathering reactions suggests that all basins in the Park shows signs of acidification by atmospheric deposition. Acidification is defined as a neutralization of stream water alkalinity and/or an increase in the base cation weathering rate. Acidification averages 50 microequivalents/L, which is fairly evenly distributed in the Park. However, the effects of acidification are most strongly felt in extremely sensitive basins, such as those underlain by the Antietam Formation, which have stream water pH values averaging 4.99 and a mineral acidity of 7 microequivalents/L. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Lynch, D.D., and Dise, N., 1985, Sensitivity of stream basins in Shenandoah National Park to acid deposition: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4115, vi, 61 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri854115.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Sensitivity of stream basins in Shenandoah National Park to acid deposition
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 85-4115
DOI 10.3133/wri854115
Year Published 1985
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description vi, 61 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details