Precipitation and streamwater chemistry from undisturbed watersheds in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon

• Published in: Water, air, and soil pollution air, and soil pollution, 1988-11, Vol.42 (1), p.203-219
• Main Authors: Martin, C.W. (USDA Forest Service, Durham, NH (USA). Northeastern Forest Experiment Station), Harr, R.D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; BASSIN VERSANT; CONTAMINACION DEL AGUA; CUENCAS HIDROGRAFICAS; Exact sciences and technology; Freshwater; Natural water pollution; OREGON; Pollution; POLLUTION DE L'EAU; Rainwaters, run off water and others; WATER POLLUTION; Water treatment and pollution; WATERSHEDS
• ISSN: 0049-6979; 1573-2932
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00282402

Precipitation and streamwater chemistry were measured on 2 undisturbed forested catchment areas at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest on the western side of the Cascade Mountains. Data from the lower elevation site (425-700 m) was collected continuously during 1969-1985 and from the higher site (955-1190 m) during 1973-1985. Specific conductance, pH, alkalinity, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, dissolved silica and particulate matter were monitored. The mean annual precipitation pH was 5.5. Precipitation chemistry was dominated by bicarbonate. Sodium and calcium were the dominant cations. Streamwater mean annual pH was 7.3, dominated by bicarbonate and calcium. There were significant differences between these results and data from catchment areas in the north Cascade Mountains, New Hampshire and North Carolina where precipitation pH was 4.14-4.43 with sulphate the dominant anion.