NPS Photo
A solar powered, aerochemetric rain sampler and rain gauge collect precipitation and dry atmospheric deposition data at Emerald Lake in Sequoia National Park.
High-elevation lakes and streams in the parks are potentially sensitive to human-induced acid deposition (acidic rain, snow, and particles). While chronic acidification is not a problem at present, there are episodes when the capacity of our lakes and streams to neutralize acids gets reduced -- during snowmelt and during the "dirty" rainstorms of summer and early fall -- and the water becomes acidic for a time. If acid deposition increases in the future, a likely scenario given the tremendous population growth in the San Joaquin Valley, these episodes of acidification will become more frequent and can be expected to alter our aquatic communities.
Links
Environmental Protection Agency --
