Snow chemistry of the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Mountains

Environmental Science & Technology
By: , and 

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Abstract

This investigation assesses geographic variations in atmospheric deposition in Washington, Oregon, and California using snow cores from the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Mountains, collected from late February to mid-March 1983. A statistical analysis of the analytical and sampling precision was made. The snowpack in the higher Cascades and Sierra Nevada is not strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities at present. The pH of snow samples ranges from 5.11 to 5.88. Sulfate and nitrate correlate with H+ in some segments of the sample traverse. The SO4 data show apparent influence from major source areas in Washington and California; nitrate does not. An apparent decrease in NH4 in snow in Washington and California suggests atmospheric interactions resulting in the removal of NH4. The NH4 reduction raises questions about nutrient supply to the mountain vegetation. Heavy-metal correlations included Cd, Cu, and Fe with Pb, and Mn with K and DOC, among others. No correlation was found between constituents and snow-water content.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Snow chemistry of the Cascade-Sierra Nevada Mountains
Series title Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/es00145a009
Volume 20
Issue 3
Year Published 1986
Language English
Publisher ACS Publications
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Washington Water Science Center
Description 16 p.
First page 275
Last page 290
Country United States
State California, Oregon, Washington
Other Geospatial Cascade-Sierra Nevada Mountains
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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