NADP/NTN (National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network)

Importance/Issues

The NADP/NTN protocol addresses a single ROMN vital sign: Wet and Dry Deposition. The National
Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) was established to monitor the chemistry of wet deposition (major anions and cations, especially dissolved species of nitrogen
and sulfur). Data from this network will be used to track changes in deposition chemistry in ROMN parks that have existing collectors (GLAC, LIBI, ROMO), and will be extrapolated to the other ROMN parks (FLFO, GRKO, GRSA).

Atmospheric deposition is the process by which airborne particles and gases are deposited on the earth’s surface either through precipitation (rain, snow, clouds, and fog) or as a result of complex atmospheric processes such as settling, impaction, and adsorption, known as dry deposition. Deposition can include a wide variety of chemical species and anthropogenic pollutants, including inorganic elements and compounds (e.g., nitrogen, sulfur, basic cations, mercury, and other metals) and organic compounds (e.g., pesticides and herbicides).

Once deposited, pollutants can have a variety of effects on ecosystems. Chemicals in the atmosphere, both naturally occurring and human contributions, are dispersed and transported through atmospheric cycling and eventually deposited “downwind” of the source. Global transport of pollutants is becoming an increasingly important issue in parks and protected areas. Deposition is a known stressor at ROMO, and a potential concern at GLAC and GRSA. Climate dynamics (i.e., controlling atmospheric vectors) and surrounding land uses (which provide new sources) create the potential for deposition to emerge as an issue at other ROMN parks, as well.

Preliminary Monitoring Objectives

1. Determine the annual status and trend in chemical-ion deposition and concentrations in selected ROMN parks (LIBI, GLAC, ROMO). Conduct chemical analysis of samples including major ions, with emphasis on nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium (chemical analysis also provides information on free acidity [pH], conductance, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride).
2. Based on NADP/NTN models, extrapolate the annual status and trend in chemical-ion deposition and concentrations to ROMN parks not directly monitored by NADP/NTN (FLFO, GRKO, GRSA).

Potential Measures, Protocol Development and Status

The ROMN will not create a sample design for this protocol, because established methods direct the acquisition, processing, analysis, and reporting of data from the existing program and the established design.

Contacts

Mike Britten
Natural Resources Program Center
1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-267-2150
Mike_Britten@nps.gov

(ROMN Vital Sign Monitoring Plan, 2007, page 71,73)

 

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