Actions for Assessing how Hydrologic Connectivity of Headwater Streams Impacts Nitrate Export in a Forested Catchment

Email RIS file
Bookmark
Report an Issue

Assessing how Hydrologic Connectivity of Headwater Streams Impacts Nitrate Export in a Forested Catchment

Author
Kerstetter, Emily
Published
[University Park, Pennsylvania] : Pennsylvania State University, 2020.
Physical Description
1 electronic document
Additional Creators
Duncan, Jonathan M.
Access Online

Availability

I Want It
I Want It

Finding items...

Graduate Program
Restrictions on Access
Open Access.
Summary
With increased frequency of drought and intense precipitation, the changing extent of headwater streams and the implications on water quality are unknown. Additionally, there is risk of intermittent streams being lost from regulation in the Waters of the United States. This research aims to study the expansion and contraction of stream channels within the Ridge and Valley physiographic province and relate those dynamics to nitrate export in forested watersheds. Headwater streams often dry down during parts of the growing season and flow again during the dormant season and in some storm events. A spate of recent research has investigated biophysical controls on stream network expansion and contraction. Understanding how biogeochemical reactions that take place in forested headwater watersheds can help to explain changes in nutrient concentrations in larger bodies of water downstream. Mapping the extent of hydrologic connectivity, defined here by surface water connectivity in forested headwater watersheds under various hydroclimatic regimes, would help to determine the extent of expansion and contraction that can take place. We ask if hydrologic connectivity helps to understand patterns of downstream nitrate concentrations. To answer these questions, we collected data on hydrologic connectivity and NO3-N concentration export from a small forested watershed in the Ridge and Valley province. Stream temperature, intermittency, and conductivity (STIC) sensors were used to measure water presence and absence in surveyed stream channels. Storm events and weekly water quality sampling captured the NO3-N concentration export from this watershed under various hydrologic conditions. The changes in stream channel connectivity during wet and dry periods may answer why there is a difference in nitrate export between watersheds. We found several variables that effect NO3-N flux from the watershed including percent increase in watershed contributing area, precipitation totals, and antecedent moisture conditions.
Other Subject(s)
Genre(s)
Dissertation Note
M.S. Pennsylvania State University 2020.
Technical Details
The full text of the dissertation is available as an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file ; Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view the file.
View MARC record | catkey: 31803753