The impact of a single black snowfall on streamwater chemistry in the Scottish Highlands

M. Tranter, P. W. Abrahams, I. L. Blackwood, P. Brimblecombe, T. D. Davies

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

During snowmelt, ions fractionate into meltwaters, giving rise to concentrated, often acidic, solutions. This may cause transient acidification of streamwaters ('acid flush') in poorly buffered upland catchments. The chemistry of snow and meltwater can affect the magnitude and duration of the 'acid flush', particularly when stream discharge is not dominated by pre-event water. Such conditions are found in the Scottish Highlands. The most acidic snowfalls are coloured or black, and occur under specific meteorological conditions. The stream water chemistry during two acid-flush events is presented. -from Authors
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)826-829
JournalNature
Volume332
Issue number6167
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

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