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Hydrologic analysis of two headwater lake basins of differing lake pH in the west-central Adirondack Mountains of New York

Water-Resources Investigations Report 84-4313
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri844313

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Abstract

Hydrologic analysis of two headwater lake basins in the Adirondack Mountains, New York, during 1980-81 indicates that the degree of neutralization of acid precipitation is controlled by the groundwater contribution to the lake. According to flow-duration analyses, daily mean outflow/unit area from the neutral lake (Panther Lake, pH 5-7) was more sustained and contained a higher percentage of groundwater than that of the acidic lake (Woods Lake, pH 4-5). Outflow recession rates and maximum base-flow rates, derived from individual recession curves, were 3.9 times and 1.5 times greater, respectively, in the neutral-lake basin than in the acidic-lake basin. Groundwater contribution to lake outflow was also calculated from a lake-water budget; the groundwater contribution to the neutral lake was about 10 times greater than that to the acidic lake. Thick sandy till forms the groundwater reservoir and the major recharge area in both basins but covers 8.5 times more area in the neutral-lake basin than in the acidic-lake basin. More groundwater storage within the neutral basin provides longer contact time with neutralizing minerals and more groundwater discharge. As a result, the neutral lake has relatively high pH and alkalinity, and more net cation transport. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrologic analysis of two headwater lake basins of differing lake pH in the west-central Adirondack Mountains of New York
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 84-4313
DOI 10.3133/wri844313
Edition -
Year Published 1987
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 49 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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