Climatic and landscape controls on water transit times and silicate mineral weathering in the critical zone

摘要: The critical zone (CZ) can be conceptualized as an open system reactor that is continually transforming energy and water fluxes into internal structural organization dissipative products. In this study, we test a controlling factor on transit times (WTT) mineral weathering called Effective Energy Mass Transfer (EEMT). We hypothesize EEMT, quantified based local climatic variables, effectively predict WTT within—and products from—the CZ. This study tests whether EEMT or static landscape characteristics are good predictors of WTT, aqueous phase solutes, silicate Our site located around Redondo Peak, rhyolitic volcanic resurgent dome, in northern New Mexico. At springs drain slopes along gradient created by differences terrain aspect. investigation uses major solute concentrations, the calculated mass undergoing dissolution, age tracer tritium relates them quantitatively to characteristics. found significant correlations between Significant were observed dissolved (Na+ DIC), 3H maximum EEMT. contrast, such contributing area spring, slope gradient, elevation, flow path length not effective predictive variables These results highlight interrelationship landscape, hydrological, biogeochemical processes suggest basic data embodied used scale hydrological hydrochemical responses other sites.