Quality Assurance Report for Loch Vale Watershed, 2010–19
Links
- Document: Report (2.82 MB pdf) , XML
- Related Works:
- National Atmospheric Deposition Program [NADP], 2021, National Atmospheric Deposition Program web page— accessed August 17, 2021
- National Resource Ecology Lab [NREL], 2011, Loch Vale Watershed—Long-term Ecological Research and Monitoring Program: National Resource Ecology Laboratory web page— accessed April 15, 2021
- Water, Energy, and Biochemical Budgets (WEBB)—Loch Vale Watershed: Colorado Water Science Center web page— accessed July 13, 2021
- Data Release: USGS data release— Climatological data for the Loch Vale watershed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, water years 1992–2019
- Database: USGS water data for the Nation— U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System database, accessed July 28, 2021
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The Loch Vale Watershed Research and Monitoring Program collects long-term datasets of ecological and biogeochemical parameters in Rocky Mountain National Park to support both (1) management of this protected area and (2) research into watershed-scale ecosystem processes as those processes respond to atmospheric deposition and climate variability. The program collects data on precipitation depth and atmospheric deposition chemistry—as well as surface water biogeochemistry—within the watershed and in other areas of the park. These data are used by resource managers, scientists, policy makers, and students, so it is important that all collected data meet high quality standards. This report presents an evaluation of data quality for precipitation, atmospheric ammonia, and surface water quality samples collected from 2010 to 2019. This report also presents changes made to the monitoring and laboratory equipment used during the study period and describes new data streams added to the project, including atmospheric ammonia, surface water chlorophyll-a, and dissolved oxygen in two lakes: The Loch and Sky Pond.
Quality-assurance procedures looked at the accuracy and precision of measurements made over the study period and found that precipitation and surface water chemistry data were 99 percent accurate and precise. Records that failed to meet quality standards were removed from published databases. From 2010 to 2014, a colocated precipitation gauge and deposition collector were installed on site as quality checks. From 2014 to 2018, power loss at the site resulted in significant loss of precipitation data records during the snow seasons. Those problems were addressed by installing new solar-power equipment in 2019. Measurements of deposition chemistry, atmospheric ammonia deposition, and surface water biogeochemistry were all sufficiently complete and consistent to support project data needs.
Suggested Citation
Weinmann, T., Baron, J.S., and Jayo, A., 2022, Quality assurance report for Loch Vale Watershed, 2010–19: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 1–D9, 21 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm1D9.
ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Precipitation Depth and Chemistry
- Changes in Field and Laboratory Procedures, 2010–19
- Summary
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Quality assurance report for Loch Vale Watershed, 2010–19 |
| Series title | Techniques and Methods |
| Series number | 1-D9 |
| DOI | 10.3133/tm1D9 |
| Year Published | 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Fort Collins Science Center |
| Description | Report: viii, 21 p.; Data Release; Database |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| Other Geospatial | Loch Vale Watershed |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |