Relations between basin characteristics and stream water chemistry in alpine/subalpine basins in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

摘要: Relations between stream water chemistry and topographic, vegetative, geologic characteristics of basins were evaluated for nine alpine/subalpine in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, to identify controlling parameters better understand processes governing patterns chemistry. Fractional amounts steep slopes ($308), unvegetated terrain, young surficial debris within each basin positively correlated other. These terrain features, which commonly occur on valley side underlain by talus, negatively with concentrations base cations, silica, alkalinity nitrate, acidity, runoff. relations might result from the short residence times limited soil development talus environment, limit chemical weathering nitrogen uptake. Steep, terrains also tend promote high Ca/Na ratios water, probably because physical rates those areas are high. Physical exposes fresh bedrock that contains interstitial calcite, weathers relatively quickly. The fractional subalpine meadow and, a lesser extent, old products nitrate acidity. may reflect more opportunities silicate uptake lower-energy environments floor, where soils finer-grained, older, developed flat. results indicate basins, slope, vegetation (or lack thereof), distribution age materials interrelated can have major effects