Mapping critical loads of nitrogen deposition for aquatic ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains, USA
2012
Nanus, Leora | Clow, David W. | Saros, Jasmine E. | Stephens, Verlin C. | Campbell, Donald H.
Spatially explicit estimates of critical loads of nitrogen (N) deposition (CLNdₑₚ) for nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems were developed for the Rocky Mountains, USA, using a geostatistical approach. The lowest CLNdₑₚ estimates (<1.5 ± 1 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) occurred in high-elevation basins with steep slopes, sparse vegetation, and abundance of exposed bedrock and talus. These areas often correspond with areas of high N deposition (>3 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), resulting in CLNdₑₚ exceedances ≥1.5 ± 1 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. CLNdₑₚ and CLNdₑₚ exceedances exhibit substantial spatial variability related to basin characteristics and are highly sensitive to the NO₃ ⁻ threshold at which ecological effects are thought to occur. Based on an NO₃ ⁻ threshold of 0.5 μmol L⁻¹, N deposition exceeds CLNdₑₚ in 21 ± 8% of the study area; thus, broad areas of the Rocky Mountains may be impacted by excess N deposition, with greatest impacts at high elevations.
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