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Comparison of precipitation chemistry in the Central Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

Atmospheric Environment
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(99)00430-6

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Abstract

Volume-weighted mean concentrations of nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and sulfate (SO42-) in precipitation were compared at high-elevation sites in Colorado from 1992 to 1997 to evaluate emission source areas to the east and west of the Rocky Mountains. Precipitation chemistry was measured by two sampling methods, the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) and snowpack surveys at maximum accumulation. Concentrations of NO3- and SO42- in winter precipitation were greater on the western slope of the Rockies, and concentrations of NO3- and NH4+ in summer precipitation were greater on the eastern slope. Summer concentrations in general were almost twice as high as winter concentrations. Seasonal weather patterns in combination with emission source areas help to explain these differences. This comparison shows that high-elevation ecosystems in Colorado are influenced by air pollution emission sources located on both sides of the Continental Divide. It also suggests that sources of nitrogen and sulfur located east of the Divide have a greater influence on precipitation chemistry in the Colorado Rockies. Copyright (C) 2000.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Comparison of precipitation chemistry in the Central Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA
Series title Atmospheric Environment
DOI 10.1016/S1352-2310(99)00430-6
Volume 34
Issue 11
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher Elsevier Science Ltd
Publisher location Exeter, United Kingdom
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Atmospheric Environment
First page 1713
Last page 1722
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