Nutrient dynamics in a headwater stream : use of continuous water quality sensors to examine seasonal, event, and diurnal processes in the East Fork Jemez River, NM

Author

Lauren R. Sherson

Publication Date

8-27-2012

Abstract

Stream water quality can change substantively over seasonal, event, and diurnal scales. Multiple biogeochemical processes operate on a 24-hour timescale, and also may be influenced by local weather and precipitation events. Increased sampling frequency, made possible by recent developments in continuous water quality monitors, allows us to better understand biogeochemical responses to these events. Continuous water quality sensors were deployed in the East Fork Jemez River (located in northern New Mexico) from 2010 – 2011 to investigate the temporal variability of nutrient concentrations and biogeochemical parameters and the controls on this variation. This thesis is split into two chapters representing two separate manuscripts intended for publication with L. Sherson as the first author. Chapter 1 reports on seasonal and diurnal variation observed in nutrient concentrations and biogeochemical parameters, and the biological and hydrological controls on these processes. Additional co-authors will be Van Horn, D.J., Gomez, J.D., Shafer, B.M., Bixby, R.J., Crossey, L.J., and Dahm, C.N. Chapter 2 summarizes nutrient and biogeochemical responses observed during event periods in the East Fork Jemez watershed. These events include spring snowmelt and precipitation, fall precipitation, and summer monsoons occurring after wildfire. Additional co-authors will be Van Horn, D.J., Gomez, J.D., Crossey, L.J., and Dahm, C.N.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dahm, Cliff

Second Committee Member

Asmerom, Yemane

Project Sponsors

New Mexico Environmental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), New Mexico Geological Society (NMGS), Geological Society of America (GSA), Black Family Fellowship (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences)

Language

English

Keywords

nutrients, water quality, diurnal, wildfire, continuous monitoring, Jemez River

Document Type

Thesis

Recommended Citation

Sherson, Lauren R.. "Nutrient dynamics in a headwater stream : use of continuous water quality sensors to examine seasonal, event, and diurnal processes in the East Fork Jemez River, NM." (2012). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/eps_etds/80